Upon viewing a website, one would notice various types of images, which may be either creative, knowledge, and social images or personal photos.  An image host uploads and manages these images and the process is called image hosting.  The image host stashes the images on a server, allowing individuals to view them through different sets of codes.  Since many Internet users do not have personal websites, they obtain services from an image host so that they can view their images on the web as well as allow others to view such images.  Thus, the services offered by an image host have been prominent and popular in the advent of forums, blogs, and other interactive websites.

In general, an image hosting website accommodates users through providing an upload interface, which usually includes a browse button to allow users to specify the location of the image file from their computer.  Once the submit button is clicked, the image file is stored in the server of the image host.  There are image hosts that allow users to specify multiple image files at the same time, usually in the form of a ZIP file.  On the other hand, some image hosts provide FTP access system, making it as an appendix, wherein users can upload single or multiple image files at once.

Upon the completion of the image hosting process, the images are uploaded on the server of the image host and can be viewed on the website for personal or public use.  The image host can also provide inline links so that users can show, insert, or link it to some other websites.  Linking images can be done through a BB code, clickable thumbnails, and HTML.

Most image hosts require the maximum size of an image to users as well as the maximum band width to be allowed.  Since costs are incurred in the band width, most free servers permit a restricted band width per page.  This is comparable to paid image hosting servers that do not restrict the size or band width of images.

Users are provided with several types of tools in order to upload as well as access their images.  Image hosts provide tools that allow users to add images to a slide show, create images in blogs, or create photo galleries.  These tools allow users to view images easier.  Consequently, some image hosts provide users with advanced tools that allow them to add text to the images, side loaders, and browser side bars.  Others provide users with tools that allow them to crop or resize the images as needed or opted by the users.

The options and tools for linking the images depend on the status of the image host.  Image hosts are either offering free services or paid services.  More so, the quality, options, space, and features for the images may vary depending on the capability and restrictions of the image hosts.  For users who want complete features for uploading their images on the Web, they may opt to pay image hosts as these provide better and full service to their clients.