# Free alternatives to paid stock photo APIs

Page: https://free-web-services.com/alternatives/stock-photo-apis/

The APIs of stock photo agencies such as Shutterstock and Getty Images are for paying customers. These APIs give free photos, illustrations and public-domain artworks for websites and apps; check each one's licence and attribution rules before you use its images.

| Service | Category | API key | Formats | Free use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| [Unsplash API](https://free-web-services.com/web-services/graphics/images/unsplash-api.md) | Image and photo | - | JSON | Free; a new app starts in demo mode with 50 requests per hour and can apply for a higher limit. |
| [Pexels API](https://free-web-services.com/web-services/graphics/images/pexels-api.md) | Image and photo | Needed, free | JSON | Free with an API key, limited to 200 requests per hour and 20,000 per month, and apps must show a link to Pexels and credit photographers where possible. |
| [Pixabay API](https://free-web-services.com/web-services/graphics/images/pixabay-api.md) | Image and photo | Needed, free | JSON | Free with a free API key; results must be cached and hotlinking full images is not allowed. |
| [Wikimedia Commons API](https://free-web-services.com/web-services/graphics/images/wikimedia-commons-api.md) | Image and photo | Not needed | JSON | Free, no key needed; check the licence of each file before you use it. |
| [The Metropolitan Museum of Art Collection API](https://free-web-services.com/web-services/graphics/images/the-metropolitan-museum-of-art-collection-api.md) | Image and photo | Not needed | JSON | Free, no key needed. |
| [Art Institute of Chicago API](https://free-web-services.com/web-services/graphics/images/art-institute-of-chicago-api.md) | Image and photo | Not needed | JSON | Free, no key needed. |
| [Rijksmuseum API](https://free-web-services.com/web-services/graphics/images/rijksmuseum-api.md) | Image and photo | Not needed | JSON | Free, no key needed; most images are in the public domain. |