Pexels

Overview

The Pexels API provides search and curated access to Pexels’ library of free stock photos and videos. Photos are free to use under the Pexels License (commercial use allowed, no attribution required). The API is CORS-enabled and popular for photo apps, blog headers, and background pickers.

Verified 2026-08: a search call without any key returned live photo data — the endpoint tolerates anonymous use for light testing. Register for a key for your own quota.

Quick Start

Search photos (the Authorization header is the standard auth):

curl "https://api.pexels.com/v1/search?query=mountain&per_page=5" \
  -H "Authorization: YOUR_API_KEY"

Curated photos:

curl "https://api.pexels.com/v1/curated?per_page=10" \
  -H "Authorization: YOUR_API_KEY"

Photo by ID:

curl "https://api.pexels.com/v1/photos/32557420" \
  -H "Authorization: YOUR_API_KEY"

Videos search:

curl "https://api.pexels.com/videos/search?query=ocean" \
  -H "Authorization: YOUR_API_KEY"

What’s in a photo

src object with resizable URLs (original, large2x, large, medium, small, portrait, landscape, tiny), plus photographer, url, alt, width/height.

Authentication

• Register at pexels.com/api for a free API key.
• Send it as the Authorization header (bare key, no “Bearer” prefix).
• Anonymous calls may work for light testing but share a tiny quota — use your key.

Rate Limits & Notes

• Free tier: 200 requests/hour (with a key); more on paid plans.
• All photos are free to use commercially — the Pexels License requires no attribution.
• Use the src URLs directly (hotlink) — the API is built for that.
• Pagination via page / per_page (max 80).

FAQ

Is Pexels free? The API has a free tier (200 req/hour); photos are free to use commercially.

Do I need a key? For real usage yes — register for one; anonymous calls share a tiny quota.

Can I use photos commercially? Yes — the Pexels License allows commercial use without attribution.