An image hosting service allows individuals to upload images to an Internet website. The image host will then store the image on its server and provide the uploader with different types of code to allow others to view that image. Image hosting services are typically used by online sellers who need a place to store image files for inclusion in their venue listings especially if they use their own HTML listing template code.
Typically image hosting websites provide an upload interface of some sort. It is often a form in which you specify the location of an image file on your local computer file system using a browse button. After clicking a submit button the file is uploaded to the image host's server. Some image hosts allow you to specify multiple files at once in the upload form, or offer the ability to upload one ZIP (archive) file containing multiple images. Additionally some hosts allow FTP access where single or multiple files can be uploaded in one session using FTP software or an FTP-capable browser.
After going through the upload process your image file is hosted, and available, on their server. Typically this means it is available on the web (to the public). You may also be allowed to make inline links to the hosted image, to embed it on other websites by:
- Linking with HTML code - for use in templates, websites, or on forums.
- Linking with BBcode - for use on forums that support it.
- A clickable thumbnail that is linked to the full image - for inclusion in email or other space-restricted places.
Usually, the image host will put restrictions on the maximum image size allowed, often resizing (down-sizing) your image during the upload procedure, or limit the total space or bandwidth allowed per user. Due to bandwidth costs, free services usually offer relatively modest size limits per image when compared to paid services, but allow users hotlinking their images. Individuals needing to host large images should consider purchasing image hosting services or purchasing full commercial web hosting services, so that they may operate their own website without restriction.
Image hosts often also provide graphic editing and gallery creation tools that allow the ability to create photoblogs/galleries with your images, or add them to a slideshow for easier viewing. Some offer more advanced tools such as the ability for an individual to add notes to an image they uploaded, sideloaders, or browser sidebars. Other hosts have introduced novel features such as the ability to automatically resize images down to a user-selected size. A Flickr tool allows you to upload photos using a camera phone with email capability.
Many image hosts are free. Of the free image hosts, the vast majority are supported by advertisement, mostly at the top of their pages, thumbnail pages, or 'not found' pages. Showing advertisements to users has enabled image size and bandwidth limits to increase on some free sites. Some free hosts have optional paid image hosting functions, while other hosts offer only paid services. Features and storage available are generally better for paid services, while cost is still much less than the cost of purchasing full commercial web hosting services to operate a website. Paid services often allow you to have password protected photo albums, customizable skins, and customized subdomains. There are many other paid services available that offer different packages of features, options, and costs. Check to see you are getting what you need but not paying extra for things you don't really want or need. It's worth shopping around.
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