In 2025, visuals are no longer optional; they are a must for any type of content. Whether you’re creating a blog article, social media post, or marketing campaign, high-quality images play a crucial role in capturing the attention of a potential customer. With an image API, you can have thousands of pictures at your fingertips, from stock photos to customizable graphics. But with so many choices out there, how do you know which tool is right for you for the best image?
This article will guide you through the best image and video APIs on the market, highlighting their key features and benefits. All to help you determine which creative tool is the right match for your business. Read on to learn more!
Table of contents
What is an image API?
An image API is a programming interface that allows developers to integrate image-related services into applications or websites. With an image API, any web-based company can have a stock content library and image editing tools readily available for their users.
Is an image API a popular solution among businesses?
Yes, image APIs are becoming increasingly popular among businesses. Here are some examples of how they can be used.
- MarTech products
If your business involves some kind of marketing technology and caters to marketers, designers, or content creators, then API for MarTech can be incredibly useful. For example, Mailchimp, a popular email marketing platform, uses an image API to help users create visually appealing newsletters and email campaigns directly on their website.
- E-commerce platforms
Image APIs offer more than just a collection of quality pictures; they often include image editing tools and features. E-commerce platforms can use these tools to crop, resize, and apply filters to their own product photos in one place.
- Media outlets
News sites, blogs, and digital magazines are always in need of high-quality, diverse images to accompany their articles. By incorporating image APIs into their sites, media outlets can make the process of sourcing photos for their content easier and more efficient.
5 best image and video APIs
Each of the tools below represents a different type of image API, from simple content delivery to full creative suites.
- Creative Suite API by Depositphotos and VistaCreate
Creative Suite API is a tool you’ll want to know about if you’re building a platform that relies on high-quality visuals. Designed for marketers, designers, and content creators, it combines a huge stock library with an easy-to-use design editor.
The Creative Suite API features over 310 million stock photos, videos, illustrations, vectors, and music files, a suite of AI-powered tools, and an advanced editor. However, instead of paying for everything, you can choose the functionality you want and only pay for what you actually use.
Despite the high quality of the content, Depositphotos offers prices that are 10–50% lower than competing services. Yet, their main advantage lies in legally compliant solutions. Once you sign up for their services, you gain access to commercially safe content that can be used without the risk of copyright infringement.
Unlike Depositphotos, Alamy’s API offers only images, illustrations, and vectors. Their vast library includes over 400 million high-resolution stock files that cater to a variety of needs, from business presentations to creative projects. In the future, the platform intends to add videos to its REST API.
Alamy API may not offer the same range of services as other image APIs, but it has a unique selling point that sets it apart. The platform secured an exclusive partnership with the Associated Press to provide access to its 18 million editorial images, including archival shots from Pulitzer Prize-winning photographers.
- Unsplash API
If you’re building an experimental app and are looking for low-cost marketing solutions, the Unsplash API is a great option. Although this API only contains photos, they are all high-quality and free to use. You can choose from a collection of seven million images, each hand-picked by Unsplash’s team of curators.
Despite its simple setup, the platform claims that the Unsplash API can handle any volume of requests. Plus, you have unlimited photo requests, so you never have to worry about running out of images for your app. The only issue is that you will have to double-check each image for copyrighted material, including logos, trademarks, or recognizable people.
- Vecteezy API
For those interested in vector graphics, the Vecteezy API is a perfect alternative. It provides access to millions of vectors, PNGs, illustrations, videos, images, and stock photos that can be used for personal or commercial purposes.
But don’t get discouraged by its large visual library. Thanks to Vecteezy’s powerful AI search algorithm, you can easily find the perfect graphic for your project in just a few clicks. The platform allows you to sort files by type, color, orientation, style, and more.
Similar to Unsplash, the Vecteezy API offers simple integration of its REST API. However, you don’t need to worry about attribution or royalties, as Vecteezy guarantees worry-free licensing for all its customers.
- Storyblocks Stock Media API
Last but not least is the Storyblocks Stock Media API. While it doesn’t offer an extensive library of API images, you can find millions of creative assets, including video footage, video templates, motion backgrounds, music, and sound effects on the platform.
The Storyblocks API will be a great addition to TV streaming, eLearning, media editing, digital marketing, and content creation platforms. Plus, you don’t have to worry about the image API cost, as Storyblocks offers free trial periods and custom subscription plans.
Closing notes
An image API is a powerful tool that can completely transform your business. You can improve UX, deliver high-quality visuals at scale, and engage customers in a whole new way. So why not take advantage of this technology and boost your brand’s online presence today?
