How Getty Images Can Make Your Social Media More Relatable
Let’s be real scrolling through social media these days feels like wandering through a museum of polished, picture-perfect stock photos. You know the ones:
- Overly enthusiastic business teams high-fiving in slow motion
- Women laughing alone with salads
- That same generic coffee cup that appears in every “productive morning” post
But here’s the good news: You can use Getty Images without making your brand look like a stock photo cliché. In fact, with the right approach, Getty’s massive library can help you create a social media presence that’s both professional and authentically human.
Why Real Beats “Perfect” on Social Media
Before we dive into Getty’s treasure trove of images, let’s talk about why authenticity matters:
- Instagram posts that feel “real” get 2x more engagement than overly staged content (Later.com)
- 64% of consumers say brand trust is built on authenticity (Stackla)
- Users scroll past stock-looking ads 3x faster than organic-looking posts (Facebook internal data)
The challenge? Most people use stock photos as a shortcut, not a strategy.
How to Use Getty Images Like a Human (Not a Corporate Brochure)
1. Search Like a Human, Not a Robot
Instead of typing “happy diverse team meeting,” try:
🔍 Real-life search terms:
- “Coworkers debating passionately”
- “Startup team working late pizza”
- “Remote team video call messy hair”
Pro tip: Add “candid” or “authentic” to your searches to avoid those awkwardly posed shots.
2. The “One Real Element” Rule
Even the best stock photo needs grounding in reality. Try:
- Overlaying real customer quotes on a Getty background
- Adding your actual office dog to a stock workspace shot
- Using Getty images as backgrounds for your original illustrations
Example: A financial advisor could use a Getty cityscape but overlay handwritten money-saving tips.
3. Embrace Imperfections (Yes, Even in Stock Photos)
The best Getty finds have:
☑️ Natural lighting (not studio-perfect)
☑️ People mid-action (not frozen smiles)
☑️ Slightly messy environments (real desks have coffee stains!)
4. When in Doubt, Go Editorial
Getty’s editorial section is a goldmine for real moments:
- Journalistic shots of actual people (not models)
- Unposed event photography
- Cultural moments that spark conversation
Perfect for when you need to comment on trends without looking salesy.
The Getty Hacks Social Media Managers Actually Use
The “Three-Click” Customization Method
- Crop tightly on the most human element (hands working, an expressive face)
- Add a subtle filter (try VSCO’s A6 or E5 for instant warmth)
- Drop in one authentic texture (a coffee ring stain PNG, paper texture overlay)
The “Anti-Stock” Color Trick
Most stock photos are oversaturated. Try:
- Lowering saturation by 10-15%
- Warming up skin tones slightly
- Adding a subtle film grain effect
The Stealth Branding Move
Instead of slapping your logo on an image:
- Use your brand colors in text overlays
- Match the photo’s palette to your website
- Add subtle motion (a GIF-like wiggle effect in Instagram Stories)
When to Avoid Getty Images Altogether
Even the best stock library has limits. Skip Getty when you need:
🚫 Ultra-specific product shots (just photograph your actual product)
🚫 Team culture content (your real team > stock models)
🚫 Trend-jacking moments (a quick iPhone pic beats generic stock)
The Bottom Line
Getty Images works best when you use it to enhance your real brand personality, not replace it. The most engaging social profiles mix:
- 50% original photos/videos
- 30% customized Getty images
- 20% user-generated content
Remember: People connect with people, not perfection. With these strategies, you can leverage Getty’s quality while keeping your social presence genuinely engaging.
Now go forth and make stock photos look… unstoppably real!
Need help finding the most authentic Getty options? Here are my personal favorite underrated searches:
- “Tired but happy entrepreneur”
- “Real office chaos”
- “Imperfect family dinner”