
A huge variety of information, data and media, including pictures, are available on the internet. One of the important search engines is Google, It provides users with a helpful image database.
One of the most often used search engines for ideas online is Google Images. It is widely used by developers, designers, and content creators to find high-quality image data for their projects. You can easily retrieve images for your projects or applications with the use of Google SERP API. This article will provide information and will guide you through the steps to get images from Google using image API.
The two most popular image search APIs are Google Images Search API and Bing Image Search API. In this blog post, we’ll provide important information on both search APIs which basically help you to decide which is best suited for your requirements.
The following points are covered in this article:
- Overview of Google’s APIs
- Google’s Image Search API
- Steps to create a Google API key
- Bing Image Search API
- Google Images Search API vs. Bing
- Image Search API
Overview of Google's APIs
Developers can use a variety of Google services and incorporate them into their apps because of the selection of APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) which Google provides. These APIs provide programmers the ability to gain access, to a large amount of information and services offered by Google, such as Google Maps, Drive, Calendar, Analytics, and more.

Google’s APIs
Some of the well-known Google APIs are the Google Maps API, It allows programmers to include maps and geographic information in their applications. The Google Drive API gives programmers access to and controls over files stored on Google Drive, and the Google Calendar API, enables programmers to add, read, and modify events and schedules in Google Calendar.
Also Read: How Google SERP API Works?
Google's Image Search API
What is the Google Images API?
Getting Started
- Access the Google API Console (https://console.developers.google.com/).
- Click on “Select a Project”.
- Give your project a name, and click on “Create”.
- Enable the Google Images API by clicking on the “APIs & Services”, then select “Library”.
- Search for “Google Images API” and select it.
- Click “Enable” to enable the API.
- Further, create a new API key by clicking on “Create Credentials”.
- Select “API key” and copy the API key.
- Retrieving Images
vbnet:
https://www.googleapis.com/customsearch/v1?key=YOUR_API_KEY&cx=017576662512468239146:omuauf_lfve&q=dogs&searchType=image
Using the Google Images API:
perl:
GET https://www.googleapis.com/customsearch/v1?q=cute%20kittens&cx=01234567891011121314151617181920:abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz&key=YOUR_API_KEY
json:
{
"items": [
{
"link": "https://www.example.com/images/cute-kitten.jpg",
"mime": "image/jpeg",
"snippet": "A cute kitten"
},
{
"link": "https://www.example.com/images/adorable-kitten.jpg",
"mime": "image/jpeg",
"snippet": "An adorable kitten"
},
…
]
}
Bing Image Search API
A similar service offered by Microsoft is Bing Image Search API. Utilizing Bing’s image recognition algorithms, enables you to search for images and delivers high-quality pictures that are related to your search. With Bing Image, you can modify your search by size, color, style, and other factors while still receiving high-quality images. The Bing Image Search API offers a number of functionalities, such as:
- Access to a large database of images indexed by Bing.
- To filter images by size, color, and other criteria.
- Support for both REST and JSON APIs.
- Easy integration with other Microsoft APIs such as Azure Cognitive Services and Microsoft Power Apps.
- Comprehensive documentation and developer tools.
Which One to Use?
The Google and Bing, Image Search APIs, are reliable resources that offer similar features and adequate resources that may be used to find, examine, and manipulate images. Your choice should be based on your requirements, considering variables like the image database’s size, cost, level of integration, and developer support.
Conclusion
To conclude, For searching and retrieving images, both Google Images Search API and Bing Image Search API are robust and reliable tools with similar features and functionalities. If you require a vast image database and easy integration with other Google APIs, then Google Images Search API may be the better choice.
Bing Image Search API may be a better fit if you prefer Microsoft APIs or need a more flexible pricing plan. Overall, both APIs are excellent options for searching high-quality images online, and the choice between them should be based on your specific needs and preferences.