Google’s licensable image label helps image owners show licensing information in Google Images. Publishers can supply the relevant details through supported structured data or image metadata so searchers can find the licence terms.
Google launched the licensable badge in Image results after a beta period in 2020. The company also changed the Usage rights filter so searchers could find images with Creative Commons or commercial licences. Publishers could use the badge to direct users to licence details and purchase options.
Google began its testing of the badge in February. It works with the Center of the Picture Industry (CEPIC) and other image and news associations on the different ways it could help image owners get credit for their photos and sell them. It also helps them increase awareness regarding image licensing.
Give viewers the chance to license or purchase the image
When an image creator or publisher provides licensing information, Google will display the ‘licensable badge’ over the image. When the viewer selects the badge, it’ll show the image’s license details that have been provided by the publisher. It’ll also give the viewer the chance to license or purchase the image. To launch the feature, Google worked with companies in the image licensing industry. One of these companies was Shutterstock, as mentioned by Shutterstock’s VP, Paul Brennan.
Additionally, the filter also ensures you can refine results to images that only have their licensed information published. Viewers have the option to select “Commercial & other licenses” and “Creative Commons licenses” from the Usage Rights dropdown menu provided in the Image search. Whenever a viewer selects an image displayed in the Google Images previews, Google will link the user back to the license details and the terms provided by the licensor or content owner. Moreover, there may even be a link that allows users to purchase or acquire the image from a page they’ve been redirected to.
Google adds Search Console features to support the licensable image markup
In February, Google added structured data support to power up the badge. Later on, in July, it further added Search Console features to support the licensable markup. Search Console is a valuable tool that helps users monitor how their pages are performing in Google Search. Users don’t have to sign up for it, but it helps people understand how Google views their sites. Due to the addition of Search Console features, Image Owners can use IPTC metadata or Schema.org formats to qualify for the licensable badge.
The badge makes licence information more visible, but it does not grant permission to reuse an image. Searchers still need to read the owner’s terms, and publishers need accurate licence and acquisition URLs. The feature can support image sales when the markup and destination page work together.
The label does not grant permission by itself
A search filter or badge helps users locate licensing information, but the rights still come from the image owner or licensor. Publishers should keep licence and acquisition URLs accurate, while users should read the terms before copying an image. Google’s supported markup requirements may change, so implementation should follow its current documentation.
