Summary

This webpage provides a comprehensive guide on how to properly use and attribute images in published stories, emphasizing the importance of copyright compliance and the use of captions.

Abstract

The article serves as a resource for individuals looking to enhance their written content with images while navigating the complexities of copyright laws. It outlines the necessity of accurate attribution to avoid legal issues and provides practical advice on adding captions to images on Medium. The guide recommends using free image sources like Unsplash, Pixabay, and Pexels, and explains how to correctly attribute images with photographer credits, titles, and direct links. It also addresses the use of self-created images, including those generated by AI, and the appropriate use of movie posters and book covers under 'fair use' provisions. The article stresses the importance of taking responsibility for image copyright and suggests that thorough image captioning is crucial for a smooth editorial process.

Opinions

The author emphasizes the importance of not using copyrighted images without proper permission or attribution.
Using free image sources is encouraged to prevent issues with image rights and to avoid editorial notes and delays.
The article suggests that adding proper captions to images is a best practice and a sign of professionalism.
The author expresses a preference for images sourced from Unsplash due to its integration with Medium's writing platform.
There is a clear stance against the use of unattributed images found through random Google searches or those with watermarks, unless purchased and properly indicated.
The guide promotes the idea that

Images? Images! Everything you need to know when publishing your story

Guide for newbies and everyone lost in this topic. 🤯

Non-Medium members can read this article here!

Are you lost in the world of images ? Whether you are a newbie or simply seeking clarity, this DIY guide is just for you. So you have wrote an amazing story and now you are ready for the final touch — adding some color, some visualization. Let’s delve into everything you need to know. 🧐

I’m an editor in Short. Sweet. Valuable. and Long. Sweet. Valuable. and it would be a huge favor if you would read this before submitting your stories to those pubs!

⚠️ This article will help you answer questions, if not, you are free to ask in comments — I will update this story if needed.

Navigating Copyrights

The main and most important rule here is to stay clear of copyrighted content. You can’t just ‘google’ your image and add it in your story. Accurate attribution acts as your shield against potential legal entanglements.

Technical part of Image captions 📌

Let’s start with the first question — how to add image captions? You can find the Medium Help story here. Or watch my GIF.

Note: possibility to write captions under the photo enables only when you select the image.

So… How to do it right? 🤔

🔔 A proper photo attribution includes photo captions with:

Photographer’s Name / authors;
Image Title (if available);
Source (e.g. Unsplash);
An active link to the image directly.

If your story doesn't require specific image, and serves only as compound object, best way is to use free sources (like Pixabay, Pexels, Unsplash) and you won’t have any problems. This way you won’t get our notes with questions about your images.

⭐ Best practice is to use Unsplash, as Medium supports direct search from the writer were you write your story, and add captions automatically. That’s it. Easy!

If I took photo or created image by myself? 📸

Bravo! We are very happy to have authentic authors of stories and visualizations. Just add some credit for yourself and we don’t have any more questions.

You can do like this, for example:

✅ Photo taken by the author.
✅ Image generated with AI by the author using *Leonardo.ai/Midjourney/DALL·E (or other AI image generator). In SSV and LSV publications we are against AI generated stories, but images generated with AI are OK with us, just add proper caption.
✅ Image created by the author using Canva.

Copyright Concerns 😱

! You can’t use any image if you don’t know if it’s copyrighted and you don’t own rights! ❌❌❌!

Random Google search photos is a huge NO unless you have a permission to use it. In this big NO categories also goes stock photos and photos with watermark on it (unless you bought them, but you have to indicate it for us).

Stick to public domain images and images with a Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license. IT IS YOUR WAY TO GO OUT OF POSSIBLE PROBLEMS.

MOVIE POSTERS, BOOK COVERS 📚

This type of images are considered under ‘fair use’ law, but exercise caution. One of the factor:

“Criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research are favored purposes under the first factor. If you use a cover or poster for one of these purposes, that weighs in favor of fair use. Nonprofit educational purposes also favors fair use”.

So it means you CAN use it if you write a review, or share your insights about a book or movie.

Utilize them responsibly, providing credits and sources. Screenshots of the movies are not acceptable.

I love this image, I don’t want to change 💡

Well it’s your right and your responsibility. If you choose to use an image without certainty of its copyright status add this to the caption:

⚠️ ‘Writer takes full responsibility for the copyright of this image.’

👉 Caption Every Image

An empty image caption is a missed opportunity. All images suppose to have captions.

If we don’t find anything written under your photo we will leave you a note with the question about where it is from. Even if you fix your story fast it is already in the back of the queue and we revisit it to check updates only after we finish submitting all new stories we have (and it’s a lot of stories). So in this case it can take a few days or weeks, so better to do well from the beginning.

We’re tightening our standards. Don’t overlook image attribution.

Remember, attention to the details matters! 🎯

xoxo, Justina