can i use pinterest pictures on my website?
Pinterest is full of beautiful visuals, and many website owners wonder whether they can use those images legally. If you are asking can I use Pinterest pictures on my website? this guide explains the legal realities, copyright restrictions, what Pinterest’s Terms of Service actually allow, and safe alternatives for bloggers and business owners.
Can You Legally Use Pinterest Pictures on Your Website?
The short answer is: usually no, unless you get permission or use the official embed feature. Pinterest is not the owner of the images uploaded to the platform. Each picture belongs to its original creator, and copyright law protects it—even if it appears publicly on Pinterest. Downloading and re-uploading Pinterest photos on your website without permission can lead to DMCA takedowns or even copyright claims.
Who Actually Owns Pinterest Images?
Pinterest does not own the content. Users upload images, and the original creator retains full copyright. Pinterest only hosts the content and provides a license for users to interact with it on the platform. This means the image is protected even if it has been shared thousands of times.
What Pinterest’s Terms of Service Really Allow You To Do
Pinterest allows you to save, pin, and share images within the platform. However, Pinterest does not give you the right to:
- download images and post them on your website
- use them commercially
- modify or republish them
- treat Pinterest content as copyright-free
In Pinterest’s own policy, creators grant Pinterest limited rights—but these rights do not extend to you as a website owner.
Why You Cannot Simply Download and Reupload Pinterest Photos
Many website owners assume downloading an image is harmless. Unfortunately, this is not the case—copyright law protects the image regardless of where it appears.
Copyright Ownership and DMCA Risks
If you upload a Pinterest image to your website without permission, the original creator can file a DMCA takedown or even request legal action. Google may remove your page from search results, and hosting providers may suspend your content.
Why Giving Credit Is Not Enough
Credit does not replace copyright permission. Even if you link back to Pinterest or mention the creator, you still need explicit permission to use the image.
Is Embedding Pinterest Images Legal?
Yes — embedding Pinterest content is generally allowed because you aren’t downloading or hosting the image. Instead, you are using Pinterest’s official tools to display the image exactly as Pinterest provides it.
How Pinterest Embed Works
Embedding displays the image on your website while keeping the original file and copyright intact on Pinterest’s servers. This avoids most copyright issues because the content is not being republished—only displayed via Pinterest’s public embed feature.
Terms, Benefits, and Limitations of Embedding
- Benefit: no copyright infringement because you aren’t hosting the image
- Benefit: Pinterest updates appear automatically
- Limitation: style controls are limited
- Limitation: if the creator deletes the pin, it disappears from your site
What You Can Do Instead (Legal Alternatives)
If you cannot use Pinterest images directly, you still have several safe options.
Requesting Permission from the Original Creator
Many creators happily allow usage if you ask. Look for the source website linked in the pin and request written permission.
Using Royalty-Free Stock Sources
- Pexels
- Unsplash
- Pixabay
These sites offer legal, royalty-free photos for personal or commercial use.
Finding Images With Creative Commons Licensing
Some creators upload their work under Creative Commons licenses. These allow various types of reuse, depending on the license type—but always verify permissions first.
Common Misconceptions About Using Pinterest Images
“If It's Public, It's Free” Myth
Public availability does not mean copyright-free. Every image is copyrighted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
“I Gave Credit, So I’m Safe” Myth
Giving credit does not remove copyright obligations or prevent DMCA reports.
“Pinterest Allows Commercial Use” Myth
Pinterest does not grant commercial rights to images. Creators retain ownership completely.
When You Might Get Copyright Issues (And How to Avoid Them)
Signs an Image Is Copyrighted
- A watermark or logo appears on the photo
- The image looks professional or highly stylized
- The pin links to a photography portfolio
Safest Practices for Using Visual Content Online
- Use embeds instead of downloads
- Choose royalty-free stock photos
- Get permission from creators
- Avoid commercial use of unknown images
Summary: When It’s Okay (and Not Okay) to Use Pinterest Photos
- OK: Using Pinterest’s official embed tool
- OK: Using royalty-free or Creative Commons alternatives
- NOT OK: Downloading and uploading Pinterest images
- NOT OK: Assuming public images are copyright-free
FAQs
1. Is it legal to use Pinterest pictures on my blog or website?
Not unless you have permission or use Pinterest’s official embed feature.
2. Can I use Pinterest images if I give credit to the original creator?
No. Credit alone is not enough to bypass copyright law.
3. Does embedding Pinterest pictures avoid copyright issues?
Generally yes—embedding is allowed because you aren’t hosting the image.
4. Does Pinterest allow commercial use of its images?
No. Pinterest does not grant commercial usage rights.
5. How do I know if a Pinterest image is copyrighted?
Assume every image is copyrighted unless clearly labeled otherwise.
