Image hosting for AO3
If you’ve ever tried adding images to your AO3 stories, you know it’s not always straightforward. AO3 (Archive of Our Own) doesn’t let you upload images directly, you have to host them somewhere else and then link them in your story using HTML.
That’s where Img.vision comes in.
Inside this article
⁉️ Why AO3 requires image hosting
AO3 is a text-focused archive built to host fanfiction and fanworks safely and sustainably. To keep server costs low, they don’t store image files themselves. Instead, they rely on external image URLs, meaning you must host your images somewhere else.
Common solutions include:
- Free image hosts (like Imgur)
- Cloud storage (like Google Drive or Dropbox)
- Personal websites
- Dedicated image hosting services (like Img.vision)
But not all options work equally well.
⚠️ Problems with typical image hosts
Many AO3 users upload to Imgur or similar platforms, but those services are not designed for long-term embedding in external sites.
Here’s what can go wrong:
- 🔗 Broken links: Free hosts often delete inactive or “hotlinked” images.
- 🚫 Blocked embeds: Some services block embedding (especially if traffic is high).
- 🕒 Slow loading: Files aren’t served from a global CDN optimized for fast delivery.
- 🧾 No organization: It’s easy to lose track of which image goes with which story.
If you’ve ever gone back to an old fic and found your carefully added images gone, you know how frustrating it is.
✅ Why Img.vision works perfectly for AO3
Img.vision is a reliable image hosting service built specifically for creators who need stable, shareable image links that never expire.
Here’s what makes it ideal for AO3 users:
- 🔒 Permanent links: Your image URLs stay active as long as your account exists.
- ⚡ Fast delivery: Images are delivered with a enterprise-grade CDN.
- 🖋️ Easy HTML embed codes: Copy-paste ready for AO3 tags.
- 🗂️ Organize your story images: Create folders by fandom, story, or chapter.
- 🌙 Private mode: Host NSFW or restricted images securely, visible only through your AO3 links.
💡 How to use Img.vision with AO3
- Upload your image to Img.vision
- Copy the HTML link from your dashboard
- Paste it into your AO3 story using the HTML editor
- Preview your chapter, the image should appear instantly.
That’s it. No broken links, no missing thumbnails, no stress.
🧭 Example use cases
- Add character artwork between chapters
- Show maps or visual guides for your fantasy story
- Include moodboards or aesthetic collages
- Share fanart commissions safely without bandwidth worries
Whether you write long epics or one-shots, Img.vision helps your stories shine with visuals that stay up.
