PutPut vs the Alternatives
Developers waste hours evaluating file upload services. We did the work for you. Each comparison breaks down pricing, setup time, lock-in, and what actually matters when you just need to upload a file and get a URL.
PutPut vs Imgur
Imgur is great for sharing memes, but it is limited to images and video. PutPut handles any file type, gives you an API token instantly, and never shows ads on your files.
| Feature | PutPut | Imgur |
|---|---|---|
| Signup required | No | Yes (OAuth app) |
| API access | Instant token | Register app + OAuth |
| File types | Any type | Images/video only |
| Max file size | 100 MB | 20 MB (images) |
| Egress fees | $0 | $0 |
| Rate limits | Generous | 1,250/day (free) |
| Custom filenames | Yes | No (random IDs) |
| File management API | List, delete, metadata | Limited |
| AI-friendly docs | docs.putput.io | No |
| Ads on file pages | No | Yes |
Code comparison
// No signup, instant token
const tok = await fetch('/api/v1/auth/guest',
{ method: 'POST' }).then(r => r.json());
// Upload any file type
const pre = await fetch('/api/v1/upload/presign',
{ method: 'POST',
headers: { Authorization: `Bearer ${tok.token}` },
body: JSON.stringify({ filename: 'data.zip',
content_type: 'application/zip' }) }
).then(r => r.json());
await fetch(pre.upload_url,
{ method: 'PUT', body: file });
const result = await fetch('/api/v1/upload/confirm',
{ method: 'POST',
headers: { Authorization: `Bearer ${tok.token}` },
body: JSON.stringify({ upload_id: pre.upload_id }) }
).then(r => r.json());// 1. Register app at api.imgur.com
// 2. Get Client-ID (manual process)
// Images only
const formData = new FormData();
formData.append('image', file);
formData.append('type', 'file');
const res = await fetch(
'https://api.imgur.com/3/image',
{
method: 'POST',
headers: {
Authorization: 'Client-ID abc123'
},
body: formData,
}
);
const data = await res.json();
// data.data.link — but with adsFrequently asked questions
What's the difference between PutPut and Imgur?
PutPut is a developer-focused file upload API that supports any file type. Imgur is an image hosting service limited to images and video. PutPut has no ads and no OAuth requirement.
Can PutPut host non-image files?
Yes. PutPut supports any file type — documents, archives, audio, video, and more. Imgur only supports images and video.
Does PutPut show ads on file pages?
No. PutPut file pages are clean with no ads, no tracking pixels, and no third-party scripts.
Do I need OAuth to use PutPut?
No. PutPut gives you an API token with a single POST request. No OAuth app registration needed, unlike Imgur's API.
No signup required. No credit card.