How do I know the first upload worked?
The result panel shows a Direct URL and the image opens in a new tab.
First successful upload
Free image hosting: upload and check your first link
Complete your first successful upload without an account: choose a file, verify, upload, then open the Direct URL.
First upload pathUp to 5 MBOpenable Direct URL
Before your first upload
Normal uploads need no account. Use the upload form to choose temporary retention, preview the file, complete verification and receive a direct image URL. Permanent storage requires an approved code.
First upload: from file to checked link
Use a non-sensitive JPG, PNG, GIF or WebP file of 5 MB or less that you are allowed to share.
Follow the public upload form
- Open /upload, select a supported image up to 5 MB and check its preview.
- Choose 1, 7 or 30 days of retention. Permanent storage needs an approved code.
- Answer the current verification question, then select Upload Image.
- Wait for a successful upload result, then copy Direct URL from the result panel.
- Open your own Direct URL in a new tab and check the image before sharing it.
What a hosted image looks like
This site-owned image demonstrates an openable image URL. It is not a screenshot of the upload form or a temporary user upload.
https://assets.mini-tools.uk/image/icon-512x512.png
Prepare the image before you upload
A few minutes of preparation avoids the most common problems with hosted images: files over the size limit, blurry screenshots and details you did not mean to publish.
- Pick the right format. PNG keeps screenshots and small text sharp, JPG is much smaller for photos, WebP is smaller again where the destination supports it, and GIF is only worth using for short animations.
- Get under 5 MB. Phone photos are often 3 to 8 MB. Resizing to around 1600 to 2000 pixels on the long edge usually brings a photo well under the limit with no visible loss on a screen.
- Check for location data. Phone photos can carry GPS coordinates and device details in EXIF metadata. Do not assume metadata is removed on upload; export a clean copy if you do not want it to travel with the file.
- Crop out private details. Look for email addresses, order numbers, access tokens, open browser tabs and notification pop-ups in screenshots. Once a link is shared, you cannot control who opens it.
- Keep the original. The hosted copy is for sharing, not a backup, so keep the source file on your own device.
If the first upload fails
Use the upload terminal messages on /upload. Typical fixes:
File larger than 5 MB
Compress or resize the image, then choose it again.
Unsupported format
Convert to JPG, PNG, GIF or WebP before uploading.
Verification error
Refresh the question, enter the new result, then retry.
Service or network error
Wait a moment and retry. Do not assume success if the result panel stays empty.
Short limits reminder
Hosted links are shareable, not private storage. Do not upload identity documents, private screenshots, financial files, confidential work, illegal content or images you cannot share. Retention and removal details are covered on the temporary-upload guide and the contact page.
Accepted: JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP up to 5 MB. Removal or abuse reports: contact page or [email protected] with the image URL.
FAQ
Do I need an account for the first upload?
No. Normal uploads on /upload do not require an account.
What if verification keeps failing?
Refresh the question and enter only the new result. Old answers will not match.
Why is my phone photo over the 5 MB limit?
Phone cameras save large, high-resolution files. Resize the photo or export it as JPG or WebP at a lower quality, then upload the smaller copy.
Which format is best for a screenshot?
PNG is usually best for screenshots with text or interface elements, because JPG compression can blur small text. Use JPG or WebP for photographs.