First, its very simple, has no annoying ads and prominently shows a direct link to the image file, rather than the page that displays the image. Secondly, it provides a short link for the image address, which makes it more convenient for sharing (ex:http://imgur.com/2YRGQ).  No registration required.

It includes a simple editor that allows to resize and crop the image. File upload size limit is 2 MB. After you upload the image, you will get the usual code for embedding and the direct link address.

The service is free and if you donate some money, your file size limit will be lifted to 3 Mb.

Features:

• Online photo hosting and sharing tool
• Free to use, no ads, no additional features.
• Prominently displays direct link to the image file
• provides with short (ex:http://imgur.com/2YRGQ)
• Supported image formats: JPG, PNG, and GIF.
• Upload file size limit 2MB. Donate money to increase limit to 3 MB.
• Free and no registration.

Check out Imgur @ www.imgur.com

The site doesn’t require users to register, it’s optional. Although registered users get additional features like multiple file upload, keeping track of your uploaded images, giving/editing title and description of your image galleries.

They also offer a Premium account, which removes ads from your image pages, provides access to premium tools and promises faster page loading.

Features:

• Unlimited image upload, hosting and sharing.
• 3 MB image size limit.
• Supported Image types: JPG, GIF and PNG.
• Automatically creates image galleries from uploaded images
• Upload images from a zip file (up to 100 images and 100 MB total size).
• Get BB and HTML codes for images. Show/hide the codes on image pages.
• Premium account with more options also supported.
• Similar websites: Pict, Picupine and some more.

Check out ImageBam @ www.imagebam.com

There is no limit on hosting and uploading as long as the images are in JPG, GIF or PNG formats. The site also automatically resizes images and makes them available in 2 different sizes.

Sharing images is even easier than uploading, there are two options on image sharing:

1. Share multiple images (album) by forwarding a link.
2. Share single image by emending or forwarding a link.

Additionally, Pict.com provides you with a Firefox add-on that allows you take screenshots with one click and automatically upload them to Pict.com. Moreover, you can also just right-click on any image you see online and upload it to Pict servers.

Features:

• Fast and easy way to upload and share images online.
• No limit on size and hosting.
• Supported image formats:  JPG, GIF or PNG
• Upload multiple images at once.
• Uploaded images are auto-resized.
• Fast uploading speed.
• Share images as albums or one by one.
• Embedding supported.
• Firefox addon available. Get it here.
• Free and no registration.

Check out Pict.com @ www.pict.com

Oh and you might also want to know that PiccDrop was developed by one of our long time writers Will Mueller. A good portion of excellent MakeUseOf Windows hacks and tips articles were written by him. Hence, I have no doubt about the quality of Piccdrop. Defnitely give it a try.

Features:

• Free image hotlinking
• Supported formats: jpeg, jpg, png, tiff, bmp, gif, ico, icn, svg, pdf, icns, hdi, psd.
• Maximum allowed single image file size: 6mb.
• Upload as many pictures as you like.
• Stores your image indefinitely
• No email or sign up required.
• Important: No adult material allowed.

Check out PiccDrop @ www.piccdrop.com

Features:

• Host and share your images online for free.
• Upload images from your computer or directly from the web.
• No limit on image size or file type.
• Share images by forwarding the URL.
• Embedding supported.
• Manage and organize uploaded images from one place (signup required).
• Hotlinking allowed.
• For more similar websites see best free image hosts.

Check out EchoPic @ www.echopic.com

Features:

• Upload your photos and share them with others.
• Upload and host as many images as you like.
• Resize AND add titles to your images online.
• Embed photos onto your site, blog or online profile page (Facebook, Myspace etc.).

Visit RapidPik @ www.rapidpik.com

FilePub Features:

• Host your files online. Maximum file size is 500 mb (registered users).
• Registered users (free) are able to upload files larger than 20 mb and manage them in one place.
• Allows image hotlinking.
• Upload everything from documents to videos: jpeg, png, gif, bmp, mp3, txt, avi, wmv, mpg, mpeg, doc, zip etc.

Check out FilePub @ www.filepub.com

ImageShack Features:

• Host and Share images and videos. Hotlinking allowed.
• Upload options: from file, from URL, using desktop widget, by email or from mobile.
• Create animated photo slideshows.
• Supported image/video formats: .JPG, .JPEG, .PNG, .GIF, BMP, TIF, .TIFF and SWF
• Maximum image size: 1.5 MB
• Bandwidth Limit: 100 MB per hour.
• Resize images on upload
• Search through millions of publicly shared images.
• Extra Tools: Browser toolbar (Firefox, IE), Mac widget, Mac Uploader (for multiple uploads), Image tracking and more.
• For more information and image guidelines go to ImageShack FAQ page.

Visit ImageShack [www.imageshack.us]