Getty Images Launches Embed Allowing Free Use of its World Famous Imagery

Earlier today, Getty Images, the company known for its world famous News, Sport, Entertainment and Creative photography dropped a bomb on the industry by releasing a new feature on its website GettyImages.com which allows you to legally embed its imagery online for free.

Although not all of Getty’s photos are available yet via the free embed service, tens of millions of its photos, including thousands of images it just captured from the Sochi Winter Olympic Games are available now.

This is really a historic moment for many of us in the blogosphere who historically have never had access to quality digital imagery. Primarily this has been due to cost vs. availability which now, won’t be a problem for many moving forward.

Other sites like YouTube have been using iFrame Ebeds for years so Getty Wisely didn’t try to re-invent the wheel with its implementation. To grab the embed code, simple click the small embed icon under an image and an popup will appear that contains the iframe embed code.

You can also access the embed icon by hovering over previews

According to its updated terms of service, embedded images may be used on any website, blog or social media platform. That being said, at least as of today, embedded images use is restricted to non-commercial, editorial use only.

Embedded Viewer

Where enabled, you may embed Getty Images Content on a website, blog or social media platform using the embedded viewer (the “Embedded Viewer”). Not all Getty Images Content will be available for embedded use, and availability may change without notice. Getty Images reserves the right in its sole discretion to remove Getty Images Content from the Embedded Viewer. Upon request, you agree to take prompt action to stop using the Embedded Viewer and/or Getty Images Content. You may only use embedded Getty Images Content for editorial purposes (meaning relating to events that are newsworthy or of public interest). Embedded Getty Images Content may not be used: (a) for any commercial purpose (for example, in advertising, promotions or merchandising) or to suggest endorsement or sponsorship; (b) in violation of any stated restriction; (c) in a defamatory, pornographic or otherwise unlawful manner; or (d) outside of the context of the Embedded Viewer.

Getty Images (or third parties acting on its behalf) may collect data related to use of the Embedded Viewer and embedded Getty Images Content, and reserves the right to place advertisements in the Embedded Viewer or otherwise monetize its use without any compensation to you.

Now, back to the Olympic Winter Games and my favorite shot!