Growing GitLab
GitLab lets people browse projects by topic and shows each README on the project page. Set up both on every public project.
Basics
How many people use GitLab?
Over 50 million estimated registered users, GitLab says, as of June 2026. The figure counts registered accounts, not active users.[1]
How do people find your GitLab group?
Through project topics, READMEs and your group's overview page.
| Step | GitLab's docs |
|---|---|
| Topics | Label projects; anyone can browse them under Explore, then Topics |
| README | GitLab shows a project's README.md on its page |
| Group README | An Owner can add one; it shows on the group overview page |
Using the same name on GitHub or a website? Check it on GitHub and the .com too.[2, 3, 4]
Advanced
Is GitLab free for open source projects?
Yes, for noncommercial projects, through the GitLab for Open Source program: Ultimate features and 50,000 compute minutes. Every project needs an OSI-approved license, the group must be public, you can't profit from it, and you renew each year.[6]
How much can you use GitLab's API?
It depends on your plan: rate limits on GitLab.com vary by plan and apply per user and per top-level group.[7]
Which GitLab paid plans are worth it?
Free covers a small private team; pay when you need more people or minutes. The order is our view.
| Option | Cost | What it buys |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 5 users per private group, 400 compute minutes a month |
| Premium | $29 per user a month, billed yearly | Unlimited users, 10,000 compute minutes |
| Ultimate | Custom pricing | Security testing, 50,000 compute minutes |
Sources [5]
Sources (7)
- PrimaryGitLab: About GitLab, numbers as of June 2026
- PrimaryGitLab Docs: Project topics
- PrimaryGitLab Docs: Repository files
- PrimaryGitLab Docs: Manage groups
- PrimaryGitLab: Pricing
- PrimaryGitLab for Open Source program
- PrimaryGitLab Docs: GitLab.com settings