PlaceKeanu vs Unsplash

PlaceKeanu generates novelty placeholder images of Keanu Reeves sized entirely from the request path (/[width]/[height]/[options]), with no signup or API key needed. Each photo is served as an inline base64-encoded SVG and cached client-side for a day, so repeat requests at the same dimensions return the same image rather than a fresh random one. Optional y and g path suffixes request a younger-Keanu or grayscale variant.

Unsplash's JSON API lets apps search, browse, and download from its library of freely licensed photos, returning dynamically resizable image URLs (powered by Imgix) alongside photographer and collection metadata. Nearly all real use is covered by a static Client-ID access key sent via the Authorization header — full OAuth is only needed for a handful of actions performed on a user's behalf, like liking a photo. New applications start in demo mode at 50 requests/hour and can apply for production approval to reach 1,000/hour, with attribution to the photographer and Unsplash required under the Unsplash API Guidelines.