Where to find visuals that feel aligned
These platforms are goldmines of free creative assets – from moody images to sleek icons – that can elevate your brand, content, or next big idea. Here’s what each one offers, what makes it special, and when to use it.
Unsplash
What it is:
A treasure trove of beautiful, high-res photography – all free to use, no strings attached. Think moody editorials, clean visuals, and that effortlessly cool aesthetic.
Why it’s great:
– Massive library of quality images
– Free for personal and commercial use, no credit needed
– Easy to search and scroll without getting lost in fluff
What it’s great for:
When you need something that looks good without looking like stock. Perfect for websites, presentations, passion projects, moodboards, blog headers, or just bringing more beauty into your work.
Compared to others:
More editorial and artsy than Pexels or Pixabay – ideal for storytelling, branding, or crafting a vibe.
Website: unsplash.com
Pexels
What it is:
A versatile collection of free photos and videos that cover pretty much every topic under the sun. It’s generous, diverse, and surprisingly aesthetic.
Why it’s great:
– Includes both photo and video content
– Free to use, no attribution necessary
– Big community of creators = lots of fresh content
What it’s great for:
If you’re pulling together a campaign, building a course, making a reel, or need something quick for your next email – this has your back. Especially useful if you want video as well as stills.
Compared to others:
More variety than Unsplash – especially great if you need video too.
Website: pexels.com
Life of Pix
What it is:
A curated collection of soulful, high-quality photography. Less stocky, more artsy. Each image feels like it belongs in a slow living magazine.
Why it’s great:
– Artistic focus, not quantity for quantity’s sake
– Totally free to use – no usage headaches
– Celebrates contributors weekly, so it’s got heart
What it’s great for:
Ideal for when you want your visuals to feel intentional, a little poetic, and a whole lot less generic. Think lookbooks, heartfelt projects, storytelling moments, or adding warmth to your website.
Compared to others:
Smaller library, but more curated. If Unsplash is your stylish cousin, Life of Pix is the poet in the family.
Website: lifeofpix.com
KaboomPics
What it is:
A dreamy space full of free stock photos – especially strong in interiors, fashion, and lifestyle content.
Why it’s great:
– Stylish images with a designer’s eye
– Each photo includes a colour palette – yes, really
– Free to use with no attribution needed
What it’s great for:
Brilliant when you’re after style, consistency, and a bit of that Pinterest-pretty polish. Great for blog posts, mockups, digital planners, or making a brand look effortlessly cohesive.
Compared to others:
More niche – doesn’t try to be everything to everyone. If you love pretty things and polished visuals, this is your spot.
Website: kaboompics.com
Pixabay
What it is:
A massive, all-you-could-want buffet of free content – photos, videos, music, even vector graphics.
Why it’s great:
– Over 1.7 million media files
– Free to use across the board
– Includes music, illustrations, and more
What it’s great for:
If you need everything in one place – photos, videos, illustrations, even background music – this is it. Whether you’re building a course, a YouTube channel, or your own toolkit, it’s a solid all-rounder.
Compared to others:
Broader than Unsplash and Pexels. It’s the generalist of the group, with a few hidden gems tucked inside.
Website: pixabay.com
Coverr
What it is:
A clean, fuss-free platform for grabbing high-quality video footage – for free, and fast.
Why it’s great:
– Beautiful HD and 4K videos
– No login required, no credit needed
– Simple interface – find what you need and go
What it’s great for:
When you need moving visuals to bring your ideas to life – without hunting or paying. Whether it’s a website header, promo reel, or calming background footage, this makes it easy.
Compared to others:
Like Pexels, but only for video – super focused, super useful.
Website: coverr.co
The Noun Project
What it is:
An ever-growing visual language made of icons – minimal, smart, and ridiculously useful for design and presentations.
Why it’s great:
– Millions of icons across every category you can think of
– Plugins for design tools like Illustrator and Figma
– Built by a global community
What it’s great for:
Perfect for when you want to simplify, clarify, or visually say something with one smart icon. Great for pitches, workbooks, slide decks, infographics, or even creating your own printed cards.
Compared to others:
Not a photo site – this is all about icons. A niche gem for people who love thoughtful visuals.
Website: thenounproject.com