ImgBB is a free image hosting service for uploading pictures and sharing a link. Its free upload limit is 32 MB per file. You can start without an account, then sign in if you want to save uploads to your account.
For a quick photo share, that is useful. But a shareable link is not the same as private storage, and an upload without an expiry date is not a permanent backup. Here is how to use ImgBB and choose the right sharing option.
What Is ImgBB?
ImgBB stores an image online so you can send someone its address or display it on another page. For example, you could share a photograph in a forum discussion instead of attaching the file to each reply.
It offers viewer links, HTML embed codes, and BBCode for forums. The options available can depend on whether you are signed in. The screenshots below come from the original walkthrough; use the current on-screen labels if the layout differs.
Key Features and Limits
Supported Files and Sizes
ImgBB advertises a 32 MB free upload limit and a 64 MB limit per image with Pro. These are file-size limits, not a promise about total free storage or how long an image will remain available.
Its upload form accepts formats including JPG, PNG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, WebP, HEIC, AVIF, and PDF. Check the current uploader before relying on a less common format. For photographs, export a sharing copy and keep your original file elsewhere.
Viewer Links, Direct Links, and Embed Codes
Choose the link for where you will paste it:
- Viewer link: opens an image page. Use this when sending a link in a message.
- Direct image link: points to the image file itself. It does not restrict viewing to one recipient.
- HTML: use an embed option in a website field that accepts HTML.
- BBCode: use this in a forum that supports BBCode.
ImgBB's API documentation shows the distinction between an ibb.co viewer URL and an i.ibb.co image URL. The signed-out upload form currently lists viewer links and linked HTML/BBCode options, so do not assume every upload shows a separate Direct link option. Copy the code offered for your use, then check the result where you post it.
Auto-Delete
You can set an expiry before uploading, or leave automatic deletion off. Choose an expiry only if the image can disappear from the places where you share it. For sharing photos with clients, agree on how long access is needed first.
ImgBB on a Phone
Start with the ImgBB website in your phone's browser. The linked ImgBB Uploader iOS app lists Christoph Amerstorfer as its developer. Its listing says an ImgBB account is required. Do not confuse that app's developer and privacy information with the hosting service's own policies.
How to Upload and Share Images on ImgBB
1. Open ImgBB and Decide Whether to Sign In
Go to imgbb.com. Sign in first if you want the uploads saved to your account; registration is not required for a basic upload.
2. Select and Prepare Your Images
Choose Start uploading or Upload.
Select a local file or use Add image URLs.
Check the file size before you upload. Using a URL is not a way to bypass an upload limit: ImgBB's API documentation also places a size limit on URL uploads.
Choose an automatic-deletion setting before you continue.
Click the image preview to edit its title, description, or dimensions. ImgBB notes that animated GIFs cannot be resized with this tool.
3. Upload and Copy the Right Link
Press Upload, wait for completion, then copy a viewer link or embed code. Open the shared result to check that it is the intended picture. If you paste HTML or BBCode into a field that expects an ordinary URL, it may display as text instead of an image.
4. Organize Saved Uploads
For uploads saved to an account, the original walkthrough shows a profile menu leading to the image library.
Use the library to group related images rather than trying to find each link in old messages.
Choose the album-creation option to start a collection.
Give the album a clear name and description. You need an account to edit an album later.
The album form offers public, anyone-with-the-link, and password-protected options. Choose deliberately: an album described as private to anyone with the link can still be opened by someone who receives that link.
Use the album's share option when you want to send a collection. Check what the recipient can see before you distribute it.
Safety, Privacy, and Image Retention
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Is ImgBB Safe for Private Photos?
Treat ImgBB as a sharing service. Do not use a direct image URL as proof that a photograph is private. Its terms say uploaded contributions may be visible to other users and through other websites.
Avoid uploading identity documents, confidential client work, or photographs you would not want forwarded. If you use an album password, still check access before sending it. Deleting your upload cannot recall copies that other people have saved.
Is ImgBB Anonymous?
No. Uploading without an account does not make your visit anonymous. ImgBB's privacy notice says it collects information such as IP addresses, device details, and usage data. It also receives information you provide when registering or using social sign-in.
How Long Does ImgBB Keep Images?
The website's default setting is Don't autodelete. Its menu offers timed deletion from five minutes to six months. Turning the timer off does not guarantee that your image will stay online forever: ImgBB's terms reserve the right to remove contributions. Keep a separate backup of any photograph you need to retain.
What If an ImgBB Image Is Not Found?
Check that you copied the complete link, then ask the uploader whether the image was deleted or given an expiry time. Removal by the service is another possibility. An error page alone does not tell you which happened. If the image is gone, ask for a new link from the original file rather than relying on the old upload as your only copy.
Alternative Image Hosting Services
Photobucket
Photobucket is another photo-sharing service. Check its current plans for your specific use before moving a collection: sharing an album and embedding images on another website are different requirements. The older screenshot below is not a guide to its current plans or upload limits.
Imgur
Check your audience's location before choosing Imgur. Its official UK access notice says UK users cannot view or upload content, and embedded Imgur images do not display for them. That makes it unsuitable if your photographs need to reach UK readers.
Postimages
Postimages supports uploads without an account. Its FAQ lists a 32 MB limit and dimensions up to 10,000 × 10,000 pixels for free and anonymous uploads, so it is not limited to low-resolution pictures. It also says it does not offer password protection. Use it for sharing images that can be seen by anyone who obtains the link.
Conclusion
ImgBB is useful when you need a link to a picture or an embed code for a forum. Choose the right link type, check the deletion setting, and keep your originals backed up.
File size and image resolution are different limits. If a file is too large, make a smaller sharing copy; our ON1 Resize AI review explains one resizing tool. Keep private work in a service whose access controls meet your needs.
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