Editorial vs Commercial photo licensing explained

1. Purpose / Use Case

• Editorial use = Inform, educate, or illustrate news / factual content.
  Examples: Newspapers, magazines, blogs reporting events, documentaries, textbooks.

• Commercial use = Promote, sell, or endorse a product, service, or brand.
  Examples: Ads, website banners, product pages, brochures, social media ads.

2. Model & Property Releases

• Editorial: Usually no model or property release required, but you can’t imply endorsement. Often used for real people, logos, brands, events as they are.

• Commercial: Requires valid model releases (for recognizable people) and property releases (for private property, trademarks, artworks, etc.) because the image supports marketing.

3. Restrictions on Content

• Editorial:

  • Often marked “Editorial use only” in stock libraries.

  • Cannot be altered in misleading ways (e.g., changing context to defame someone).

  • No use in ads, packaging, or promotional materials.

• Commercial:

  • Can be used in marketing, branding, and design as allowed by the license.

  • More freedom to edit (color, crop, combine), but you still can’t mislead or defame.

4. Typical License Language

• Editorial license: For use in newsworthy, non-commercial, or informational contexts only.

• Commercial license: Permitted for advertising, promotion, packaging, and other commercial purposes, subject to the terms of the license.

5. Practical rule of thumb
Ask: Is this image helping me sell, promote, or build my brand?

• If yes → you need commercial rights.

• If it’s just illustrating a factual article / blog without promoting a product or service → editorial may be enough.