Sourcing images is a crucial part of the marketing process. As a marketer, you’ve probably found that while it’s essential, it’s not always the easiest task.
Finding the perfect image can be challenging, but quality stock image sites can help make it slightly easier. However, with AI on the rise, there’s an innovative solution: AI stock image generators.
These tools can significantly speed up the process by allowing you to generate exactly what you need. While AI-generated images may sometimes lack a bit of authenticity, they make up for it in speed and cost-effectiveness. It would also encourage you to know that 39% of US marketers are already using AI images in their social media content.
This blog will explore some of the top free AI stock image generators out there. We will also explore a few prompt ideas that you can use to generate stock images for your ads.
Leonardo AI is a highly regarded AI stock image generator made by an Australian company. This tool goes beyond just image creation and offers a wide range of powerful AI tools, known for their exceptional performance and versatility. This AI stock image generator also has an extensive free plan with 150 tokens that resets every 24 hours. However, on the free plan, you only get to use the Leonardo Phoenix model.
Leonardo AI is primarily available via a web browser. But there is also an iOS app available with the Android version underway.
Let’s check out some of the pros and cons of the Leonardo AI stock image generation capabilities and other features.
Prompt idea for an image of a woman working in an office:
Generate an image of a young woman in a modern workplace environment, sitting at a desk while talking on the phone. She should be wearing professional attire, such as a blouse and blazer, and holding a smartphone to her ear. The office space around her features contemporary furniture, a computer on the desk, and natural lighting from large windows. The overall atmosphere is productive and focused, with a few office supplies like a notebook and pen neatly arranged on her desk.
The tool indicated that it would take 16 tokens for this which was a fairly good number given the details of the prompt and the quality of the images shown below:
All 4 images were quite high in terms of quality. But in terms of realism, the 1st image on the bottom left hit the nail on the head. To get all 4 images to be the same the prompt could be improved by excluding the repetition of descriptions for similar elements.
For example, in our prompt, you’d see that we mention 2 instances that sound the same: Talking on the phone and holding a smartphone to her ear. That’s why the AI-generated the woman holding 2 phones. So the takeaway is to be specific as well as avoid repetition of similar ideas.
But it’s fascinating how usually, these kinds of stock images are available only for purchase. Even in terms of hallucinations, there is nothing out of order, and all the details from the devices to the furniture and even the stationery look just right.
And the fact that it’s free is perfect for anyone looking to get stock images done at no cost.
Koala AI’s free plan allows users to generate images through its KoalaImages tool but with certain restrictions. The number of image generations is limited, and users on the free plan may not have access to advanced features like higher resolution or more detailed customization. While the free plan provides basic functionality, upgrading to a paid plan unlocks additional options for more precise control over image quality and style.
Koala AI’s free AI Stock image generator is only accessible via browser.
Prompt idea for a kid’s beverage ad:
Give me an image of a child drinking a cold beverage on a sunny day by the pool. Make sure the beverage is an unbranded soda can.
We configured to get 4 image options in the size 1024x1024pix.
The generated 4 images were of good quality. Especially the 2nd one from the top would be a perfect image to use by applying the branding of choice to the child’s empty soda can. Again, these kinds of images usually require expensive photo shoots and long editing processes. But to think you can generate stock images at this quality level all for free is just amazing.
Here’s a guide on how to generate images using Koala AI.
Recraft.ai offers a free plan with access to many of its core features, such as raster and vector image generation, background removal, and pre-set styles like “Watercolor” and “Pixel Art.”
However, like most AI tools, there are certain limitations. The free plan may lack the ultra-fast image generation times, which are reserved for paid users. Additionally, the quality of outputs, particularly in logo and icon generation, is not as polished, which might be frustrating for users needing more refined designs.
But for general AI stock image generation, this is one of the top tools to consider as it provides 50 credits a day.
It’s only accessible via a web browser but is easily accessible via email, Discord, Google, or Apple.
Prompt idea for a perfume bottle to use in an ad:
A luxurious feminine perfume bottle elegantly positioned in front of soft, flowing satin fabrics. The satin drapes in rich, delicate folds, catching the light and creating a smooth, shimmering backdrop that accentuates the perfume bottle’s graceful curves and intricate design. The overall setting exudes sophistication and femininity, with the satin’s silky texture complementing the bottle’s glossy surface.
The width is 1024x1024px and we used the style, Photoreal.
It took about 15 seconds to generate the image as per the indicated countdown.
As you can see the quality is beyond amazing. This can truly be used in a perfume ad by making slight tweaks to the color. You can even use this as a starting point for luxury perfume bottle inspirations as well.
There are further edits you can apply to this by fine-tuning it or even changing the color palette.
For free stock images, this kind of tool is excellent. But as mentioned under the cons, you will have to upgrade to a paid account to actually use the image in your designs.
Starry AI offers a free version with limited credits and features. Even though the free plan has restricted access to advanced features like high-speed generation and upscaling, it can still be a useful tool for inspiration.
It’s also a great starting point for beginners, but some of the limitations may push more serious users to upgrade to a paid plan for unrestricted access to features and higher-quality results.
Starry AI is available via web browser and they also have apps on both Android and Apple systems.
Prompt idea for a lipstick ad:
A close-up of a woman applying bold red lipstick in a sleek, professional setting for a commercial. Her hand is steady as she carefully applies the lipstick, with her lips slightly parted to reveal the vibrant red color. The background is softly lit, focusing attention on the product and her confident expression, exuding elegance and glamour. The scene captures the essence of luxury beauty, perfect for a high-end cosmetic advertisement.
Even though the tool shows that there was 1 image generated when we downloaded it, it came in a Zip folder that contained 4 variations.
The quality is quite good as you can see. You would have to make tweaks to color match the lipstick and the actual color on the lips or even apply other slight changes where needed. But this beats searching stock images or setting up expensive photo shoots and hiring models for cosmetic ads.
Let’s wrap up with some frequently asked questions about AI stock image generation.
It depends on the content type. In most cases with marketing graphics and branding designs, you might also need the help of a graphic designer to tweak the designs and make them unique to your brand.
It’s not always required, but it’s a good practice, especially for transparency. Besides, several social media platforms today label AI-generated content.
Check the platform’s guidelines. Some need attribution, others don’t.
Usually, yes, but always double-check the license and terms of use. Just be sure to use AI tools responsibly.
Be clear, descriptive, and specific about what you want to see. Talk about the subject of the image, the background, texture, climate, lighting, shadows, etc, to get the details right. Bottom line, experiment until you get it right! You can always use other AI writing tools to help improve your prompts.
