Pixabay is a free stock media platform offering over 6.2 million high-quality, royalty-free photos, illustrations, vectors, videos, music, sound effects, 3D models, and GIFs, all free for commercial and non-commercial use without attribution.
What is Pixabay?
Pixabay is a free stock media library where users can search, download, and use images, videos, and audio for any project. It takes search queries or browsing as input and delivers downloadable media files (JPEG, PNG, MP4, MP3, etc.) on the web. The platform is maintained by Pixabay GmbH and relies on a community of contributors.
Key Features
- Massive library — Over 6.2 million assets: 4.4 million photos, 1.15 million illustrations, 160,000 vectors, 230,000 videos, 260,000 music tracks, 120,000 sound effects, 3,000 3D models, and 12,000 GIFs.
- Royalty-free & attribution-free — All media is free to use under the Pixabay Content License, with no requirement to credit the creator.
- User-friendly search — Filter by image type, orientation, category, and color; browse curated collections like “Europe,” “Pride Month,” or “Summer.”
- No registration required to download — Users can download media without creating an account, though registration offers additional features.
- Editor’s Choice selection — Featured high-quality media are highlighted on the homepage for quick access.
- Upload & share — Creators can upload their own media to the platform and join a community of contributors.
- Additional tools — Some images offer an “Edit in Canva” button for quick adjustments; community contests and a forum engage users.
Who is it for?
- Graphic designers — Source high-res photos, vectors, and illustrations for websites, social media, and print projects without licensing fees.
- Content creators — Download background music and sound effects for YouTube videos, podcasts, or video games.
- Small business owners — Find professional-looking images for marketing materials, product demos, or website banners at no cost.
- Educators and students — Access a wide range of media for presentations, lesson plans, and academic projects legally.
What can you do with Pixabay?
- Create social media posts: Design Instagram graphics using free vectors and photos from Pixabay’s millions of assets.
- Produce video content: Use Pixabay’s stock video clips (230k+) and royalty-free music (260k tracks) for YouTube videos or commercials.
- Enhance websites: Add high-quality imagery to blogs, landing pages, or e‑commerce stores without worrying about copyright.
- Build 3D scenes: Download 3D models (3k assets) for rendering in Blender or other 3D software.
FAQ
Is Pixabay completely free?
Yes, all media on Pixabay is free to download and use for commercial and non-commercial purposes. No attribution is required, though it is appreciated. There are no hidden costs or subscription fees.
Do I need to credit the creator?
No, Pixabay’s license does not require attribution. However, linking back to the creator or the platform is a nice gesture but not mandatory.
Images are typically JPG or PNG; vectors are SVG or EPS; videos are MP4; music and sound effects are MP3. 3D models are often in GLB or OBJ formats.
Can I upload my own content?
Yes, registered users can upload their original media to Pixabay. The platform has a simple upload interface and guidelines for submission.
Are there any limitations on downloads?
There are no daily download limits. You can download as many files as you want without an account.
