Using AI for Website Images

Is it okay to use AI generated images on my website and will people know it is AI? Will it effect my SEO? What AI image generators can I use? What are the reasons for and against using AI generated images on my website?

We cover it all in this article below. 

Can I Use AI Images on My Website?

An AI generated image is visual artwork that has been created by identifying and duplicating patterns in existing real photographs. The AI generators use the examples of real photographs to collect this information, which they then use to create the images. They can also edit preexisting images, creating another image. 

Yes, you can use AI images on your website. The thing to keep an eye on is that you are not violating any copyright or usage laws. So make sure to check the terms and conditions of the AI generators you are using to confirm they allow you to publish their images online, with or without credit given to them. 

AI generated images can be used in place of stock photos almost anywhere on a website. There are some circumstances where it shouldn't be used, and that is to sell a physical product, to share your portfolio or to share your content. These will need to be unique to what you have created, as it is this that will convert a website visitor into a customer. 

Finally, remember that the purpose of using images is to engage with and provide information to the website visitor. Will your AI image do this?

Will Using AI Images Effect My SEO?

There have been multiple studies completed on whether using AI images on a website are beneficial or detrimental for SEO. Results are mixed, and to a point do contain biases. Google though, has clearly stated that AI generated content will not impact search ratings as longs as it is relevant, original and useful. Google isn't too concerned about how the content is made, but rather the quality of the content itself. Using its' E-E-A-T criteria (expertise, experience, authoritativeness and trustworthiness), Google will assess the AI image for helpfulness, the demonstration of expertise, the site it is published on and how trustworthy it is.

Therefore, the use of AI images should not effect your search engine rankings. But are your visitors happy to see AI images, or will they want the real thing?

What AI Generators Could I Use?

There are multiple AI generators available online which you could choose to use. We have not tried all of these ourselves, but rather used recommendations from others to make this list. Be sure to check each one individually to ensure it is your best choice.

• Microsoft Designer's Image Creator - requires you to sign in to your Microsoft account to use, but says creating images is free.
• getimg.ai - requires an account to use, and does have a free plan as well as paid options.
• DeepAI - offers free AI image generation without the need to have an account or sign in.
• OpenArt - offers a free limited trial, and paid plans.
• Leonardo.Ai - requires an account to use or you can download the app for Apple or Android. Has a daily free plan, plus paid plans.
• Gemini - run by Google, this is a free option based upon your own Google account's terms and conditions.
• ChatGPT - to create images, you will need to be logged in to your account, but there is a free option.
• Adobe Firefly - an Adobe product, it requires you are logged in and have a paid plan.

Pros and Cons for Using AI Images on a Website

It's always a good idea to look at both sides when making the decision to use AI images or not on your website. Let's dive into the benefits and the considerations:

Benefits of Using AI Images

• cost effective - reduce costs through no longer needing the services of photographers, graphic designers or models, asking AI to generate what you want
• time saving - AI generators work very quickly, immediately reducing the time it takes you to create graphics or find images. You are also no longer waiting to hear back from your designer or photographer. 
• flexible - AI generators can resize, make colour adjustments and other adaptations to images quickly, without needing to outsource or know how to do this yourself.
• scalable - large volumes of images can be created quickly when needed
• customisable - AI images can be created following your brand guidelines and to match your logo. Creating bespoke images of people, scenes and objects is achievable very quickly.

Cons of Using AI Images

• relevance to audience -  AI images do tend not to resonate emotionally with people, and can tell a story which fails to connect with its audience.
• customer avoidance - some people really dislike AI images, and consequently will not follow or use businesses which do. Are your AI images costing you customers?
• low innovation and creativity - AI is evolving, but it doesn't have the human touch. It also evolves by using existing information to create its own.
• intellectual property rights - there are copyright concerns because AI image generators are trained on existing images, some of which are copyrighted. Your images may contain content that belongs to someone else.

There is no doubt that AI is here to stay, and will continue to be a part of our daily lives. Businesses need to balance the benefits that AI can offer them against what their customers want. As AI also reduces the need to outsource to graphic designers and photographers, less work will be sent their way, which raises moral obligations about supporting local businesses. 

Our article is one of our AI focus: take a read of You're Not Sneaking AI-Generated Content Past Your Readers and Human Vs AI Generated Meta Descriptions.