Pixabay

Overview

The Pixabay API provides search access to Pixabay’s library of free images — photos, illustrations, and vectors — plus videos. Content is free to use under the Pixabay Content License (commercial use allowed). The free tier is generous compared to most stock APIs.

Quick Start

Search images (replace YOUR_KEY):

curl "https://pixabay.com/api/?key=YOUR_KEY&q=cat&image_type=photo&per_page=5"

Filter by orientation and category:

curl "https://pixabay.com/api/?key=YOUR_KEY&q=city&orientation=horizontal&category=places"

Videos:

curl "https://pixabay.com/api/videos/?key=YOUR_KEY&q=ocean"

Authentication

• Register at pixabay.com and copy your API key from the account page.
• Send it as the key query parameter.
• (An invalid key returns HTTP 400 — verified.)

Rate Limits & Notes

• Free tier: 100 requests/hour per IP — among the more generous free stock APIs.
• A valid q is required for search; image_type=photo|illustration|vector filters content.
• Results include webformatURL (hotlinkable preview) and largeImageURL; page/per_page for pagination.
• All images are free to use commercially (Pixabay Content License); no attribution required.

FAQ

Is Pixabay free? Yes — free tier (100 req/hour) and free-to-use content.

How do I get a key? Register at pixabay.com — the key is on your account page.

Can I use images commercially? Yes — the Pixabay Content License permits commercial use without attribution.