Media Search

Media Search for Development

Find images, videos, and visual content for applications using Pexels, Unsplash, and Jina image search.

Service Comparison

If Pexels and Unsplash are not configured, use Jina's search_images as the primary fallback — it searches the open web and requires no additional MCP setup beyond the plugin's bundled Jina server. For stock-quality images without dedicated MCP, also try web_search_advanced_exa (opt-in Exa tool) with includeDomains: ["pexels.com", "unsplash.com"].

Pattern 0: Jina Web Image Search (Always Available)

Use this when Pexels/Unsplash MCP tools are not configured, or when you need images from the open web (not just stock sites):

Tool: search_images
Input: {
  "query": "modern office workspace interior design",
  "num": 15
}

Returns image URLs from across the web — useful for design inspiration, reference images, and when stock photos aren't specific enough. Bundled with this plugin, no extra configuration needed.

Pattern 1: Search Stock Photos

Pexels

Tool: searchPhotos
Input: {
  "query": "modern office workspace",
  "orientation": "landscape",
  "size": "large",
  "per_page": 15
}

Returns URLs in multiple sizes — use src.large (940px), src.medium (350px), or src.small (130px) based on your needs.

Unsplash

Tool: get_search_photos
Input: {
  "query": "mountain landscape sunset",
  "orientation": "landscape",
  "per_page": 10
}

Returns urls.regular (1080px), urls.small (400px), urls.thumb (200px).

Important: Call get_photos_download when using an Unsplash photo to track the download as required by their API guidelines.

Jina Web Image Search

Tool: search_images
Input: {
  "query": "dashboard UI design inspiration",
  "num": 10
}

Searches the open web — returns images from any website, not just stock photo sites. Useful for design inspiration and reference.

Pattern 2: Search Videos

Tool: searchVideos
Input: {
  "query": "tech startup office",
  "orientation": "landscape",
  "size": "medium",
  "per_page": 5
}

Returns video files with multiple quality options. Use for background videos, hero sections, or content.

Trending Videos

Tool: getPopularVideos
Input: { "per_page": 10 }

Pattern 3: Get Curated/Random Content

Pexels Curated

Tool: getCuratedPhotos
Input: { "per_page": 20 }

Editorially selected — good for placeholder content or featured images.

Unsplash Random

Tool: get_photos_random
Input: {
  "query": "technology",
  "orientation": "landscape",
  "count": 5
}

Returns random photos matching the query — good for dynamic hero images.

Pattern 4: Browse Collections

Tool: getFeaturedCollections
Input: { "per_page": 10 }

Then get media from a collection:

Tool: getCollectionMedia
Input: {
  "id": "collection-id",
  "type": "photos",
  "per_page": 20
}

Pattern 5: Get Specific Media by ID

When you found a photo/video you want to use:

Tool: getPhoto
Input: { "id": 12345 }

Tool: getVideo
Input: { "id": 67890 }

Workflow: Find Media for Your App

1. Search broadly — use searchPhotos with general terms
2. Refine — add orientation, size, color filters
3. Preview — check returned URLs at different sizes
4. Select and download — use the appropriate size URL for your app
5. Track download (Unsplash only) — call get_photos_download

Integration Tips

For Web Apps

// Use small/medium URLs for thumbnails, large for detail views
const imageUrl = photo.src.medium; // Pexels
const imageUrl = photo.urls.regular; // Unsplash

For Content Pipelines

Combine media search with web scraping:

1. Scrape content from source site
2. Search for relevant stock images based on content
3. Build content package with text + images

For Responsive Images

Both Pexels and Unsplash provide multiple sizes:

Notes

• Pexels and Unsplash require separate MCP configuration — they are not bundled in this plugin's .mcp.json
• If neither stock service is configured, use Jina's search_images which searches the open web
• Always check image licenses before using in commercial applications
• Consider using deduplicate_images (Jina) when collecting images from multiple sources