Best Stock Video Sites: Your Ultimate Guide to Finding High-Quality Footage

If you're a video editor, finding the right stock video site can be a challenge. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know which site offers the best footage for your project.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll provide you with everything you need to know about the best stock video sites available.

About Stock Videos

Before we dive into the best stock video sites, let's take a moment to talk about why finding the right site is so important.

Using high-quality stock video content can add production value to your project, but using the wrong footage can make your project look amateurish.

Additionally, choosing the right stock video site can save you time and money, so it's important to do your research.

Top 9 Stock Video Sites

We've compiled a list of the Top 9 stock video sites based on cost and quality of footage.

1. Envato Elements

Envato Elements is a subscription-based service that offers access to a vast library of digital assets, including stock videos, photos, music, graphics, and more.

With a flat monthly fee, subscribers can download and use unlimited downloads for personal or commercial projects.

Envato Elements is a great option for video editors who need access to a variety of royalty free digital assets for multiple projects, without the hassle of licensing and attribution requirements.

The platform is also known for its high-quality assets and user-friendly search features.

2. Shutterstock

Shutterstock is one of the most popular stock video sites available.

With over 17 million video clips, it offers a wide range of footage to choose from.

Shutterstock also offers affordable pricing options of the best stock video websites, including pay-per-clip and subscription plans with unlimited downloads.

Learn More About Shutterstock

3. Adobe Stock

Adobe Stock is a great option for video editors who use Adobe Premiere Pro.

With over 4 million high-quality video clips, it's a reliable source for finding the right royalty free footage for your project.

Adobe Stock also offers flexible pricing options, including monthly and yearly subscription plans with unlimited downloads.

Learn More About Adobe Stock

4. Pond5

Pond5 is another popular stock video site, with over 20 million royalty free video clips and a wide range of prices to choose from.

With footage in various styles, from animation to live-action, Pond5 is a great option for editors who need a diverse range of footage.

Learn More About Pond5

5. Storyblocks

Storyblocks is a subscription-based stock video site that offers unlimited downloads.

With over 1 million royalty free clips and a user-friendly platform, it's a great option for editors who need a lot of footage for multiple projects.

Learn More About Storyblocks

6. iStock

iStock is a popular stock video site that offers a wide range of footage at affordable prices.

With over 6 million royalty free clips, iStock is a great option for editors who have video templates are working with a tight budget.

Learn More About iStock

7. Alamy

Alamy is a UK-based stock video site that offers over 200 million royalty free stock photos, illustrations, and videos.

The site offers a wide range of footage in various styles, from editorial to creative, making it a great option for editors who need a diverse range of footage.

One standout feature of Alamy is its unique pricing structure.

Rather than offering subscription plans or pay-per-clip options, Alamy allows customers to purchase credits which can be used to license footage.

This system can be more cost-effective for those who only need a few clips and want to avoid a subscription.

Learn More About Alamy

8. Dissolve

Dissolve is a stock video site that offers a wide range of royalty free footage at competitive prices.

With a focus on high-quality footage and user-friendly search features,

Dissolve is a great option for editors who need to find the right footage quickly.

Learn More About Dissolve

9. Motion Array

Motion Array is a stock video site that offers a wide range of royalty free footage, including 4K and HD footage.

With flexible pricing options, including pay-per-clip and subscription plans, Motion Array is a great option for editors who need high-quality footage at affordable prices.

Learn More About Motion Array

About Free Stock Video Footage

When it comes to finding stock video footage for your projects, you may be interested in exploring the options for free stock video and free hd stock footage here.

There are a number of sites that offer free stock footage, although the selection may be more limited than paid sites.

Pexels Videos

Pexels Videos offers a wide range of high-quality video clips that can be used for personal or both personal and commercial use projects.

The footage covers a range of subjects, including nature, cityscapes, and people, making it a great resource for a variety of video projects.

Videvo

Videvo offers a range free videos of high-quality footage and motion graphics, all of which are free to download and use.

The site has a large library of footage covering a range of subjects, including nature, technology, and people.

Pixabay

Pixabay has a large library of high-quality footage and motion graphics, all of which are free to use for personal or commercial projects.

While free stock video footage can be a great resource, it's important to keep in mind that the selection may be more limited than paid sites, and the quality may not always be as high.

Additionally, some sites may require attribution or have other limitations on use, so be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully before using any free stock footage in your projects.

Tips for Choosing the Right Stock Video Site

Choosing the right stock video site can make a big difference in the quality of your final project.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when selecting a stock video site:

1. Consider your project needs: Different stock video sites offer different types of footage. Consider the subject matter of your project and choose a site that has a strong selection of footage in that area.
2. Look at pricing options: Pricing can vary widely between stock video sites, so it's important to consider your budget and look for sites that offer affordable pricing options. Some sites offer pay-per-clip options, while others offer subscription plans.
3. Check licensing agreements: Make sure to read the licensing agreement carefully before selecting a stock video site. Some sites may have restrictions on how the footage can be used or require attribution.
4. Evaluate the quality of footage: Quality is key when it comes to stock video footage. Make sure to preview footage before purchasing to ensure that it meets your quality standards.
5. Consider user experience: A user-friendly platform can save you time and frustration when searching for the right footage. Look for sites with easy-to-use search features and well-organized libraries.

