Using stock photos for Instagram can enhance your feed when you post them the right way. Find out how to use these assets.
Social media is continuously transforming how we connect, communicate, and even conduct business. Instagram is at the center of it all when it comes to visual media. Each image on this platform can tell a story, present an idea, or sell a product. Powerful imagery, including using stock photos for Instagram, can enhance your page when you post them the right way.
In this first installment of our ongoing content series, we’ll be exploring the world of Instagram and the role of stock photos in scaling brands. Plus, we’ll share guidelines to show you how to integrate stock photography into your feed and boost your Instagram presence.
Understanding the Power of Stock Photos for Instagram
Making your content stand out in the sea of posts on a user’s feed is no easy feat. High-quality, captivating images are necessary to grab users’ attention and encourage them to interact through likes, comments, or shares.
That said, it can be tough to keep up with a consistent and original content schedule. This is where stock photos for Instagram come into play.
They offer a cost-effective, efficient way to create engaging Instagram posts and stories more quickly. This way, you maintain your content schedule without overextending your resources.
Whether you need a serene mountain landscape for your mindfulness community or a modern office setup for your business page, there’s a social media stock photo for that.
If you don’t have the time or budget to plan and execute your own photoshoots, you can tap into an expansive library of professional images, ready for you to use.
Can You Use Stock Photos on Instagram?
There’s an element of worry that often comes with using third-party content, especially on a platform like Instagram.
If you’re wondering: Can I post stock photos on Instagram and make them part of my content strategy? The answer is YES.
License these images via Edy waluyo nugroho, SEALANDSKYPHOTO, and G.Tbov.
However, understanding Instagram’s terms of service for third-party content is crucial to avoid copyright issues. Instagram allows the use of third-party content when you have the appropriate rights.
After paying for a stock image, you’ll typically get a license, which grants you the rights to use the image in specific ways. That can include using the image on social media platforms like Instagram, and other mediums like in marketing materials or on website pages.
Be sure to understand the terms and limitations of the images you license before you post them. If so, make this post your next read:
5 Best Practices for Using Stock Photos on Instagram
Knowing you can post stock photos on Instagram is just the beginning. Understanding how to use them effectively to enhance your Instagram presence is an important piece of the puzzle.
Here’s what you need to know about using stock images on Instagram:
1. Know Your Numbers
All Instagram photos can’t be fit into a box (literally). When choosing photos for this social media platform, always select high-resolution photos and consider how they will look with different crops.
Each type of Instagram post has its own unique aspect ratio. Typically 1:1 for feed posts and 9:16 for reels. If you choose something that cuts off a head in your post or looks distorted as a reel, that could be a major “dislike” from your audience.
License these images via Nomad_Soul and Vira Simon’s Studio.
2. Think Viral
Instagram is a highly visual platform, and users typically scroll through their feeds quickly. The same can be said for trending topics—they move pretty fast.
To stay up on the trends, keep an eye on what’s bubbling up visually by following brands you admire, competitors, influencers, etc. You can also look in the explore tab (you can always find trending topics underneath the search bar).
Then, find creative ways to incorporate them—fast!
Left column: License these images via Ekaterina Jurkova, DAndreev, Shcherban Oleksandr, Connie Guanziroli, Victoria Chudinova, AlesiaKan, Aygul Bulte, Catherine Zibo, and Victoria Chudinova. Right column: License these images via R-DESIGN and de_zla.
3. Turn Up the Volume
Sound on! Adding music can add extra impact when you’re creating reels and stories. But when choosing which song to add, selection is key. Match the mood of the image by considering how aspects like genre, style, and tempo can shift the way people perceive what they see.
Dropping a fresh, fruity drink for summer? Pair it with high-energy pop music. Promoting a new teal nail polish? Why not sync it with the literal blues.
Take this extra step and you’ll have a better chance of capturing your audience’s attention and conveying your message without any words.
4. Know Your Brand
Imagine you’re a bedding company. You wouldn’t want to show stock photos of sheets that aren’t your brand’s designs. But, you could show a cozy, slumbering lamb to evoke the emotion of a good night’s sleep. As we all know, cute animal photos can be Instagram kryptonite.
Other types of photos that tend to perform well are:
License these images via Suzana Cvetanovic, Zamurovic Brothers, Zamurovic Brothers, Zamurovic Brothers, UfaBizPhoto, Jane Vershinin, Hanna Haradzetska, AnEduard, and nerudol.
Aim for images that offer a fresh perspective or a compelling take on a familiar subject. And, always ensure that the content of the stock image aligns with what your brand stands for.
If you run an outdoor gear company, you could show breathtaking landscapes, starry skies, and adventurous trails to ignite a sense of wanderlust.
5. Use Your Words
Instagram captions aren’t your only opportunity to make a statement. Photo editing tools are your chance to personalize your stock images. You could add your logo to posts so when they’re shared, they’ll always have a piece of you.
Instagram quote posts are a great way to get attention. Why not add your brand’s favorite motto over a stock photo to make it really unique?
Even if an image starts out a bit more generic, the way you present it doesn’t have to be. Take this opportunity to reinforce your tone of voice and infuse it into your Instagram presence.
How to Enhance Engagement with Stock Photos
Once you have your images ready, you have to find ways to make the most of them. Here’s how to use stock photos on Instagram and take your presence to the next level.
Tell a Story
Use your stock photo to set the scene for a narrative. The caption and hashtags can build on this, inviting your audience to share their thoughts or experiences related to the post’s theme.
Add Creative Elements
Enhance your stock photos with eye-catching fonts, filters, or branded elements. This can make your post more visually appealing and increase its shareability.
Leverage Trends
Incorporate trending topics, challenges, or memes into your content along with relevant stock photos. This can help you relate to your audience and start conversations.
Start a Series
Use similarly themed stock photos to create a series of posts. This creates anticipation and encourages followers to return to your profile.
Include a Call-to-Action
Use your captions to entice your followers to interact with your posts. This can be as simple as asking them to “like” if they agree, answer a question, or tag a friend in the comments.
Find Out What Stock Images Can Do for Your Instagram Feed
Stock photos offer an accessible and effective solution to enhance your Instagram presence. We’ve covered their use, the importance of understanding licensing terms, and strategies to increase engagement. Start experimenting today to see the results you can get on your profile.
Like this post? Stay tuned for our next piece on using stock photos in memes. We’ll help you take the stress out of keeping up with some of the latest trends and show you how stock images can speed up the process.
Before you go! Want all-in-one access to our massive library, plus the flexibility you need to select the perfect mix of assets every time. Try Shutterstock Flex! Our flexible licensing plan:
License these cover images via Cast Of Thousands, Suzana Cvetanovic, Zamurovic Brothers, AnEduard, nerudol, Zamurovic Brothers, and Hanna Haradzetska.
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