Media Resources
Here is a list of free media resources that can be used to create social media content. Some have options to purchase additional features, but you can use the basics for free.
Disclaimer - I am not being paid to include these resources here. These are sites I have used in the past and found helpful.
Canva is a free, online graphic design platform that is more user-friendly than the Adobe products (but perhaps a little less robust). There are options to purchase upgraded accounts, but the free account provides more than enough templates, graphics and options for most users. If you have a non-profit organization, you can upgrade your Canva account to Canva Pro for free and create teams so that multiple people can work on designs for your organization.
Canva offers templates or you can create your own and the variety is endless. Add pictures, text and even animation and music to your designs. Save or download in multiple formats. You can even schedule your social media posts right from your Canva account should you choose to do so.
Free Image Sites
Here are some good sites to get free images. Some require attribution (meaning you can use them as long as you credit the owner) others are royalty free (you pay once and then can use the image) and others are free to use however you'd like without paying or providing attribution.
This list is current as of 2/16/2023.
StockSnap.io - this site also includes links to many other sites with free images
Foodiesfeed.com - images of food
StyledStock.com - feminine images
Reshot.com - icons and illustrations including vector illustrations
Catch-All Site
A great place to start if you're looking for public domain images or sounds or even videos is Wikimedia Commons. At the top of the home screen on the right you can choose images, sounds or videos and then search from there. I have found famous paintings and even some recordings of the US Navy Band. Be sure to read through the licensing page to understand the various licenses associated with items on the site, and if you're an artist yourself, you can add to the collection by uploading your material.
Free Music Sites
If you're making videos, you need to have good sounds. Whether it's a sound effect to go along with your images or background music to set the tone of your video, here are some sites that will help you find what you need. Again, for the most part, these are free to use. Some require attribution others a one-time royalty payment if you're using commercially. Read through the licensing information on each site for more detailed information.
Pixabay.com - use the search feature to narrow down what you're looking for, then use the filters on the left to pinpoint the duration, genre, mood, movement and theme of the music you want.
Bensound.com - the link is for the page filtered for free music for videos such as YouTube, but if you want to use the music commercially, you'll likely have to pay a royalty for it. Be sure to read the licensing agreement.