Openverse API
Openverse API: A free, open-source API for finding openly licensed images and audio with attribution metadata. Ranked #6 of 34 in Stock Media APIs by our editors (8.7/10); pricing: Free plan; best for developers sourcing images and audio with license metadata.
At a glance
- Editor score8.7 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forDevelopers sourcing images and audio with license metadata
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Asset typesMixed
- Facts checked1 Oct 2026
Where it wins
- Searches both openly licensed images and audio.
- Returns license and attribution metadata with results.
- Supports anonymous requests, OAuth, and self-hosting.
Where it doesn't
- Attribution is required for works that need it.
- Licensing information should be verified for each work.
- Commercial or heavy-use fees may be introduced under its terms.
Our verdict on Openverse API
Openverse API provides programmatic search and retrieval of openly licensed creative works, covering images and audio. It is suited to developers building applications that need to find media and show license and attribution information alongside results. Anonymous requests offer a way to query the API without client-credential authentication; authenticated applications can use OAuth client credentials and rate-limit tiers. Its mixed-media scope makes it relevant to projects sourcing both visual and audio assets rather than only one type.
The API returns license and attribution metadata, and includes related works, thumbnails, media detail, and oEmbed endpoints. That can support workflows that need more than a search result, including retrieving details or embedding media. Openverse is open source and available through cloud deployment or self-hosting. Listed integrations and uses include WordPress Gutenberg, Jetpack, Raycast, Slack, Mojeek, and Sutori, giving it a fit with a range of publishing and application contexts. The API does not provide AI features, so its role is media discovery and retrieval rather than AI-based generation or editing.
Openverse is free, with a free plan, but its terms state that commercial or heavy use fees may be introduced. Attribution is required, and the vendor cautions that licensing information is not verified; teams should independently check the license for each work before use. Documentation is the listed support channel. Choose Openverse when an application needs searchable openly licensed images and audio, API access, and license metadata, and the team can manage attribution and per-work review. It is a weaker fit for workflows that require verified licensing or certainty that commercial use will remain fee-free.
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Openverse API pricing
Openverse API fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Asset types | Mixed |
| Max results per request | Not verified |
| Commercial licensing | Not verified |
| Attribution required | Yes |
| Bulk downloads | Not verified |
| API authentication | Oauth |
| Deployment | Cloud, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Web |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 6 integrations: WordPress Gutenberg, Jetpack, Raycast, Slack, Mojeek, Sutori |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | api.openverse.org |
| Facts checked | 1 Oct 2026 |
Openverse API integrations
Openverse API lists 6 integrations on its own site.
- WordPress Gutenberg
- Jetpack
- Raycast
- Slack
- Mojeek
- Sutori
Alternatives to Openverse API
- Adobe StockA broad stock library with licensing and search tools for approved API users.9.4
- ShutterstockA broad stock media library with subscription, pack and API access.9.2
- Getty ImagesA licensing library with an image API for editorial and creative workflows.9.0
See all Openverse API alternatives →
Openverse API vs the competition
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Compare Openverse API with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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