# Library API overview

[Video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KIFfibtzaEo)

Using the Google Photos Library API your app can read, write, and share photos and videos in
Google Photos.

The Library API is a [RESTful
API](https://developers.google.com/photos/library/legacy/guides/about-restful-apis) with JSON payload. The structure
of the API is based on the product concepts of Google Photos:

- [Library](https://developers.google.com/photos/library/legacy/guides/list): media stored in the user's Google Photos account.
- [Albums](https://developers.google.com/photos/library/legacy/guides/manage-albums): media collections which can be shared with other users.
- [Media items](https://developers.google.com/photos/library/legacy/guides/access-media-items): photos, videos, and their metadata.
- [Sharing](https://developers.google.com/photos/library/legacy/guides/share-media): feature that enables users to share their media with other users.

## Authorization

Like other Google REST APIs, the Library API uses [OAuth
2.0](https://developers.google.com/identity/protocols/OAuth2) to handle authorization.
Your app can request access to the user's Google Photos library via the
various [authorization
scopes](https://developers.google.com/photos/library/legacy/guides/authorization) provided by the
API.

Note that the Library API does not support service accounts; to use this
API, users must be signed in to a valid Google Account.

## Using the Library API

Before you get started on your app development, keep the following in mind:

- [Acceptable use policy](https://developers.google.com/photos/library/legacy/guides/acceptable-use)
- [UX guidelines](https://developers.google.com/photos/library/legacy/guides/ux-guidelines) for designing your app
- The Library API [limits and
  quotas](https://developers.google.com/photos/library/legacy/guides/api-limits-quotas)

## Explore the API

To try out the Library API without writing any code, use the API Explorer
available in the reference documentation.

Here are some methods to try using the API Explorer:

- [List](https://developers.google.com/photos/library/legacy/reference/rest/v1/albums/list) your albums.
- Apply filters to a [media item
  search](https://developers.google.com/photos/library/legacy/reference/rest/v1/mediaItems/search).

Check out our [code sample](https://developers.google.com/photos/library/samples) that shows some of the key
features of the Library API.

## Partner program

You can integrate with the Google Photos Library API without joining the partner program.
However, if your app is likely to exceed the general availability [quota
limit](https://developers.google.com/photos/library/legacy/guides/api-limits-quotas), express interest in the [Google Photos
partner program](https://developers.google.com/photos/partner-program).

## Learn more

Some places to go from here:

- [Get started](https://developers.google.com/photos/library/legacy/guides/get-started): configure your project and try out the sample.
- [Guides](https://developers.google.com/photos/library/legacy/guides/list): the how-to guides and concepts around using the Library API.
- [Reference](https://developers.google.com/photos/library/reference): the API reference documentation
- [Support](https://developers.google.com/photos/library/support/how-to-get-help): the support options for requesting help or giving feedback.