Pexels review

Pexels is the easiest free stock library to recommend to a small brand because its license page answers the commercial question in plain words. It says all photos and videos can be downloaded and used for free, that attribution is not required, and that you may modify the files. It then lists the uses most small businesses care about: websites, ecommerce shops, newsletters, ads, banners, flyers, books and social media. The limits are short and clear: no selling unaltered copies as prints or products, no implied endorsement by people or brands in the image, no reselling on other stock sites, and no use in a trademark or business name. Pexels also offers video, which most rivals on this list do not, and a free API for developers, though new API keys were paused when we checked. Every file in the library is free, so there is no premium content to filter out. We compared documented features and license terms; we did not audit image releases.

Who it is for

Bloggers and small brands who want free photos and video clips for sites, ads and social posts with one simple license.

Price

Free: all photos and videos can be downloaded and used at no cost, and the API is free.

All photos and videos on Pexels can be downloaded and used for free.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Photos and videos under one free license
• Attribution not required
• Editing and modifying allowed
• Free Image and Video API with limits lifted for free when you credit Pexels
• iOS and Android apps

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: The license explicitly covers ads, banners, ecommerce shops and print marketing
• Strength: Every file in the library is free, with no premium tier mixed into results
• Strength: Free stock video alongside photos
• Weakness: You cannot sell unaltered copies as posters, prints or physical products
• Weakness: Identifiable people cannot be shown in a bad light or to imply endorsement
• Weakness: New API key issuance was paused when we checked

Key facts

• Price: Free
• Attribution: Not required, appreciated
• Media types: Photos and videos
• Creator community: 600K+ creators
• API: Free; new key issuance paused when checked

Where it ranks

Pexels is No. 1 in our Best Free Stock Photo Sites verdict and No. 10 in Best Stock Photo Sites.