If your article includes any third-party images, we must receive valid proof that you have the legal right to use and publish them. This protects you, our publishing partners, and helps us maintain compliance across all platforms.
Below is a complete guide outlining the types of image license documentation we accept, and what will be rejected. Please review carefully before uploading.
✅ What We Accept as Valid Proof
1. License Certificate from a Stock Photo Website
If you’ve licensed an image from a platform like Getty Images, Shutterstock, iStock, Adobe Stock, or Depositphotos, you must upload the official license or invoice.
The document must include:
Your name or your company’s name as the license holder
The file name or image ID
Confirmation that the license is active and paid
Rights granted must specifically include editorial use or third-party publication rights
🟢 Best format: A PDF license download or a clear screenshot of the license page showing all required details.
2. Purchase Receipt from a Photographer
If the image was created or captured by a professional photographer, and you paid for it directly, you must upload a receipt or invoice from the photographer.
It must include:
Photographer’s full name or business name
Your name or business as the purchaser
A short description confirming the image rights (e.g., “license includes third-party editorial publication”)
Date of purchase and confirmation of payment
🟢 Even better: Include any signed contract or licensing agreement from the photographer.
3. Signed License Agreement or Image Release
If you hired a designer or photographer to create a custom image for your brand or article, you’ll need to upload a signed document that grants you publishing rights.
What the agreement must include:
Full name and signature of the copyright holder
Clear grant of rights to use, distribute, and publish the image
Language that confirms approval for use on third-party media sites or in editorial contexts
🟢 PDF format with signature is ideal. You can upload a scanned version or a digitally signed agreement.
4. Screenshot of Image License (From Stock Site)
If you’re unable to provide the full license PDF, you may temporarily upload a screenshot of the stock photo license page.
It must clearly show:
You logged into your licensed stock account
Your name or company name
Image license details, including usage rights and file preview or ID
🟡 This is acceptable as a temporary measure. We may still request the original PDF license for final approval.
🚫 What We Do Not Accept as Proof
The following are not valid forms of image license documentation and will result in the image being rejected or replaced:
A Dropbox, Google Drive, or email link with the image only (no license or metadata)
A Canva design using stock images — unless a Canva Pro license and usage confirmation are shown
Claims like “I found it on Unsplash” or “It’s royalty-free” without documentation
Screenshots taken from websites, blogs, or social media without express permission
💡 Helpful Tip
If you’re ever unsure about whether your proof qualifies, reach out to our support team before submitting your article. Uploading the right documentation the first time helps speed up your publishing process and keeps everything compliant.