How Do I Prevent Image Hot-Linking?

[rodaniel]

I've had a bit of a problem with a couple of images used on a couple of my more popular posts being hot-linked to from other sites. Now, these other sites are giving me any credit for these images, nor are they even providing a link back to the originating posts or my main URL.

In the past, I've crudely resolved these bandwidth theft problems by simply changing the name of the image file and the cooresponding IMG code on the affected blog post(s). But when I've done that in the past, I get collateral damage - Google's indexed version of that file is gone, so I end up with a truckload of 404 traffic. Probably not a huge deal, but I'd just as soon avoid that since it jacks up my stats.

Anyway, I wondered if anyone had some ideas on preventing image hot-linking...

[QuirkyJessi]

You might also want to consider watermarking your images. Put your website address on it and people will be able to see where it's coming from. That way, even if people don't hotlink and actually upload to their own places, you're still getting credit (unless they take the time and effort to remove it, but most don't).

[rodaniel]

Good to know - thanks Jessi!

[netentre]

A very good idea was described here:
How to stop image hotlinking and bandwidth theft | David Airey :: Graphic and Logo Designer

Not only that it stops image theft, it also promotes your brand / blog / product, or whatever you choose it to do!

[Sapphire]

I agree with Jessi AND wow. David Airey. He's the man.

[rodaniel]

Thanks Alex! Great stuff indeed!!

[introduceyour]

Watermarking it with your URL is a good idea (even if they're not hotlinked)... for the credit.

I didn't try it but if it works, the tool at Hotlink protection of images with .htaccess could be useful.

Good luck!

Luc