10 Best Free Stock Image Sites for Shopify eCommerce (2025)

In the competitive world of eCommerce, compelling visuals are essential for attracting customers and driving sales. But where can you find high-quality, free stock images that won't strain your budget? This guide reveals the 10 best websites offering royalty-free photos, perfect for enhancing your product listings, website, and social media presence. 

Why Stock Images Are Crucial for eCommerce Businesses

High-quality stock images are vital for Shopify eCommerce success. They establish a professional image, boost customer engagement on platforms like Facebook and Instagram, and create an emotional connection with your audience. Using the right visuals can present your business as polished and trustworthy, even on a tight budget. Explore our guide to discover the best sources for free eCommerce visuals.

• Establish a professional brand image: Use high-quality images on your homepage and product pages.
• Boost customer engagement: Utilize lifestyle images in Facebook and Instagram ads.
• Build an emotional connection: Create visuals that resonate with your target audience.
• Project a polished, budget-friendly image: Enhance your brand without expensive photography.

Understanding Royalty-Free and Rights-Managed Stock Images

Stock images are professionally taken photos, illustrations, and graphics for public or commercial use. Businesses can use these pre-made assets to enhance their websites, marketing materials, or product listings despite the need for custom visuals. Stock images come in two basic forms:

• Royalty-Free: Pay once (or nothing) and use the image multiple times.
• Rights-Managed: Usage is limited based on specific terms.

Although we recommend commissioning photographers or using high-quality paid stock images, there are plenty of equally captivating free alternatives for those on a budget. Free stock images are a game-changer for eCommerce businesses. Many business owners also prefer free stock images that require no attribution. Platforms like Unsplash, Pexels, and Pixabay offer a vast library of royalty-free photos that you can use for commercial purposes without needing to credit the photographer. This allows for a cleaner, more streamlined website and marketing design.

Here's a handpicked list of platforms offering high-quality, royalty-free images for your eCommerce business:

10 Best Websites for Free Stock Images for eCommerce

1. Burst by Shopify

• Created with eCommerce businesses in mind, Burst supplies many curated images optimized to boost your storefront. The platform directly supports product categories like clothing, tech, and beauty.
• Best For: Small-to-medium-sized eCommerce stores
• Licensing: Free for commercial use; no attribution needed
• Search functionality: category and keyword search.
• File sizes: various sizes are offered.
• Visit Burst

2. Unsplash

• Unsplash boasts an impressive collection of high-resolution, free-to-use images powered by a global community of creators. The photos feel natural and authentic, perfect for lifestyle-oriented eCommerce stores.
• Best For: Lifestyle, fashion, and blog-related images
• Licensing: Completely free for commercial and non-commercial use (No attribution required)
• Search functionality: strong keyword search.
• File sizes: various sizes are offered.
• Check out Unsplash

3. Pexels

• Known for intuitive categories and modern visuals, Pexels offers photos and videos for your projects. You'll find tons of eCommerce-usable options, from stylish flat-lays to trendy minimal aesthetics.
• Best For: Marketing ads and sleek website visuals
• Licensing: Free for commercial use and modification (no attribution needed)
• Search functionality: category and keyword filtering.
• File sizes: various sizes are offered.
• Explore Pexels

4. Pixabay

• Pixabay leads with quantity, featuring over 2 million free images, illustrations, and even videos. Their rich collection covers everything from professional product photos to artistic abstract shots.
• Best For: Product-focused stores and niche imagery
• Licensing: Free for commercial use; attribution is optional.
• Search functionality: robust search and filtering.
• File sizes: various sizes are offered.
• Browse Pixabay

5. Shutterstock's Free Image Library

• Shutterstock isn’t usually free, but its special “Free Image Library” has high-quality visuals that rotate monthly and are available at no cost.
• Best For: Eye-catching, premium visuals
• Licensing: Free under specific terms
• Search functionality: Standard search.
• File sizes: Varies.
• Explore Shutterstock Free

6. StockSnap

• StockSnap is a growing platform that prioritizes authentic, modern design. Every carefully curated image is designed to add vibrancy and originality to your eCommerce store.
• Best For: Fashion, food, and lifestyle categories
• Licensing: Free for commercial use; no attribution required
• Search functionality: keyword-based search.
• File sizes: various sizes are offered.
• Check out StockSnap

7. Reshot

• Reshot leans into raw, unique imagery specifically created to avoid that “overdone stock image” look. Their collection is geared toward usability without sacrificing creativity.
• Best For: Brands looking for non-generic visuals
• Licensing: Free for commercial and non-commercial use (No attribution required)
• Search functionality: keyword search.
• File sizes: various sizes are offered.
• Visit Reshot

8. Kaboompics

• Kaboompics is beloved for offering trendy, cohesive photo sets—perfect for creating a unified look for your online store and marketing campaigns.
• Best For: Homeware, beauty products, and lifestyle stores
• Licensing: Free, but attribution is appreciated (not mandatory)
• Search functionality: keyword and colour-based search.
• File sizes: various sizes are offered.
• Explore Kaboompics

9. FoodiesFeed

• If you’re running a food-related store or blog, FoodiesFeed specializes exclusively in mouth-watering food photography. The images here can bring your product listings, recipes, or meal plans to life.
• Best For: Food & beverage eCommerce stores
• Licensing: Free for commercial use; no attribution needed
• Search functionality: keyword-based search.
• File sizes: various sizes are offered.
• Dive into FoodiesFeed

10. Freepik

• Freepik offers a mix of free photos, vectors, and illustrations. While it’s technically a freemium platform, its free content is rich and diverse enough to source quality visuals.
• Best For: Stores requiring graphic templates or mockups
• Licensing: Requires attribution for free versions
• Search functionality: keyword and category-based search.
• File sizes: various sizes are offered.
• Visit Freepik

Understanding Stock Image Usage Rights

Understanding the usage rights is crucial before downloading and plastering stock photos all over your eCommerce site. Misusing images can lead to copyright infringements and potential legal trouble.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Commercial Use: Most free stock photo websites mentioned above allow images to be used for commercial purposes—this means you can use them for your store or advertisements.
2. Attribution: While many platforms list images under a Creative Commons license, make sure you check whether the creators require attribution. Unsplash, Pexels, and Pixabay allow you to skip attribution altogether, which is ideal for keeping your site clean.
3. Modification: Some sites allow you to edit photos (e.g., cropping, adding text overlays), while others have stricter “no-derivatives” policies. Platforms like Reshot and Kaboompics permit modification, offering maximum creative freedom.
4. Exclusivity: Remember that other businesses, including competitors, may already use free stock images. To stand out, consider modifying or pairing stock visuals with your unique branding (like adding your logo or customizing colors).

Frequently Asked Questions About Stock Image Usage Rights

• Can I use free stock images on my social media
  Generally, yes. Most free stock image sites allow commercial use, which includes social media. However, always double-check the specific license for each image.
• What if I modify a stock image?
  Some licenses allow modification, while others don't. If you plan to edit an image, ensure the permit allows derivatives or changes.
• Do I need to give credit to the photographer?
  It depends on the license. Some require attribution, while others don't. Always check the license terms.
• Can I use free stock images for print materials (e.g., brochures)?
  Most free stock image licenses allow for both digital and print use. However, it's always best to confirm the specific license terms.

Take Your eCommerce Visuals to the Next Level.

With these free resources, you can enhance your eCommerce store's visuals and drive sales. Remember, high-quality images build trust and stimulate sales.

• Ready to elevate your product photography? 
• Need help editing your stock images? 
• Build a strong eCommerce brand with us.