Updated 2024 Approved Demystifying Pexels Your Comprehensive Guide to Free Imagery

Demystifying Pexels: Your Comprehensive Guide to Free Imagery

There is a great way to make your messages more impactful that is free to use. Pexels is an online creative assets library that features high-resolution photos, including Pexels 4k, and an assortment of audio clips you can use in your creations.

The following are things you need to know about Pexels.com. It includes details on what Pexels is, important user information, and other hidden features of the website. Keep reading to find out more.

Part1: Is Pexels.com free to use?

Yes, Pexels.com is a free online library of stock photos that you can use for personal or commercial purposes with your creations. In addition, photographers submit their images to the platform to allow others to reuse them.

Pexels’ free download policy allows you to obtain images under the Pexels or Creative common licensing rules. In addition, both licenses allow you to use Pexels images and videos for personal and commercial purposes, provided you make alterations to the original.

According to the site’s founders, the following are the reasons why the site is free:

Its main source of revenue is selling advertisement slots to other paid-content databases.
You can also donate to the website’s operational costs with a single click. In addition, there is no limitation on how much and how often you can donate.
Most of the site’s contributors do so willingly to increase their brand exposure. For example, a verified user states that uploading his content to Pexels 4k and Pexels audio has resulted in an influx of high-paying customers.

So, what is the difference between paid and stock photo sites? Paid content databases such as Shutterstock and Deposit photos require you to create a user ID and subscribe to their service. Conversely, stock photo sites like Pexels.com feature free stock images and videos that you can use with minimal restrictions.

For example, the site allows you to use its content on YouTube for personal or commercial reasons, provided you make adjustments to the original asset, and you own the video. In addition, the site’s library features content that its contributors share willingly. As such, you can download content from these sites without creating an account or acknowledging the image owner.

Currently, you can access Pexels through your web browser or download the app on your Android or iOS device. In addition, you can also access the asset library through the Canva application following their merger. Furthermore, you can also download it as a plugin for different content creation software, including Photoshop, MS Office, and Google Slides.

Part2: What can Pexels provide you?

Now that you are aware of Pexels.com’s origin story and access methods, here is a rundown of what free access provides you.

1. 4K images for almost all topics

Pexels.com features a dedicated library of over 40,000 4k images from their contributors. You can access the library by typing 4k in the site’s search engine. In addition, the library is full of 4k images across various topics, including niche subjects such as Nebula and Abstract. Furthermore, the site’s search engine uses search tags to provide more accurate results. For example, by typing 4K Dark in the search engine, the site can narrow down your search to provide more relevant results.

2. Audio

You also get access to Pexels audio, a collection of over 8000 audio clips from the site’s numerous contributors. In addition, all of the Pexels audio’s content is completely free to use for all users. Currently, you can only access the database through your web browser and the iOS app.

3. Video

Another content category that your free access provides you is Pexels video. The database features a collection of over 2000 video clips you can use for your commercial or personal works. In addition, Pexels.com offers various editing tools to make alterations immediately. Furthermore, you also have templates for different content configurations, including social media and YouTube posts.

Part3: What’s Leaderboard and Challenges on Pexels.com?

The Pexels free download leaderboard is a list of the site’s top contributors within the past thirty days. The ranking is based on the number of views of photos and videos you submit within thirty days. For example, you earn the top spot if you receive the most views to your content, provided it is less than thirty days old. As such, each contributor has an equal chance of rising to the top, provided they put in the effort.

On the other hand, Pexels challenges are monthly competitions where contributors submit their best work to win different prizes. Typically, each challenge varies in the category, prizes, and content specifications. For example, the most recent challenge required contributors to upload images projecting friendship.

In addition, there is no limitation to the number of eligible uploads because challenge officials consider all of them. Finally, all images you submit for the Pexels challenge fall under the Pexels license, meaning they are free to use by the site’s visitors.

Part4: What are not allowed on Pexels?

Currently, all of the Pexels creative assets are under the Pexels license, a variation to the creative commons zero license other stock photo sites offer. Although you can access and download the site’s assets for free, there are some restrictions on your usage of them. Here is what Pexels.com’s free download license does not allow you to do with its assets.

