Pexels

Pexels is a leading free stock photography and video platform that has established itself as a go-to resource for high-quality, royalty-free visual content. The platform operates on a freemium model, providing millions of users worldwide with access to curated images and videos contributed by a global community of photographers and videographers. Pexels has democratized access to professional-grade visual assets, eliminating traditional barriers associated with expensive stock media licensing. The company serves a diverse user base ranging from individual content creators, bloggers, and students to small businesses, marketing agencies, and enterprise organizations. By offering completely free downloads with no attribution required (though encouraged), Pexels has disrupted the traditional stock media industry and positioned itself as an essential tool in the digital content creation ecosystem. The platform's intuitive search functionality, curated collections, and consistent quality standards have contributed to its rapid adoption and sustained growth in the competitive visual content marketplace. Pexels generates revenue primarily through strategic partnerships, premium placement opportunities for contributors, and potential API licensing arrangements with enterprise clients. The platform was acquired by Canva in 2018, providing additional resources and strategic alignment with one of the world's leading design platforms. This acquisition has enabled Pexels to scale its operations, expand its content library, and integrate more deeply into the broader creative workflow ecosystem while maintaining its commitment to free, accessible visual content.