When looking for images to use on your website/blog posts, the first place you may go to is Google Images. Sometimes, it can feel impossible to find the right image and it’s often difficult to know how to use them responsibly.
Google have addressed this issue and released new features that allow users to easily and effectively use images more responsibly.
What changes has this Google Update made?
Licensable images will now have a ‘Licensable’ badge appear over them in Google’s search results. This will make it a lot easier for photo buyers to effectively locate licensable images.
After clicking on the image, the user will be presented with a link to the license details and information regarding the credit, copyright and creator. It is also an option for the owner of the image to add a secondary link that takes the user to an external website where they can purchase or license the image.
How do I locate Licensable Images?
Licensable images can be located in three easy steps:
- Search for your required image on Google Images.
- Select ‘Tools’ which is located just under the search bar.
- Select ‘Usage Rights’ and choose the option you require.
What are the benefits of this Google Update?
Photographers and publishers will benefit the most from this update. The chance of their images being misused will be greatly reduced. Users will now find it much easier to give credit correctly, get consent to use the image and even give compensation if needed.
How do I implement this on my images?
In order to tell Google which images are licensable, you will need to add structured data or IPTC photo metadata to each licensable image on your website.
Google have created detailed instructions which you can follow here. Alternatively, you can get in touch with the marketing people on 01543 387 047 and we would be happy to implement it for you.