When it comes to social media, connection is everything. That’s why stock photos of people can be a game-changer when used with intention. They add a human touch, evoke emotion, and help audiences see themselves in your brand. With access to diverse, expressive stock images by Depositphotos, it’s easier than ever to find visuals that feel personal, not staged.
When building brand awareness, promoting a service, or telling a story, the right images of people can make your content feel instantly relatable and real. This article walks you through the perks of using stock images of people, their effective integration in social media posts, and mistakes to avoid if you want your content to feel personal, not generic. Read on!
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Perks of using images of people in social media content
Using photographs of people in your content isn’t just about filling space; it’s about building trust, relatability, and emotional resonance. According to MIT research, the human brain can recognize faces in images in as little as 13 milliseconds, which is why visuals with real people trigger faster emotional responses and engagement. When chosen thoughtfully, stock photos of people offer great benefits:
- They humanize your brand. A well-chosen stock photo of a person can shift the tone from corporate to personal in an instant;
- They boost engagement. Posts with stock photos of people tend to perform better in terms of likes, shares, and comments. Humans are wired to respond to faces;
- They reflect your audience. Diverse and inclusive stock photos of people can help your brand speak to more communities and show that you value representation. A 2021 Deloitte study found that 57% of consumers are more loyal to brands that commit to addressing social inequities, including visible diversity in marketing;
- They speed up production. Sourcing professional-looking pictures of someone is much faster than organizing a photoshoot, especially for daily content needs.
How to use stock images of people in social media posts
Stock photos of people are tools for connection, storytelling, and emotion. When chosen and used well, people images can add nuance, context, and personality to your posts.
Let’s explore real-world use cases that show how to integrate stock images of people into social content that feels relatable and engaging.
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- Quote graphics with emotionally aligned backdrops
Use case. A mental health coach or wellness influencer shares a reflective quote about self-acceptance. Instead of a plain background, they use a soft, natural-light photo of a person journaling at a window or resting on a couch.
Why it works. The image supports the tone of the message. The viewer doesn’t just read the quote; they feel it through the visual context. This helps break the scroll and create resonance.
- “Day in the life” carousels or series
Use case. A productivity or lifestyle brand creates a carousel titled “My morning routine for focus.”
- Slide #1. A cozy, realistic picture of someone sipping coffee in a sunlit kitchen;
- Slide #2+. Steps in the routine, supported by icons or illustrations.
Why it works. The opening image sets the emotional tone. It grounds the tips in a real, familiar context. Even though it’s a stock photo of a person, it feels like a peek into someone’s life, not a staged ad.
- Reels or TikToks with human b-roll
Use case. A personal finance brand creates a Reel titled “3 money habits I wish I started sooner.” Between each tip, they use short clips or stills of people stock photos—someone budgeting, using a laptop, smiling after shopping.
Why it works. These inserts keep the video dynamic and emotionally grounded without requiring a full video production shoot. It blends content creation with relatability.
- Diversity-driven campaign launches
Use case. A tech brand launches a new mentorship program and posts a carousel featuring inclusive stock photos of people—women in STEM, older adults, disabled creators, etc.
Why it works. Representation isn’t just a visual choice, it’s a statement of values. When you include people images that reflect different identities and life experiences, it shows your audience you see and include them.
- Client testimonials with supporting faces
Use case. A skincare or coaching business posts a glowing client review. Alongside the quote, they include a natural-looking photograph of a person smiling, relaxed, and confident.
Why it works. Even if the person in the photo isn’t the actual client, adding a human face makes the feedback feel more credible and emotionally engaging.
- Tips matched with real-life context
Use case. A career strategist shares “3 tips for confident presentations.” Instead of a plain graphic, they use a stock photo of someone speaking in a boardroom or rehearsing with notes.
Why it works. The visual reflects the outcome or situation the tips are meant to improve. It helps the audience imagine themselves succeeding, which increases engagement and saves explanation.
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- Event or webinar promos with visual realism
Use case. Promoting a virtual event? Instead of a sterile announcement, post a warm, approachable stock image of people attending an online meeting or preparing a workspace.
Why it works. It visually prepares your audience for what the experience will feel like—informal, comfortable, and personal. It also avoids overused tech conference clichés.
- Awareness days with expressive faces
Use case. For World Mental Health Day or International Women’s Day, a brand posts people stock photos showing real emotions like resilience, joy, or contemplation.
Why it works: Emotion connects. A single picture of someone with expressive eyes or a subtle gesture can communicate values more effectively than a long caption.
Mistakes to avoid when integrating people stock photos in social media content
Even the best stock photos of people can fall flat if misused. Here’s what to avoid:
- Overly staged or unrealistic images. Skip the cheesy high-fives and stiff grins. Go for photographs of people that feel natural;
- No visual consistency. Don’t mix every editing style in one feed. Align colors, tones, and filters so each people image feels part of a whole;
- Poor representation. Repeating the same type of stock photo of a person suggests that your brand lacks inclusivity;
- Overreliance. To keep things fresh, mix in user-generated content, behind-the-scenes shots, and even illustrations with your stock images of people.
Summing up
Stock photos of people can add warmth, relatability, and meaning to your social presence. When used thoughtfully, people images help your audience see themselves in your brand, which turns scrolling into connecting. So, next time you’re sourcing visuals, don’t just pick any stock photo of a person. Choose images that feel human, tell a story, and reflect your brand’s values. Because, in the end, the most compelling content is always about people.