Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of selecting compelling images to complement titles and enhance reader engagement on Medium, while also navigating the complexities of copyright laws and the ethical use of images.

Abstract

The article "Titles Matter But Images Are Everything" delves into the often-overlooked significance of images in digital storytelling, particularly on Medium. It acknowledges the abundance of advice on crafting effective titles but points out the scarcity of guidance on image selection and usage. The author stresses that while a catchy title can draw initial attention, a relevant and engaging image is crucial for reader retention and content sharing. The piece also addresses the legal and ethical considerations of image use, warning against the unintentional theft of professional photographers' work and highlighting the risks of copyright infringement. Free image sources like Unsplash, Pixabay, and Pexels are recommended, but the author cautions that specific searches may require more effort to ensure the image is not overused. The article serves as a guide to using images effectively and responsibly, suggesting that the right image can significantly impact a story's success.

Opinions

The author believes that the importance of images in articles is often underestimated compared to the attention given to crafting titles.
There is a concern that many writers are unaware of the legal implications of using copyrighted images without permission.
The article suggests that writers should go beyond using the first appealing image from a search, as it may be widely used and less impactful.
The author advocates for the ethical use of images, emphasizing that professional photographers' work should be respected and properly credited or paid for.
The piece encourages the use of free image sites but also warns of the limitations of these resources for specific image needs.
It is the author's opinion that an image should be relevant and compelling to resonate with the content and attract readers, rather than just being aesthetically pleasing.
The author implies that while titles are important, images play a pivotal role in the overall success of an article on Medium.

Titles Matter But Images Are Everything

Learn to navigate muddy waters and use compelling images

Countless articles and blog posts report on the importance of titles and headlines. There are myriad headline analyzers and SEO tips to help us create the most edgy, attention-grabbing titles. Hell, I’ve written a couple of pieces on titles myself. As a fiction writer, getting used to Medium headline writing proved difficult.

Each day, my feed fills with “Look at My Viral Article! No Idea how it happened, but Look!” stories, and unending writing tips from writers on all rungs of the success ladder. But, no matter how hard I look, I find scant content about how to utilize images.

Sure, many writers highlight the free image sites — Unsplash, Pixabay, Wikimedia Commons, etc. However, not many delve into the ramifications of using copyrighted images. And, many writers on this platform unwittingly steal from professional photographers.

I find the image waters murky at best. And, images are damned important. A title image is required for curat — er, further distribution, and the thumbnail in the Daily Feed draws people in. A boring image can leave readers seeking splashier, sexier waters.

And I certainly need help in discerning what images are usable and what images are off-limits. I’m sure many share my boat. I dove down the rabbit hole of research, and here’s what I’ve discovered.

How to Make Images Work for You

If I have a story titled “How Hope Springs Eternal in the Lives of This Refugee Family,” it will grab attention, and readers may flock. However, if the accompanying image is a field of flowers, the title could be missed entirely. If I add an image of a family, looking hopefully at the camera, the image will resonate better with readers. I’ve also ripped off Alexander Pope in the title, but I don’t think he’ll mind.

Beautiful, yet boring image. Photo by Richard Taylor on Unsplash

Use an image that you find interesting and compelling. A sunset is beautiful, but not attention-grabbing — your Aunt Lucy posts 300 shots of sunsets on Facebook, and you scroll on by. The image should pertain, in some fashion, to the message. For instance, an image of monkeys should probably accompany a humor piece on monkeys. But abstract photos are great if they’re attention-grabbing.

Monkey! Photo by Jamie Haughton on Unsplash

Do Use Free Image Sites. Don’t Copy an Image from a News Story

Medium has a great link via drafts to search Unsplash for photos. And, Unsplash holds a library of over 2 million pictures. However, Unsplash works best with one word searches. Specific searches prove more difficult.

If you type in “kid,” and use the first Unsplash shot you find appealing, chances are it’s already shown up in 700 Medium title images. Scroll through those pages! Pixabay or Pexels are great alternatives for free, compelling images.

Here’s where the waters muddy. If you want to capture a specific image — of a celebrity or an event — you may feel the urge to Google the keyword and grab a shot that pops up. Most of these photos, though, are licensed, and require a royalty fee for use in published work.

Wikimedia Creative Commons holds some celebrity and geographical images. And, Getty Images released a royalty-free database in 2014 that continues to grow. Be careful with Getty — many of their photos still come with a large fee.

If you copy an image from, say, The Washington Post, without paying royalties for said licensing fee, you can face hefty fines or even copyright infringement charges. It’s comparable to an Instagram user copying and pasting parts of your Medium story to their account without your permission. Unpaid editors often don’t have the time to ensure you’re using a free photo, so this responsibility falls on you.

I’ve seen countless published Medium stories where the author credits the source they pulled their images from, but said source doesn’t offer royalty-free image use. YouTube screenshots and public Facebook or Twitter photos are fair game though. Because YouTube is a free streaming service, snapping a screenshot and then using it is fine. Similarly, a public Facebook or Twitter photo can work in your story. Make sure you caption and credit the source of your photo, too. All captions should provide a hyperlink to the source.

If you’re using an image from your own collection, a caption is still necessary. For photos of historical figures, you can search the public domain database. For all others, when you go to pull copy your images, check the “Image may be subject to copyright” link, and the licensing terms will pop up.

There are six types of Creative Commons public licensing available. Keeping a reference list on hand can help when discerning which images to use. The legal ramifications of utilizing images under royalty can also be found here.

Tying it All Together

A comprehensive guide to utilizing images in Medium stories would prove beneficial for every writer on the platform. But after a full day of research, I can share the basic knowledge above. Ultimately, a quality, authentic, pertinent content package will be opened by someone, but the wrapping matters a great deal. Finalize your draft, run the clunky title through an analyzing app or writer peers, and find an image to tie it all together.