payloadcms/payload
★ 45,352 stars
Covered in week 2026-W32 · the 2026-08 report
Payload is the open-source, fullstack Next.js framework, giving you instant backend superpowers. Get a full TypeScript backend and admin panel instantly. Use Payload as a headless CMS or for building powerful applications.
What payload is
Payload is the first-ever Next.js native CMS that can install directly in your existing /app folder. It's the start of a new era for headless CMS.
From the repository README · read it on GitHub →
Transcript
Building a custom backend means stitching databases, authentication, and admin panels into a fragile stack that breaks whenever you touch it. Payload CMS replaces that chaos with a complete TypeScript framework — one codebase handles your data layer, user auth, and visual admin panel. With 43.8k GitHub stars, it's the backbone developers trust for production apps. What would you build with a full backend ready in minutes?