This Is Where You Can Get Free Images for Your Medium Blog That Draw Your Readers in (With Video)
It’s the snap of a visual that might be the difference between a scroll and a pause.
When I shared my stories about a formula for high-quality content, I got this comment:
“I had to click this post. Why does she wear a watermelon helmet? You should add “incredible images” to the formula for high quality content!”
This is the featured image of the post this reader is talking about:
I love Medium’s clean and minimalistic style.
However, I think the featured image can really make a difference.
Images are super important on Medium
Especially if you keep in mind that every day hundreds of thousands of stories are flooding Medium, it’s important to find a way to stand out.
In fact, visuals can be the silent ambassadors for your stories!
It’s the snap of a visual that might be the difference between a scroll and a pause.
Consider this — pairing words with the right image amplifies views by a striking 94%.
But it’s not just about numbers. For me it’s the art of connection, the alchemy of emotion and attention.
So I spend an awful lot of time searching for the right image.
“This is worth your time.”
With my featured images I want to stand out from the crowd and whisper in the ears of my reader:
“Trust me. This is worth your time.”
Now, you ask, where do we find these visual allies?
From my over 1,700 published posts on Medium, here are 8 incredible free stock photo sites that help you stand out from the crowd:
1 — Unsplash
Not just photos, but stories captured in time. The sheer range and quality feel almost unreal for a free platform.
2 — Pikwizard
A hidden gem, where you find not just images, but also videos. It’s the cinematic touch your content might be yearning for.
3 — Pixabay
Diversity is its middle name. From illustrations to vectors to videos, it’s a digital buffet.
4 — Reshot
Handpicked, non-stocky images. The charm lies in its uniqueness and candid feel.
5 — Morguefile
Don’t get misled by the name. It’s a classic archive, packed with free-to-use photos, often raw and unedited, waiting for your touch.
6 — Dreamstime
A dream for both photographers and content creators. With a section dedicated to free images, it’s quality meets generosity.
7 — Rawpixel
Breaking the mold with its edgy and contemporary collections. If you’re looking for something ‘different’, here’s where you start.
7 — Pexels
Quality and quantity find a beautiful balance here. From photos to videos, it’s a comprehensive visual toolkit.
8 — Gratisography
Quirky, offbeat, and unapologetically different. If eccentric is your vibe, dive in.
Want more awesome tips from a Medium Top Writer? Watch my latest video for more!
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Table of Contents
- 00:23 Medium Hack 1 — New feature: Resize images
- 01:22 Medium Hack 2 — Write for goldfish to get read
- 02:25 Medium Hack 3 — Awesome free stock photo sites to get more views
- 03:16 Medium Hack 4 — Medium publications that can nominate your stories for a turbo Boost
- 04:15 Medium Hack 5 — Insert an image directly from Unsplash to save time
- 05:10 Medium Hack 6 — Tweet a story/quote directly from Medium to promote your content
- 06:05 Medium Hack 7 — More resources to level up your online writing game on Medium