What is Pexels?
Pexels is a free stock media site that offers high-quality photos and videos that anyone can download and use without paying or giving credit. Its content comes from a community of more than 600,000 photographers and videographers. Canva acquired Pexels in 2019, and Canva users can also reach the Pexels image and video library from inside the Canva editor.
Pexels has no paid plans on its site. Its license lets you use and modify photos and videos in websites, ads, social posts, newsletters and print, with a few limits such as not selling unaltered copies. Developers can tap the same library through a free Image and Video API, and mobile apps for iOS and Android make browsing and downloading easy on the go.
Pexels at a glance
How does Pexels work?
- Search or browse
Search by keyword or browse the site to find photos and videos that fit your project, then open a file to preview it.
- Download for free
Pick a size and download the file at no cost.
- Use and edit freely
Use the file in your project and modify it however you like, with credit optional.
- Connect through the API
Developers can apply for an API key to search and display Pexels photos and videos in their own apps, crediting photographers where possible.
Pexels key features
Free photos and videos
A library of high-quality photos and video clips that cost nothing to download.
Simple license
Use files commercially and modify them without attribution, apart from a short list of restricted uses.
Free API
A free Image and Video API with a default rate limit that can be raised at no charge for apps that credit Pexels.
Contributor community
More than 600,000 creators upload content, which keeps the library growing.
Mobile apps
iOS and Android apps let you browse and download photos and videos from your phone.
Canva integration
Pexels images and videos are available inside Canva, so users can add them to designs directly.
Free stock video
Alongside photos, Pexels offers free video clips that work for reels, ads, website headers and presentations, under the same no-attribution license.
Why use Pexels?
- You pay nothing for photos and videos, which helps small businesses and startups with no stock budget.
- No attribution is required, so images fit cleanly into ads and websites.
- Video clips are free too, which is less common on stock sites and useful for reels and website headers.
- The free API lets developers add stock media to apps and websites.
- The license is short and easy to read, so non-lawyers can see what is allowed.
Who is Pexels best for?
A good fit for
- Bloggers and content marketers
- Small businesses and startups with no stock budget
- Social media managers needing quick visuals
- Developers building apps that need stock imagery
Less suited to
- Brands needing legal indemnification or guaranteed model and property releases for sensitive campaigns
- Projects that need niche, editorial or exclusive imagery
- Developers who need a new API key right away, since Pexels has paused new key issuance
Pexels pricing
| Pricing model | Free |
|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes |
| Free trial | Not confirmed |
| Starting price | Free |
All photos and videos are free to download and use, and the API is free as well. Pexels has no paid plans on its website.
Prices checked October 2026. Vendors change plans often, so confirm on the official website before you buy.
Pexels pros and cons
Pros
- Completely free photos and videos
- No attribution required
- Free image and video API for developers
- Mobile apps for quick downloads
Cons
- Smaller and less specialized library than paid stock sites
- No indemnification or legal protection for business use
- Popular images appear on many other websites, which can make a brand look generic
Pexels integrations and platforms
Works with
Available on
Pexels alternatives
See the full shortlist in Best Stock Media Sites.
Pexels FAQ
Is Pexels really free?
Yes. All photos and videos on Pexels are free to download and use, including for commercial projects. You do not need an account to download, and there are no paid plans on the site. The Pexels API is also free, though new API key issuance was paused at the time of checking.
Do I need to credit Pexels photos?
No. The Pexels license says attribution is not required, although credit to the photographer or Pexels is appreciated. If you use the API in an app, Pexels asks you to show where content comes from, such as a link to the photographer and Pexels.
Can I use Pexels images for commercial purposes?
Yes. You can use Pexels photos and videos in ads, websites, social posts, newsletters and print. You cannot sell unaltered copies, imply endorsement by people or brands shown, show identifiable people in an offensive way, resell images on other stock sites, or use them in a trademark or logo.
Pexels vs Unsplash: what's the difference?
Both are popular free stock photo sites with simple licenses. Pexels stands out for offering free video clips alongside photos, a free image and video API, and a direct link to Canva, its owner. Unsplash focuses mainly on photography. Many creators search both sites to find the best match for a project.
Who owns Pexels?
Pexels is owned by Canva, which acquired it in 2019 together with Pixabay. Pexels continues to run as a separate free stock site, and its photos and videos are also built into the Canva design editor.
Sources
This overview is based on Pexels's official website and documentation, checked October 2026.