Image Hosting, also known as picture hosting, is a file hosting service that focuses on hosting static pictures for individuals so that they can be shared with family, friends, or if chosen, the entire public. A typical image host will allow their users to sign up and upload their images, and then provide a link that can be shared with others to access the picture. Image Hosting services provide a number of benefits in that large files don't have to be inserted and sent via email, or delivered by some other medium. Pictures can also be uploaded in one central location so that whenever someone accesses the file they know they are receiving the most up to date version. A typical image host will usually display ads in order to compensate for the free service, or if the user chooses a more professional plan, they can usually eliminate such nuisances. Uploading images is usually quite simple and involves browsing to find the file on your computer and clicking to upload each image. Some services also offer an FTP option for bulk uploading a number of images at one time.

Image Hosts come in handy for social networking sites, auctions, or any other website that place restrictions on photos or files that can be included within the content directly. Using the links provided by a file host, you can embed the hosted images within the content of these other sites. Since most image hosts do place limits on file sizes and number of photos, you may find a more professional service for a small fee to be a better option. These services will typically not bog down your pages with ads, and usually offer a number of additional tools like photo galleries and the possibility to password-protect certain images or folders. Another option, though it usually costs more, is to get a shared website hosting plan, however this typically is not necessary for sharing a limited number of static images.