Imgur
Image hosting and community sharing platform
At a glance
- Editor score6.4 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forFree public image sharing and embeds
- Free planYes
- Founded2009
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Free uploads with direct URLs and hidden-post sharing
- Supports images, GIFs, APNG, TIFF, and video files
- Web, iOS, Android, and OAuth-based API access
Where it doesn't
- Public-community features may not suit private image libraries
- Terms prohibit CDN use and image libraries linked from elsewhere
- Emerald adds perks but does not add core hosting features
Our verdict on Imgur
Imgur is a web and mobile service for uploading, hosting, organizing, editing, and sharing images, GIFs, videos, and albums. It suits people who need free public image sharing, direct URLs, embeds, anonymous uploads, or a lightweight community destination. Users can keep posts hidden and share them through direct URLs, or publish them with comments, votes, profiles, and search visibility. Official apps are available for iOS and Android, with web access and an API for image uploads and management.
The free plan includes image uploads, hidden or public posts, and direct image URLs. The published plan structure also includes Imgur Emerald, a monthly subscription with ad-free browsing, exclusive avatars and trophies, and accolade awarding. The core free tier covers the main hosting and sharing workflow, while Emerald is focused on browsing and community extras rather than additional upload or organization capabilities. Albums, downloads, HTML and BBCode share links, crop and rotate tools, text editing, and anonymous albums extend the free sharing experience.
Imgur’s platform fit is broad: people can work through the web, iOS, Android, or the OAuth-based API. It supports JPEG, PNG, GIF, APNG, TIFF, and video uploads, making it useful when a project needs varied media formats and direct links. The main limitation is its community-centered model. Public posts, comments, votes, profiles, and search visibility are useful for discovery, but less suitable for a private library workflow. Its terms also prohibit using Imgur as a CDN or for hosting image libraries linked from elsewhere. Choose Imgur for public sharing and embeds; choose another service for private asset storage or CDN-style delivery.
Imgur pricing
All 2 Imgur plans and prices →
Imgur fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Storage limit | Not verified |
| Bandwidth limit | Not verified |
| Max file size | 50 MB |
| API access | Yes |
| Private sharing | Yes |
| Custom domain | Not verified |
| Image transformations | Yes |
| Deployment | Cloud, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, iOS, Android |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | imgur.com |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to Imgur
- Google PhotosA flexible photo backup service with strong search, editing, and sharing tools.4.8
- ImmichA capable open-source photo library for people who want to manage their own infrastructure.—
- PhotoPrismA capable open-source photo library for self-hosters who want deep organization tools.5.0
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Sep 2026
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