Can I train an AI model on Pexels License material?

Short answer: Training a model: Needs review. Training a model you use commercially: Needs review.

Pexels License (LicenseRef-Pexels): Photos and videos on Pexels are free to use and modify; attribution is not required. Not allowed: showing identifiable people in a bad light or offensively, selling unaltered copies (posters, prints, physical products), implying endorsement by people or brands shown, redistributing or selling on other stock or wallpaper platforms, or using them in a trademark or business name.

Training a model: Needs review

License: Pexels License (LicenseRef-Pexels, curated_provisional)

• The license does not address model training; review before training on Pexels media.

Training a model you use commercially: Needs review

License: Pexels License (LicenseRef-Pexels, curated_provisional)

• The license does not address model training; review before training on Pexels media.

Context

• Whether a trained model is a copy or adaptation of its training data is legally unsettled; where the license does not settle it, Rightshold marks training for human review instead of guessing.
• Summary — verify against the official license text before relying on it: https://www.pexels.com/license/
• Attribution is not required (appreciated).
• Don't imply endorsement of your product by people or brands in the imagery, and don't show identifiable people in a bad light: check both before using a photo in ads.

Sources

• Pexels License: official text

Check it yourself (free, no key)

{
  "tool": "check_license",
  "arguments": {
    "license": "LicenseRef-Pexels",
    "intended_use": {
      "model_training": true
    }
  }
}

Computed from Rightshold's license profiles; not legal advice. Updated 2026-10-19. JSON · Markdown