# Payload > Publicly sourced profile assembled by Optimly, in the Optimly AI Brand Index. Last refreshed 2026-10-04. - **Business Profile:** https://optimly.ai/brand/payload - **Dataset:** https://optimly.ai/brand/payload.json - **Markdown:** https://optimly.ai/brand/payload/llms.txt - **Official website:** https://payloadcms.com - **Slug:** payload - **Categories:** developer-tools ## Overview - **Tagline:** Payload differentiates itself by being an open-source, Next.js native backend and headless CMS that is both code-first for developers and content-first for marketers. It offers unparalleled flexibility and extensibility to build custom solutions, providing a strong alternative in the 'build vs. buy' dilemma, and integrates modern features like visual editing and RAG + vector embedding. Source: Brand's website (https://payloadcms.com) · 2026-10-04 - **Description:** Payload is an open-source Next.js native backend and headless CMS. It offers a code-first approach for developers and a content-first experience for marketers, enabling the creation of modern web applications, headless e-commerce platforms, enterprise apps, and digital asset management systems with high flexibility and ownership. Source: Brand's website (https://payloadcms.com) · 2026-10-04 ## Offerings - **Core capabilities:** - An open-source - Next.js native backend framework and headless CMS with features like visual editing - RAG + vector embedding integration - and code-based schema definition. Source: Brand's website (https://payloadcms.com) · 2026-10-04 - **Pricing:** Open-source, with potential for enterprise support or managed services hinted by 'Schedule a Demo' and 'Enterprise' sections. Source: Brand's website (https://payloadcms.com) · 2026-10-04 ## Audience - **Target industry:** Developers, marketers, enterprises (Fortune 500 companies), and independent developers looking to build modern web applications and manage content efficiently across various use cases like headless CMS, headless e-commerce, enterprise app builder, and digital asset management. Source: Brand's website (https://payloadcms.com) · 2026-10-04 Page last updated 2026-10-17.