Unsplash+ Premium Photos for Your Website
TL;DR:
- Unsplash+ gives you exclusive images that aren't in the free library
- You get better usage rights for commercial projects
- Works easily with WordPress and Squarespace through plugins
- Worth it depends on your project needs and budget
Unsplash+ is a subscription service that gives web designers access to premium photos you won't find in the regular free Unsplash library. If you're tired of seeing the same stock photos on every website, this might be worth a look.
What You Get with Unsplash+
The main draw is exclusive content. These are professional photos that only paying subscribers can download, so your client's website won't have the same hero image as three other sites in their industry.
You also get enhanced usage rights. The free Unsplash license is pretty generous, but Unsplash+ gives you extra flexibility for commercial work. This matters when you're working on bigger projects or need specific permissions for client work.
Integration is straightforward. There are plugins for WordPress and Squarespace that let you browse and insert Unsplash+ images directly from your editor. No need to download, resize, and upload manually.
Is It Worth the Money?
This depends entirely on your situation. If you're building sites for clients who want something unique, the subscription pays for itself quickly. The time you save not hunting through free stock sites can be worth more than the monthly fee.
On the flip side, if you're working on personal projects or have a tight budget, the free Unsplash library has thousands of decent options. You might not need to pay for premium access.
Some designers use it selectively. They'll subscribe for a month when working on a big project, download what they need, then cancel until next time.
Getting Started
If you're using Squarespace 7.1, the Unsplash integration is built into the image picker. Just connect your Unsplash+ account and you'll see premium options alongside free ones. For WordPress, install the official Unsplash plugin from the repository.
Always double-check the licensing terms before using images in commercial work, even with Unsplash+. The terms are clear, but it's good practice to know exactly what you can and can't do.
FAQs
Is Unsplash+ worth it for all web designers?
Not necessarily. It depends on your client base and project types. If you need unique images regularly, yes. If you're happy with free options, stick with those.
How easy is it to use Unsplash+ with website builders?
Very easy. Both WordPress and Squarespace have official plugins that let you browse and insert images directly from the editor.
What should I check before using images commercially?
Read the Unsplash+ license agreement. It's more permissive than the free version, but you still need to understand what's allowed.
Jargon Buster
Unsplash+ – The premium subscription version of Unsplash with exclusive photos and better licensing
Usage Rights – What you're allowed to do with an image (resize, edit, use commercially, etc.)
Licensing – The legal terms that govern how you can use downloaded images
Wrap-up
Unsplash+ works well if you need unique images and can justify the cost. Try the free version first to see if their style fits your projects. If you find yourself using Unsplash regularly and wanting more options, the premium subscription might make sense.
The key is matching the tool to your actual needs, not just buying because it sounds professional.
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