Freepik is a technology company specializing in AI tools for creating and editing audiovisual content.[1] The company provides AI-powered design tools, AI-generated images, and a growing collection of stock photos, illustrations, and vector graphics, operating under a freemium business model.[2]

History

Freepik was founded in 2010 by brothers Alejandro Sánchez and Pablo Blanes, together with their friend Joaquín Cuenca, founder of Panoramio.[3] Initially, it was a search engine that indexed content from the top 10 free content websites for designers.[4]

In 2014, Freepik started to produce graphical assets.[5] In 2015, the subscription model was launched where users who pay for a premium account have access to more content. The site also started allowing designers and photographers to upload their assets to the platform to earn income.[6]

In 2018, Freepik changed its visual identity and introduced a new logo.[7]

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Freepik offered its resources free of charge to healthcare workers, educators, journalists, and workers in public institutions.[8]

Acquisitions

In June 2022, Freepik announced its acquisition of Videvo, a UK-based stock website, to expand into video and audio content.[9][10][11]

In October 2022, Freepik acquired Iconfinder, a Danish marketplace for icons, and Original Mockups, a provider of 3D resources and mockup templates. These acquisitions expanded Freepik's design resource offerings and its presence in Nordic and Latin American markets.[12][13]

In October 2023, the company announced its acquisition of EyeEm, a formal rival of Instagram, securing access to a collection of 160 million stock photos.[14] During this period, Freepik opened its San Francisco office and transitioned from a pure stock image platform towards a Gen-AI products and tools provider.[15][16]

In May 2024, Freepik acquired Magnific, a Spanish startup specializing in AI-driven image upscaling and enhancement.[17]

Products

Freepik provides a variety of products and features:

  • AI Image Generator is a tool for creating photorealistic images and digital art from text prompts using advanced AI models.[18]
  • AI Video Generator allows users to transform descriptive prompts and images into short video clips, simplifying video creation.[19][20]
  • AI Voice Generator converts written text into natural-sounding speech, replicating tone and emotion across multiple languages and styles.
  • LoRAs (Custom Styles and Characters) ensure character consistency in AI-generated visuals by analyzing and storing image profiles for future use.[21][22]
  • Retouch is an AI-driven image editing feature for adding, removing, or enhancing elements in photos.[23]
  • Upscaler improves image resolution up to 4K, refining details without introducing blurring or pixelation.[24]
  • Background Remover automatically removes image backgrounds, producing transparent PNG files for further customization.[25]
  • Reimagine uses AI to reinterpret images into editable prompts, offering various customization options for visuals.[26]
  • Sketch to Image converts digital sketches into refined images in real-time, with support for written prompts and additional inputs.[26]
  • Stock Images and Videos is a library of millions of high-quality stock images, design elements, videos, and audio files, available via free or premium subscriptions.[27]
  • Templates and Mockups offers customizable templates and mockups for branding, presentations, and product showcases.[28]
  • Icons is a vast collection of scalable SVG icons designed for use in professional and personal projects.[29]

Recognition

In 2022, Freepik was named in G2's Best Software 2022 Awards, ranking 17th on the list of best-selling software in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. It then achieved 43rd place in the list of best design products.[2]

