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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.

FeaturePutPutImgur
Signup required No Yes (OAuth app)
API access Instant token Register app + OAuth
File types Any type Images/video only
Max file size100 MB20 MB (images)
Egress fees $0 $0
Rate limits Generous1,250/day (free)
Custom filenames Yes No (random IDs)
File management API List, delete, metadataLimited
AI-friendly docs docs.putput.io No
Ads on file pages No Yes

Code comparison

PutPut
// 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());
Imgur
// 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 ads

Frequently 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.

Get started for free

No signup required. No credit card.

v0.4.77