Can I Use Pictures From Pinterest on My Website?

If you run a blog, business website, or online portfolio, it’s natural to ask: can I use pictures from Pinterest on my website? Pinterest is full of beautiful images, infographics, and visuals that look perfect for web content. However, using them incorrectly can expose you to copyright claims, legal trouble, and even site takedowns.

This guide is written to be the most complete, clear, and practical answer on the internet. You’ll learn exactly what’s allowed, what’s not, and how to use images safely, step by step.

Short Answer — Can I Use Pictures From Pinterest on My Website?

Short answer: No, not by default.
You generally cannot use pictures from Pinterest on your website unless you have explicit permission from the image owner or the image is released under a license that allows website use.

Pinterest is not an image licensing platform. Most images on Pinterest are copyrighted and owned by photographers, brands, bloggers, or stock photo companies. Simply finding an image on Pinterest, even if it’s publicly visible, does not give you the legal right to use it on your website.

What Pinterest Is (and What It Is Not)

Pinterest Is Not a Free Image Library

Pinterest is a visual discovery and bookmarking platform, not a free stock photo website. Its purpose is to help users find and save content, not to redistribute ownership rights.

A common mistake is assuming that because an image is easy to download, it’s free to use. In reality:

• Pinterest hosts previews
• It does not transfer image ownership
• It does not grant reuse rights for websites

Who Actually Owns Images on Pinterest

Images on Pinterest are owned by:

• Original content creators
• Professional photographers
• Brands and businesses
• Stock photo platforms (e.g., Shutterstock, Getty)

Pinterest users usually pin content they rarely own it.

Can I Use Pictures From Pinterest on My Website Without Permission?

No. Public visibility does not equal public permission.

Common misconceptions include:

• “It’s already online, so it’s free”
• “I’ll just give credit”
• “Everyone does it”

None of these protect you legally. Copyright law applies the moment an image is created—even without registration.

Pinterest Terms of Service Explained Simply

Pinterest allows users to:

• Save (pin) images
• Share images within Pinterest
• Embed pins using official embed tools

Pinterest does not allow:

• Downloading images for external commercial use
• Republishing images on websites without permission
• Using images as your own content

When You CAN Use Pinterest Images on Your Website

Images With Explicit Permission

You may use Pinterest images if:

• The creator gives written permission
• You have a license agreement
• Usage terms are clearly defined (commercial/non-commercial)

Always keep proof.

Images With Proper Creative Commons Licenses

Some images are licensed under Creative Commons (CC).
Allowed licenses for websites typically include:

• CC BY
• CC BY-SA

Licenses like CC BY-NC (non-commercial) do not apply to business websites.

Using Images You Originally Uploaded

If you created and uploaded the image yourself, you can reuse it freely on your website.

When You CANNOT Use Pinterest Images on Your Website

You should not use Pinterest images on:

• Commercial websites without a license
• Blogs with ads or affiliate links
• Business, service, or portfolio websites
• E-commerce or lead-generation pages

In practice, this means most websites cannot legally reuse Pinterest images.

How to Use Pinterest Images Safely

Step 1: Identify the Original Source

• Click through the pin to the source site
• Use Google Reverse Image Search
• Avoid using images with no clear owner

Step 2: Check the Image License

Look for:

• Creative Commons details
• Stock photo licenses
• Terms of use pages

If no license is stated, assume copyrighted.

Step 3: Request Permission From the Owner

When contacting creators:

• Explain where you’ll use the image
• Ask about commercial use
• Request written confirmation

Email or DM works, but keep records.

Step 4: Give Proper Attribution (If Allowed)

Attribution usually includes:

• Creator’s name
• Source link
• License type

Place it near the image or in a credits section.

Step 5: Keep Proof of Permission

Store:

• Email confirmations
• License screenshots
• Download receipts

This protects you if claims arise later.

Pinterest Images vs Safe Alternatives

Image Source	Free to Use	Commercial Use	Attribution Needed	Risk Level
Pinterest Images	❌	❌	Sometimes	High
Stock Photo Sites	✅	✅	Sometimes	Low
Creative Commons	⚠️	⚠️	Yes	Medium
Original Photos	✅	✅	No	None
AI-Generated Images	✅	✅	No	Very Low

Better Alternatives to Using Pinterest Images

Free Stock Image Websites

Safe and widely used:

• Unsplash

• Pexels

• Pixabay

These allow commercial website use without legal risk.

Paid Stock Image Platforms

Professional-grade images:

• Shutterstock
• Adobe Stock
• iStock

Paid licenses provide strong legal protection.

Creating Your Own Images

Best long-term solution:

• Canva designs
• AI image generators
• Custom photography

You retain full ownership and control.

What Happens If You Use Pinterest Images Without Permission

Copyright Claims and DMCA Takedowns

You may receive:

• Hosting provider warnings
• Google DMCA notices
• Forced content removal

Repeated claims can harm SEO.

Legal and Financial Risks

Potential consequences include:

• Copyright fines
• Legal action
• Settlement demands
• Damage to brand trust

Even small websites are not immune.

FAQs About Using Pinterest Images on Websites

Can I use pictures from Pinterest on my website if I give credit?

No. Credit does not replace legal permission.

Can I use Pinterest images for my blog?

Only if you have permission or a valid license.

Can I use Pinterest images for commercial purposes?

Almost never without explicit licensing.

Are Pinterest images copyrighted automatically?

Yes. Copyright applies by default.

Can I embed Pinterest images instead of downloading them?

Yes. Embedding via Pinterest’s official tools is usually allowed.

Can I use Pinterest images on WordPress websites?

WordPress does not change copyright rules.

How do I know if an image is free to use?

Check the license or source website carefully.

What is the safest way to get images for my website?

Use stock image platforms or create your own images.

Final Verdict — Should You Use Pinterest Images on Your Website?

In most cases, no. If you’re asking “can I use pictures from Pinterest on my website?”, the safest answer is to avoid doing so unless you have clear permission. Pinterest is excellent for inspiration, but for publishing, rely on licensed stock photos, original visuals, or AI-generated images. This approach protects your website, your brand, and your long-term SEO success.