Using unlicensed images is risky (learn about the hidden dangers here). Image CopyRight Checker helps you manage this within WordPress. Here’s a practical workflow:

1. Install & Configure the Plugin ⚙️

   • Install and activate Image CopyRight Checker.
   • If using Pro: Go to Settings -> WP Image Copyright Checker, enter your own Google Cloud Vision API Key, and add any “Friendly Domains” (like your other websites) that should always be considered low risk. Save changes.
   • If using Free: Analysis is limited to 50 images for free. There’s no settings page needed for this.

2. Analyze Your Media Library Images 🔍

   • The plugin needs to send image URLs to Google Vision API for analysis. You have two options:
     • Individually: Go to Media -> Library, click “Edit” on an image. In the “Image Origin, Search & Copyright Risk Details” metabox, click the “Re-Analyze with Google API” button. Good for new uploads or spot-checking.
     • In Bulk (Pro Feature): Go to Media -> Library and switch to the List View. Select the checkboxes next to multiple images. From the “Bulk actions” dropdown, choose “Analyze with Google API (Background)” and click “Apply”. This schedules the analysis to run in the background (via WP-Cron) without slowing you down. This is essential for checking large existing libraries!

3. Filter to Find Potential Risks 🚩

   • Once images are analyzed, go to the Media -> Library (List View).
   • Use the “Filter by Risk” dropdown above the image list.
   • Start by selecting VERY HIGH and then HIGH. This shows you the images the plugin identified as having the most significant potential copyright issues (e.g., found directly on paid stock sites).
   • A manual revision image by image is recommended for very high risk because this images are in paid banks and detected in your site so it is easy that you receive a letter from the owner sooner or later and you have to be prepared with your license or change the image.
   • You can filter also by origin where you can store the images pending to buy, confirmed that are made by you content, pending to analice, … Once you check an image it goes to “Pending” status.

4. Review & Document High/Very High Risk Images 📝

   • For each image filtered as VERY HIGH or HIGH:
     • Click “Edit”.
     • Examine the “Details” text and the “Paid Image Banks” / “Sources with Copyright Keywords” lists in the metabox provided by Image CopyRight Checker.
     • CRITICAL STEP: Try to locate your license or proof of purchase for this image. Check your email archives, download folders, or stock photo account history.
     • If you find proof: Update the “Origin” dropdown in the metabox to Purchased or Royalty Free. Use the “Comments” field to paste the license link, order number, or source URL for future reference. Click “Update”.
     • If you CANNOT find proof: The safest action is to REPLACE the image immediately with one you know is safe (e.g., one you created, or one from a reputable source with a clear license you save). Then update the “Origin” for the new image.

5. Review Uncertain & Low Risk Images (As Needed) 🧐

   • Use the “Filter by Risk” dropdown to view UNCERTAIN images.
   • Review the “Details” and source lists. Often these require a quick manual check of the sources found to confirm the license or decide if replacement is safer. Update the “Origin” and “Comments” as needed.
   • LOW risk images are generally okay, especially if the origin is correctly set to Own Content, Purchased, or Royalty Free.

6. Tag Origins Consistently 🏷️

   • As you review, or even via Bulk Actions (for changing Origin – available in Free too!), try to assign the correct “Origin” to all your images (Own Content, Purchased, Royalty Free, AI Generated, etc.). This creates an invaluable internal record of your image sources.

Why This Helps:

• Automation: Saves huge amounts of time compared to manual reverse image searches for every image.
• Prioritization: Filters help you focus on the highest-risk images first.
• Documentation: Encourages you to track licenses and origins within WordPress.
• Peace of Mind: Reduces the risk of receiving unexpected copyright demand letters.

Don’t let image copyright be a source of stress! By systematically analyzing, filtering, and documenting your images with Image CopyRight Checker, you can significantly improve your website’s compliance and safety.

➡️ Get Image CopyRight Checker and start securing your media library! 🛡️