Can I train AI on Unsplash photos?

Short answer: Training a model on Unsplash photos: Needs review.

Photos on unsplash.com are offered under the Unsplash License.

Training a model on Unsplash photos: Needs review

License: Unsplash License (LicenseRef-Unsplash, curated_provisional)

• Compiling Unsplash images to replicate a similar or competing service is excluded, and the license does not address model training; review before training on Unsplash images.

Context

• Unsplash's terms of service also govern how the site and its API are accessed (bulk downloading and scraping are restricted); the license reading here covers the photos, not the access route.
• Summary — verify against the official license text before relying on it: https://unsplash.com/license
• Attribution is not required (appreciated).
• Unsplash+ images (plus.unsplash.com) are under separate Unsplash+ terms, not this license.

Sources

• Unsplash License
• Unsplash Terms

Check it yourself (free, no key)

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

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