1. It can’t be used in a political context

You cannot use Pexels free download videos, images, and audio clips in a political context. This is because some of the assets include identifiable people, and using their image may be seen as their endorsement of your political beliefs. In addition, the situation becomes worse if your ideology contains offensive material and messaging.

Furthermore, the Pexels license also bans using their creative assets to promote your personal brand, especially when they contain any identifiable imagery. By doing so, Pexels.com remains a free resource for people of all creeds, regardless of their political affiliations.

2. Resell the resources

Another thing you cannot do when using Pexels.com is to resell their photos and videos to other stock photograph platforms. Most users attribute this to the site’s owners wanting to maintain a fresher database than its competitors.

In addition, you can also consider the restriction as a way to prevent duplication of results on web searches and prevent the overuse of creative assets. As such, you cannot use their creative assets on items such as print media and physical goods, including T-shirts and mugs.

Part5: FAQs

Why should you create a Pexels account?

Pexels.com seeks to create a simple and fast medium for you to discover free photos and videos. It does so by providing a common platform where contributors can share their work with a greater audience. Here are some of the benefits of creating a Pexels.com account:

You can create collections for different projects, accessible on different dashboards.
Continuous free access to every creative asset you have ever downloaded. For example, you can access all images you have downloaded from Pexels 4K.
You also get a custom homepage that features your latest work and database favorites.
In addition, you will have access to the site’s community, which has helpful information for all users.

What are the rules for uploading videos on Pexels.com?

Here are the requirements for uploading videos on Pexels.com:

Your videos must be of resolution 1920 X 1080 and higher.
All videos should be free of explicit content such as nudity or violence.
Your videos should not feature any watermarks, branding, or borders.
The recording and scene transitions should be seamless.
The site does not permit the uploading of animations.

What are the image uploading requirements on Pexels.com?

Pexels free download accepts images in JPEG format only. In addition, your images must also meet the following conditions.

All photos need to be at least 4 megapixels and have a minimum resolution of 2592 X 1520 pixels.
Your images should not contain any explicit material. All photos with graphic nudity and violence are banned from the website.
Your photos should be well-oriented and should not include watermarks, text elements, or borders when uploading them to your pexelx.com account.

Does Pexels.com accept uploading of mobile photos?

Yes. Using the app, you can upload images from your smartphone’s internal storage directly to Pexels.com. In addition, other requirements must be met before your photo is approved. You can find out more from the upload guidelines on pexel.com.

What alterations can you make to use Pexels photos on your merchandise?

Pexels allows you to use its images for personal and commercial reasons if you alter them and make them your own. Some of the alterations the site recommends include:

Adding graphic elements to the images using Pexels.com’s editing tool.
Using part of the Pexels image in a greater project such as a collage or wallpaper.

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

“Serenity in Sorrow: A Guide to Heartfelt Music From the Year 2024”

There is something special about a tune playing in the background. We all enjoy it— when we are feeling low. Sad background music sets the mood of the slow videos and albums. So, if you wish to download sad songs, you can visit the websites we have mentioned below.

Part 1. Top 5 Sites to Free Download Sad Background Music in 2024

1. Audio Jungle

This famous site lets you download music in 2024. Artists sell the recorded items as royalty-free files. Although you will pay for audio files, it enables you to download a high-quality track every month for free.

There are music packs and kits with different tracks and genres. Every week, you’ll find featured music that is hand-picked from the best audio collections.

Features

Unlimited songs for different budget ranges.
Find the newest royalty-free music and audio tracks on Audio Jungle.

2. Jamendo

Jamendo is a huge resource for sad audio files, featuring songs from all around the globe and tracks in various languages. The radio feature on this site lets you play a specific genre you want, just like on a radio station.

Since it is an open community, you’ll find free sad background music from various artists – both famous and new ones. There are albums of different genres such as pop, rock, emotional, hip-hop, jazz, and chill out. Jamendo is one of the biggest sources of free audio files on the web. A fair share of what you pay goes to them.

Features

Unique tracks from independent artists.
Download as well as upload and share your songs.

3. Storyblocks

Ready to get all the feels? Storyblocks offers royalty-free sad background music that you can download unlimited times. Sad instrumental songs are all you need for those moments of heartbreak or loss. Join 150,000+ creators & listeners worldwide who love Storyblocks. The website offers a flexible plan for every budget.