References

  1. ^ "Málaga hace historia en el negocio digital: El fondo sueco EQT compra la mayor parte de la malagueña Freepik". Diario Sur (in Spanish). 2020-05-28. Retrieved 2022-01-15.
  2. ^ a b "Freepik Earns Spots On G2's 2022 Best Software Awards | Freepik Company". www.freepikcompany.com. 2022-02-23. Retrieved 2022-06-09.
  3. ^ Velasco, Juan Jesús (2017-10-11). "Freepik, la web "made in Málaga" de contenidos para diseñadores que factura 1,2 millones de euros al mes". Xataka (in Spanish). Retrieved 2022-01-15.
  4. ^ "El desconocido 'Google' español de imágenes que se coló entre los que más crecen de Europa". El Español (in Spanish). 2017-04-20. Retrieved 2022-01-15.
  5. ^ "Freepik crece a ritmo de gacela: encadena otro año duplicando ingresos, beneficio y plantilla". Diario Sur (in Spanish). 2019-12-01. Retrieved 2022-01-15.
  6. ^ "Sell Photos, Vectors and PSD and make money | Freepik Contributor". contributor.freepik.com. Retrieved 2022-06-09.
  7. ^ "Freepik Company, un nuevo diseño consistente y con personalidad". Marketing Directo (in Spanish). 2018-11-27. Retrieved 2022-01-15.
  8. ^ "Firma malagueña Freepik regala acceso a su material gráfico a docentes y sanitarios para campañas frente al coronavirus". Europa Press. 2020-03-20. Retrieved 2022-01-15.
  9. ^ "Videvo Acquired by Freemium Platform Freepik Company - Footage Secrets". 2022-06-21. Retrieved 2025-01-07.
  10. ^ Carleton, Will (2022-06-22). "Freepik enters stock video and audio market with acquisition of UK based Videvo". Photoarchivenews. Retrieved 2025-01-07.
  11. ^ Allen, Patricia (2022-06-20). "Malaga-based Freepik acquires UK-based Videvo adding audio and video to its growing content portfolio". EU-Startups. Retrieved 2025-01-07.
  12. ^ FinSMEs (2022-10-05). "Freepik Company Acquires Iconfinder and Original Mockups". FinSMEs. Retrieved 2025-01-07.
  13. ^ Allen, Patricia (2022-10-04). "Bootstrapped Malaga-based scaleup Freepik snaps up Iconfinder and Original Mockups to expand Nordic and Latam reach". EU-Startups. Retrieved 2025-01-07.
  14. ^ "After filing for bankruptcy, Europe's almost-instagram platform EyeEm acquired by Freepik". Tech.eu. 2023-10-12. Retrieved 2025-01-07.
  15. ^ DiFeliciantonio, Chase. "Vibrant S.F. neighborhood gets a makeover from AI-generated paint jobs". San Francisco Chronicle. Archived from the original on 2024-04-18. Retrieved 2025-01-07.
  16. ^ Chapman, Tom (2023-07-10). "Freepik embarks on US expansion following successful year". businesschief.com. Retrieved 2025-01-07.
  17. ^ "Freepik acquires Spanish AI image upscaler Magnific". Tech.eu. 2024-05-07. Retrieved 2025-01-07.
  18. ^ Hutchinson, Roland (2024-11-13). "Stop Paying for Midjourney! This Free AI Image Generator is Incredible". Geeky Gadgets. Retrieved 2025-01-07.
  19. ^ "Freepik lanza su generador de videos con inteligencia artificial: una nueva era en la creación audiovisual". wwwhatsnew.com (in Spanish). 2024-11-18. Retrieved 2025-01-07.
  20. ^ Ryan Morrison (2024-11-14). "I sent myself on a series of incredible adventures with AI — and this one was my favorite". Tom's Guide. Retrieved 2025-01-07.
  21. ^ Cooper, Heather (2024-11-27). "Which way for Character Consistency?". Visually AI by Heather Cooper. Retrieved 2025-01-07.
  22. ^ Ryan Morrison (2024-11-14). "I sent myself on a series of incredible adventures with AI — and this one was my favorite". Tom's Guide. Retrieved 2025-01-07.
  23. ^ Boral, Sayak (2024-06-25). "6 Free Alternatives to Adobe Photoshop". Make Tech Easier. Retrieved 2025-01-07.
  24. ^ Corp, Perfect. "I Tested 7 Free AI Photo Enhancers and Here's The Result | PERFECT". www.perfectcorp.com. Retrieved 2025-01-07.
  25. ^ "Freepik Background Remover". Deepgram. Retrieved 2025-01-07.
  26. ^ a b "Freepik launches Pikaso, its free, real-time sketch-to-image AI tool". BetaNews. 2023-12-12. Retrieved 2025-01-07.
  27. ^ "36 Best Free Stock Photo Sites (2024) - Shopify Philippines". Shopify. Archived from the original on 2024-12-12. Retrieved 2025-01-07.
  28. ^ "Discover the Social Media Best Practices in 2025". www.socialchamp.io. 2024-04-24. Retrieved 2025-01-07.
  29. ^ Hub, Influencer Marketing (2020-02-14). "37 Free High-Quality Social Media Icons for Your Website". Influencer Marketing Hub. Retrieved 2025-01-07.
Allikas: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freepik
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