Imgur is an American image hosting and sharing service. It operates under MediaLab AI, Inc. as a service. Initially, Imgur focused on providing users digital space to host and share their images. Over the years, the platform has changed its focus to social gossip. Imgur has also become popular through social media platforms, such as Reddit. The platform has also hosted some of the most viral images on the internet, which increased its popularity.
What is Imgur?
Imgur is an image hosting platform that comes with various features. It allows users to upload, like, share and comment on pictures hosted through its service. Initially, the platform started operations under Alan Schaaf. Later, his sister Sarah joined him as the co-founder. At that time, Alan was a Junior at Ohio University in Athens. He was also an active member and user of the Reddit platform.
Alan realized an issue with the Reddit platform due to its image elements. He recognized it did not have a feature to upload and share images quickly. At the time, the best option available was Photobucket. However, its services came with a price tag and required a premium account. Alan realized the need for a platform to upload and share viral images.
In 2009, Alan created Imgur and presented it on the Reddit platform. Since this service addressed a critical issue, it didn’t have a tough time becoming popular. The site began expanding, and more users started to join. However, it also created a problem as Alan had to change servers several times. Then, the demand was significantly high and keeping up with it was a challenge. The only income source to run the website was donations.
Later, Alan received a $25,000 grant from Ohio University. In 2010, he also ran Google ads to pay for his storage costs. However, the platform increased growing in popularity and received several praises. This growth increased the service’s popularity even further and accelerated its expansion. By early 2012, the website had got over one billion page views per month. However, it managed to double that number within a few months.
Imgur also started using a cloud network, which boosted its speed and performance. However, the service still served as a secondary tool to other social media networks. However, in late 2012, Imgur introduced some social features to its website, including upvote and downvote buttons. Similarly, it removed the need for users to share their images to other platforms. Instead, they could share their galleries directly.
In the same year, the service introduced an API. This feature allowed developers to host the image database on their applications. In the same year, Alan graduated from university and convinced his sister Sarah to join him. She got the role of Head of Community and became the co-founder. Over the years, Imgur introduced various tools and launched its apps on well-known app stores. Today, it is one of the prominent names in technology.
How does Imgur work?
Imgur allows users to upload and share images through the internet. The service comes through its website and mobile apps. Usually, users can use them without creating an account. Similarly, it does not require any payment like other image hosting platforms. The platform is straightforward to use. Users with basic computer knowledge can get started on the platform without hassle.
As mentioned above, Imgur does not require users to have an account to use its features. However, registering on the platform comes with significant benefits. For example, it allows users to track their uploads and edit them later. Similarly, they can delete images if they don’t want to use those images anymore. On top of that, an Imgur account gives them access to the social features on the platform.
Users can register for an Imgur account in two ways. The first method is straightforward and requires users to sign up with their existing social media profiles. Currently, Imgur supports Twitter, Google, Facebook and Yahoo accounts. Users can register by going to the registration page and clicking on their corresponding online service. Then, they can log in to their accounts and confirm they want to create an Imgur account through it.
Alternatively, users can create an account through their email addresses. This feature is available through the same registration page. This process requires them to enter a preferred username, which links their account URL. Similarly, it requires an email address and a password. Users must also solve a captcha verification to proceed to the next stage.
Once users enter this information, they can create an account. This process does not require any verification or wait. From there, users can upload images to the platform in several ways. The most straightforward of these is through the website or the associated app. Similarly, users can view other users’ galleries and indulge in the social aspect of the Imgur platform.
What is the Imgur business model?
On the surface, Imgur uses a simplistic business model. However, the platform combines various revenue streams to make money. In the past, Imgur did not use any of these business models. It only focused on providing the best services to its users. At the time, the only competitors used a freemium business model. However, Imgur looks behind that to explore more revenue sources.
Primarily, Imgur operates an advertising business model. Under this model, the service uses its platform to show ads. In exchange, Imgur makes money each time a user views or clicks an ad. These ads come in various formats, including banners and video ads. However, Imgur sells advertising spaces directly to its partners. It does not rely on advertising platforms for that.
Imgur did not support the freemium business model initially. However, it provides subscriptions now. These subscriptions offer users premium features. Essentially, it combines the freemium business model with the subscription business model. Consequently, the website makes regular money through users by providing monthly premium services.
Imgur also uses other business models. However, these do not form a significant income stream for the platform. Imgur has an online store where it sells merchandise. This store does not constitute a vital income stream for the service. Similarly, Imgur also offers its API under a licensing business model. However, it may not generate significant revenues.
How does Imgur make money?
Imgur makes money from various sources. An explanation of each of these sources is as follows.
Advertising
Imgur operates a platform that gets billions in monthly views. The service has capitalized on this opportunity to use its website as an advertising platform. Consequently, Imgur displays ads on its website, which comes from partners. In exchange, the platform makes money when users interact with the ad.
Subscriptions
Imgur launched its premium feature in 2020, allowing users to get premium features. In exchange, the platform makes money through a subscription model. The premium features include ad-free browsing, access to exclusive avatars and trophies, personal accolades, etc. This service comes under a $5 monthly fee. For Imgur, it constitutes a regular income source.
Online store
Imgur also operates its store where it sells merchandise. It includes t-shirts, hoodies, socks, sweatshirts, etc. However, this source does not constitute a significant income stream for the service. Nonetheless, it is a part of the ways Imgur makes money. However, the merchandise can also act as a marketing tool for the platform to spread its name. Therefore, it can have some benefits.
API
Imgur provides a commercial API that allows developers to use the platform’s files. They can integrate those files within their own commercial products. However, the API does not come from Imgur itself but through its partnership with RapidAPI. Imgur makes money by licensing the API through its partner. However, it must also share the licensing fee with RapidAPI.
Conclusion
Imgur is a well-known online image hosting and sharing platform. Initially, the platform focused on image hosting features only. However, it has moved toward a social media network approach to its platform. Imgur uses various business models. These models provide access to several revenue streams. Similarly, Imgur makes money through all of the revenue streams listed above.