Royalty-Free

All the royalty-free audio tracks
New audios keep adding on story blocks.

4. Noisetrade

Noisetrade is a free site with many artists and albums. The website has a simple and user-friendly UI, so you can quickly look for the songs and sad background music in 2024.

You can check out the artists and their albums that resonate with you. If you like them, you can support them by donating. This also helps in promoting the artists. It is free to use and legal to download or stream songs in Noisetrade.

But, if you wish to download tracks for video, stream full songs, and get access to the sad albums, you can share your email ID. You will receive a particular item there.

Features:

Free background music from thousands of artists.
Download the most famous songs from it.

5. Premium Beat

Royalty-Free incredible music awaits you. Explore the exclusive collections on the site by genre. You can also search, sort, and filter depending on your taste and find your perfect match.

Features:

You can add songs to favorites and listen later.
Just pay a fee for a license, and you can download files from the site.

There are top five websites to download royalty-free audios but do you know the best place to go?

We recommend Filmstock as it allows you to download royalty-free music from various genres in MP3 or WAV format. You will also find more sound effects in the audio library. Visit the Music library of Filmstock and explore more songs for your video.

Try It Free

For Win 7 or later (64-bit)

Try It Free

For macOS 10.14 or later

Part 2. 10 Hot Sad Background Music in 2024

1. Missing You by Purple Cat

Missing You is a fantastic sound by Purple Cat, a U.S-based music producer & visual artist trapped in a cat’s body. She mostly hangs out in her studio, creating dreamy landscapes of distant worlds and faraway sounds. She makes a surreal world with her songs. Other latest releases by the same artist are Distant Worlds, Sweet Dreams, and Adventure Island.

2. Sorrow by Alexander Nakarada

Sorrow is a song from the album Fantasy Fair by Alexander Nakarada, a Norwegian composer and the founder of SerpentSound Studios. He creates all kinds of tracks for the creative people out there. If you feel sad and low, this song playing in the background can ease your soul.

3. No Turning Back by Synapse Trailer Music -

Synapse Trailer is a full-service production house based in Los Angeles, creating songs for various purposes. No turning back is beautiful, emotional instrumental music that will touch your heart and make you feel fantastic.

4. Wilderness Roads- Salt Of The Sound & Simon Wester

“With so much that is still unknown, we felt inspired to write a song that speaks of this uncharted territory.” Swedish artist Simon Wester and Salt Of The Sound. Are you having a hard time? This song is for when we undoubtedly find ourselves on these ‘wilderness roads,’ but we won’t be alone in that journey. Echoes Blue Music released it.

5. Michael FK - Gleam

Michael FK is a sound producer specializing in composing songs for short films and other visual media. Gleam is one popular song by him. It was released in 2020.

6. Gísli Gunnarsson - Birds Of Paradise

This song belongs to the album Birds of Prey by Gísli Gunnarsson. This Album has 15 exclusive audio tracks, all from female artists. The songs are so engaging you’ll get hooked to them.

7. Narrow Skies - The Night

Narrow Skies has been a group active since 2017. ‘The Night’ is the third single from the album Earth. It is inspired by the human impact on nature.

8. Michael FK - Yearning

This is another song by Michael FK. His style is epic and emotional. A contemporary, modern orchestral sound is the basis of his compositions, but that’s all that makes them comparable. Yearning is such a delicate composition that makes you feel beautiful. It will give you goosebumps.

9. Andreas Kübler - Is This Goodbye

Andreas Kübler is a German musician and composer, with ‘The Stories We Forget’ being his latest piece to be released. It’s a heart-touching song that creates a soft atmosphere if you feel down. This is how it goes- “It’s been an honor fighting alongside you. Is this goodbye? If so, have a safe journey, my friend. I hope you find whatever it is you’re looking for”.

10. Mustafa Avşaroğlu - When the Last Hope Runs Out

Are you feeling hopeless? Listen to this sad background music and heal yourself. Mustafa Avşaroğlu is a Turkish neoclassical composer. He makes fantastic sad background songs for broken hearts.

Conclusion

Although there are many different places to find sad background music, you will find high-quality, royalty-free songs on Filmstock. Take a look at all of these websites and see where you can find the songs you listen to when you are low. You’re bound to find the next great sad background song.