Images broken on Vercel, showing alt text? The free image limit
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Source checked 5 Oct 2026 · Published 23 Oct 2026 · Last reviewed 23 Oct 2026 · By Ctrl+Z Therapy (how we test)
The short answer
On Vercel's Hobby plan, image optimization includes 5,000 image transformations a month. After that, new images fail to optimize and return an error with a 402 status code, so the browser shows the alt text instead of the image. Images that were already optimized are cached and keep working, and you will not be charged for exceeding the usage limits.
What to do
- Use the unoptimized property on the Image component for small images, SVGs and GIFs, so they skip transformations.
- Use it sparingly: unoptimized on every image could increase fast data transfer cost.
- Or move to Pro.
Good to know
- Hobby teams are restricted to non-commercial personal use only.
Source
- Vercel: Image optimization limits and pricing
- Vercel: Managing image optimization costs
- Vercel: Hobby plan
Checked on 5 Oct 2026. Prices, limits and settings change, so check the source before you rely on them.