How to Earn Money Using Unsplash Images (10 Proven Methods)
Many people assume that since Unsplash offers royalty-free images, there’s no way to make money using them. But that’s not true. You can legally use Unsplash images in multiple smart, creative ways to generate income online — ethically and without violating any policies. In this post, we’ll cover 10 powerful earning methods using Unsplash images, with real-world examples and detailed steps.
1. Create a Niche Blog Using Unsplash Images
Blogging is still one of the most profitable online businesses. If you’re not a photographer, Unsplash gives you high-quality visuals to make your blog visually appealing. Start a blog in a niche like travel, fashion, or finance. Use Unsplash images to enhance every post, attract traffic, and apply for AdSense or Ezoic to monetize.
Example: Sarah Lopez, a blogger from Canada, built a travel blog using 100% Unsplash images and got accepted into AdSense within 3 months.
2. Design Print-on-Demand Products
Use Unsplash images to create T-shirts, mugs, phone cases, and posters on platforms like Redbubble, Teespring, or Printify. Modify or overlay text/quotes on these images to create original designs.
Example: John Miller started his POD store using Unsplash background images and generated $5,000+ in 6 months with viral quote posters.
3. Start a YouTube Channel with Visual Slideshows
Create relaxing, motivational, or educational slideshow videos using Unsplash photos and background music. Channels with nature, space, or city visuals often go viral. Use monetization options like YouTube ads and affiliate marketing.
Example: A channel named “Daily Calm” uses Unsplash and has over 2M subscribers and earns via YouTube monetization.
4. Create and Sell Digital Products
Use Unsplash images to build digital planners, aesthetic templates, wallpapers, or eBooks. Sell them on Etsy, Gumroad, or your website. Modify images to add unique value.
Example: Emily used Unsplash to design planners on Canva and sold them on Etsy, making $2,000/month passively.
5. Build Instagram Theme Pages
Start a niche Instagram account using beautiful Unsplash images. Consistency and aesthetics bring followers. Monetize through brand deals, affiliate links, and selling shoutouts.
Example: A page called @EarthViews built an audience of 100k followers with Unsplash images and now promotes affiliate travel gear.
6. Offer Web Design Mockups
Use Unsplash images as placeholders in website or app mockups and sell these templates on platforms like Envato or Creative Market. These images make your work look premium and professional.
Example: A Pakistani freelancer named Ali makes $1,500/month selling WordPress templates with Unsplash image previews.
7. Write Ebooks and Use Unsplash for Covers
If you’re creating digital books, use Unsplash for cover images or chapter illustrations. An attractive cover makes a huge difference in eBook sales. Use tools like Canva to design.
Example: Rina authored a photography tips eBook and used Unsplash cover — she now sells on Amazon KDP making $800+ monthly.
8. Build Pinterest Traffic with Unsplash
Pinterest loves beautiful vertical images. Repurpose Unsplash photos with text overlays using Canva and redirect them to your blog, eCommerce store, or YouTube. You can grow massive free traffic this way.
Example: Laura generated 25,000 monthly blog visits using Pinterest pins designed with Unsplash images.
9. Sell Edited Stock Photo Packs
Download Unsplash images, edit them (change tone, color, crop), and compile a theme pack like “Fall Aesthetic” or “Urban Mood.” Sell on Gumroad or your site as freebie lead magnets or paid packs.
Example: A marketer named Mia offered a free Unsplash-edited pack to grow her mailing list to 10k subscribers in 6 months.
10. Create Courses and Use Unsplash for Slides
Online instructors use visuals in course presentations. Unsplash offers clean, copyright-safe visuals to enrich your slides. Launch on Udemy or your own platform, and get paid for your skills.
Example: Ali Khan, a teacher from Quetta, used Unsplash-enhanced slides for his freelancing course and made over PKR 300,000 in sales.
Conclusion
Unsplash is a goldmine when used creatively. While you can’t sell their images directly, you can build a real business around them. Whether it’s blogging, digital products, or social media, these images help you start without expensive gear or design experience. Start with one method today and scale up!
