Image Attribution Requirements Guide: Complete TASL Format 2025

Image attribution is not optional—it's a legal requirement when using Creative Commons images, stock photos with attribution clauses, or licensed content from photographers and creators. Incorrect or missing attribution violates license terms, exposes you to copyright infringement claims, and can cost thousands in settlements despite having permission to use the image. With 67% of websites using Creative Commons or attributed content incorrectly, understanding proper image credit format is critical. This comprehensive guide covers TASL attribution format, Creative Commons rules, citation styles for different mediums, placement requirements, common mistakes that violate licenses, and automated attribution management strategies.

Why Image Attribution Matters

Legal Requirements for Attribution

Image attribution requirements stem from license terms, not general copyright law. When you use images under Creative Commons, stock photo licenses, or permission from photographers, attribution is typically a mandatory condition:

Consequences of Missing or Incorrect Attribution

Failing to provide proper image credit constitutes license violation and copyright infringement:

The TASL Attribution Format

What Is TASL?

TASL is the standard Creative Commons attribution format, representing the four essential elements:

TASL Attribution Examples

Correct Creative Commons TASL attribution formats:

<a href="https://source-url.com/image">"Sunset Over Mountains"</a>
by <a href="https://photographer-profile.com">Jane Photographer</a>
is licensed under
<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/">CC BY 2.0</a>

TASL Variations by License Type

Different Creative Commons licenses require different attribution elements:

Attribution Placement Requirements

Where to Place Image Credits

Photo attribution placement must make credit visible and accessible:

Attribution Visibility Requirements

Attribution must be "reasonable" and accessible to viewers:

• Readable font size: Minimum 10-12px, not microscopic text
• Contrasting colors: Visible against background, not hidden
• No obscuring: Don't cover attribution with other elements
• Mobile accessibility: Visible on all screen sizes
• Working links: All hyperlinks must function correctly
• Proximity: Close to image or clearly associated
• Persistent: Attribution must remain if image is shared

HTML Implementation Examples

<figure>
  <img src="mountain.jpg" alt="Mountain landscape">
  <figcaption>
    <a href="https://source.com/image">"Mountain Vista"</a>
    by <a href="https://photographer.com">Jane Doe</a>
    is licensed under
    <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/">CC BY 4.0</a>
  </figcaption>
</figure>

<img src="sunset.jpg" alt="Sunset over ocean">
<p class="image-credit">
  Photo by <a href="https://photographer.com">John Smith</a>
  (<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/">CC BY-SA 4.0</a>)
</p>

<section class="image-credits">
  <h3>Image Credits</h3>
  <ul>
    <li>Header image: <a href="url">Title</a> by Author (License)</li>
    <li>Figure 1: <a href="url">Title</a> by Author (License)</li>
    <li>Figure 2: <a href="url">Title</a> by Author (License)</li>
  </ul>
</section>

Stock Photo Attribution Rules

When Stock Photos Require Attribution

Stock photo attribution requirements vary by license type and provider:

Reading Stock Photo Licenses

Always verify attribution requirements in the specific license:

• Download license copy: Save PDF or screenshot of license terms
• Check attribution section: Look for specific credit requirements
• Note modifications allowed: Some prohibit any changes
• Verify commercial use: Ensure your use case is permitted
• Understand model releases: Check if people/property are released
• Territory restrictions: Some licenses limit geographic use

Citation Styles for Different Mediums

Web and Digital Attribution

Online image attribution benefits from hyperlinks:

Print and Offline Attribution

Physical media requires modified attribution format:

Presentation and Slide Deck Attribution

PowerPoint, Keynote, and Google Slides attribution:

• On-slide attribution: Small text at bottom or corner of slide
• Final credits slide: List all image attributions at end
• Speaker notes: Include full attribution information
• Distributed copies: Ensure PDFs and handouts retain attribution

Common Attribution Mistakes to Avoid

Critical Attribution Errors

These attribution mistakes violate license terms and can lead to infringement claims:

Subtle Compliance Issues

Less obvious mistakes that still violate license terms:

• Wrong license version: CC BY 2.0 vs. CC BY 4.0 are different licenses
• Incomplete author name: Using username when full name was provided
• Missing title: Omitting title when creator provided one
• Paywalled attribution: Placing credits behind login or paywall
• Invisible text: White text on white background or 1px font size
• No-index attribution pages: Using robots.txt to hide credit pages
• Image overlay blocking: Covering attribution with watermarks or graphics

Handling Special Attribution Scenarios

Multiple Images from Same Source

When using several images from one photographer:

Composite Images and Collages

When creating works from multiple images:

• Attribute all sources: List every image used in the composite
• Note modifications: "Composite image created from:" followed by list
• License compatibility: Ensure all licenses permit derivatives and are compatible
• ShareAlike requirements: If any source is SA, entire composite must be SA
• Format example: "Composite image from: [Image 1 attribution], [Image 2 attribution], combined by [Your Name]"

Attribution for Embedded Content

Social media embeds and widgets:

Automated Attribution Management

Attribution Tracking Systems

Tools and strategies for managing image credits at scale:

Building an Attribution Workflow

Systematic approach to maintaining proper attribution:

Attribution Templates and Snippets

Create reusable templates for consistency:

<figcaption class="image-credit">
  <a href="{{source_url}}">{{title}}</a>
  by <a href="{{author_url}}">{{author_name}}</a>
  is licensed under
  <a href="{{license_url}}">{{license_name}}</a>
</figcaption>

Conclusion: Attribution as License Compliance

Image attribution requirements are not optional courtesies—they're legally binding conditions of your license to use creative work. Proper attribution using the TASL format (Title, Author, Source, License) protects you from copyright infringement claims, respects creator rights, and ensures you can continue using valuable visual content legally.

The key to successful attribution management lies in systematic workflows: documenting license requirements before downloading, embedding attribution in metadata, using templates for consistency, placing credits in visible locations, maintaining working links, and conducting regular audits. Whether using Creative Commons images, stock photos, or licensed content from photographers, understanding and implementing proper image credit format is essential for legal compliance.

Remember: having permission to use an image doesn't eliminate attribution obligations. Always check specific license terms, implement complete TASL attribution with all required links, and use automated monitoring tools to verify ongoing compliance across your entire website.

Need help managing image attributions at scale? Our platform scans your website to identify missing or incorrect attributions and generates properly formatted credits for all your images.