Pexels
Free Stock Photos and Videos.
About Pexels
Pexels provides an API for accessing its photo and video library, allowing applications and websites to integrate stock imagery without users leaving the app. The API is free to use and includes a curated content feed, image and video search (with filters such as orientation), and collections endpoints. Content is selected and tagged by a curation team and is contributed by photographers across 170 countries, with search available in 28 languages.
The API has a default request limit for new API keys; developers whose applications exceed this limit can contact Pexels to request higher limits at no charge, provided they display attribution to Pexels and its photographers. The Pexels logo may be used within apps or sites, but not as an app icon. The API is not intended for building competing photo marketplaces or wallpaper apps, which fall outside its eligibility requirements.
The service is used by companies including Airtable, Canva, Sketch, and Typeform, for purposes such as populating design tools, survey builders, and UI projects with images and video. Pexels states its servers process more than 15 billion requests per month with over 99.99% uptime.
Key features
- Photo and video search by keyword, with filters like vertical video or horizontal photo
- Curated content feed updated daily
- Collections endpoint for grouped content
- Search available in 28 languages
- Content hand-selected and tagged by a curation team
- Handles over 15 billion requests per month with 99.99% uptime
Frequently asked questions
Is the Pexels API free to use?
Yes, the API is free and includes a default request limit. Limits can be lifted free of charge if you provide acceptable attribution to Pexels and its contributors.
Do I need to credit photographers when using the API?
Yes, attribution is requested, such as crediting the photographer with a link to the photo page, or a text link like "Photos provided by Pexels" if a full link isn't possible.
What can I search for with the API?
You can search for specific terms to find relevant photos and videos, and filter results by type such as vertical video or horizontal photos.
Can I use the Pexels API to build a competing photo marketplace?
No, Pexels asks that you do not copy its core functionality, and wallpaper apps are not supported within its eligibility requirements.
Who uses the Pexels API?
Companies like Airtable, Canva, Sketch, and Typeform use the API, ranging from first-time coders to large tech companies.
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