Pexels

Free Stock Photos and Videos

Pexels API provides free access to their library of high-quality stock photos and videos. You can search by keyword, browse curated collections, and download images in multiple sizes — all with a free license that allows commercial use without attribution (though attribution is appreciated). The API returns structured JSON with multiple image size URLs. For OpenClaw agents, Pexels is excellent for sourcing hero images for blog posts, adding relevant photos to reports, or enriching chat messages with visual content. The search API is simple and the free tier is generous at 200 requests/hour.

Tags: media, images

Category: Photography

Use Cases

  • Source hero images for blog posts or social media content
  • Add relevant stock photos to agent-generated reports or summaries
  • Search for themed images to enrich chat messages or Notion pages

Tips

  • Use the 'orientation' parameter (landscape, portrait, square) for better results
  • Download images to local storage for reuse instead of re-fetching from API
  • Pexels' curated collections are great for themed content — browse at pexels.com/collections

Known Issues & Gotchas

  • API key is required — register at pexels.com/api to get one
  • 200 requests/hour is per-key — share across your skills carefully
  • Image sizes are predetermined (small, medium, large, original) — no custom resizing via API

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need attribution for Pexels photos?

No, attribution is not required by the Pexels license, though it's appreciated. You can use photos commercially without crediting the photographer.

How does Pexels compare to Unsplash?

Both offer free stock photos with permissive licenses. Pexels has a simpler API and includes video. Unsplash has a larger library and more professional photography. Pexels is often easier to integrate.

Can I download videos too?

Yes. The Pexels API includes video search and download endpoints. Videos are free under the same permissive license as photos.