By keeping these tips in mind, you'll be able to select the right stock video site for your project and ensure that your final product is of the highest quality.

Stock Video Editing Tips

Once you've chosen the right stock video site and download stock videos you need for your project, it's time to start editing. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your stock footage:

1. Plan ahead: Before you start editing, take some time to plan out your project. Determine the message you want to convey and how you want to use the stock footage to support it.
2. Choose the right clips: When selecting stock footage, look for clips that match the tone and style of your project. Pay attention to lighting, color, and composition to ensure that the footage fits seamlessly into your edit.
3. Edit for continuity: If you're using multiple clips from different sources, it's important to edit for continuity. Pay attention to the flow of the footage and make sure that it makes sense when viewed as a whole.
4. Use transitions wisely: Transitions can help to smooth the transition between clips and add visual interest to your edit. However, it's important to use them sparingly to avoid overuse.
5. Pay attention to sound: Sound can play a big role in the impact of your project. Make sure that the sound in your stock footage matches the tone and style of your edit, and consider adding additional sound effects or music to enhance the overall impact.

By following these stock video editing tips, you can create a professional and cohesive video that effectively conveys your message.

How to Make Money Selling Stock Footage

If you're a filmmaker or videographer, you can also make money by selling your own stock footage. Here are some tips on how to get started:

1. Shoot high-quality footage: Make sure that your footage is of the highest quality possible. This means using good equipment, shooting in high resolution, and paying attention to details like lighting, composition, and framing.
2. Choose popular subjects: Do some research and find out what types of footage are in demand. Popular subjects include nature, landscapes, business, and lifestyle footage.
3. Be unique: While it's important to shoot popular subjects, try to find a unique angle or perspective. This will help your footage stand out from the competition.
4. Upload to stock video sites: There are many stock video sites where you can upload your footage and earn money every time someone downloads it. Some of the best stock video sites include Shutterstock, Pond5, and iStock.
5. Promote your work: Once your footage is online, be sure to promote it on social media and other platforms. This will help to increase your visibility and attract more buyers.
6. Keep shooting: To be successful in selling stock footage, you need to keep shooting and uploading new content. This will help you to build a strong portfolio and increase your earning potential over time.

By following these tips, you can turn your passion for filmmaking into a profitable business. Just remember to always shoot high-quality footage, stay up-to-date with the latest trends, and be persistent in your efforts to promote and sell your work.

The Future of Stock Video

The future of stock video looks bright, as the demand for high-quality video content continues to grow.

With the rise of online video platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo, and TikTok, the need for video content is higher than ever before.

As technology continues to evolve, we can expect to see new developments in the world of stock video.

For example, the increasing popularity of virtual and augmented reality technology may lead to a rise in demand for immersive video footage.

We may also see improvements in the quality of stock video footage, as camera technology continues to improve and higher resolutions become more accessible.

Additionally, advancements in artificial intelligence and machine learning may lead to new tools and features for video editors, making the editing process faster and more efficient.

Another trend we can expect to see in the future of stock video is a greater emphasis on diversity and inclusivity.

As more and more people demand representation in the media, stock video sites are likely to respond by offering a wider range of footage featuring diverse subjects and perspectives.

Overall, the future of stock video is exciting and full of possibilities. Whether you're a video editor or a creator looking to sell your footage, there are plenty of opportunities to be found in the world of stock video.

Stock Video Sites FAQ

What is the best free stock video site?

Finding high-quality free stock videos footage without paying a cent is a common goal for many video editors. There are a few sites that offer free stock video footage, but some of the best include Pexels, Videezy, and Pixabay.

Where can I find high-quality stock videos?

There are many stock video sites that offer high-quality footage. Some of the best include Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Pond5. Each of these sites offers royalty free videos with a wide variety of footage, ranging from nature and landscapes to corporate and lifestyle footage.

What is the biggest stock video library?

Shutterstock is one of the largest free stock video websites and libraries in the world. They offer over 18 million stock video clips, as well as photos, music tracks, and more.

Are there any free stock video sites?

Yes, there are several sites that offer free stock video footage. Some of the best include Pexels, Videezy, and Pixabay. These sites offer a variety of high-quality footage that can be used for personal and commercial projects.

What is the cheapest stock photo site?

There are several affordable stock photo sites, free stock video resources including iStock and Dreamstime. However, the cheapest site may depend on your specific needs and the type of license you require.

What is cheaper than Shutterstock?

There are several stock video sites that offer footage at a lower price than Shutterstock. Some options include Adobe Stock, Pond5, and iStock.

How can I get free stock photos?

There are several sites that offer free stock photos, including Pexels, Unsplash, and Pixabay. These sites offer high-quality stock images, that can be used for personal and commercial projects.

How much should I pay for stock photos?

The cost of stock photos can vary depending on the quality of the image and the license you require. Prices royalty free stock videos typically range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars per image.

What is the best free stock video site?

There are several sites that offer free stock video footage, including Pexels, Videezy, and Pixabay. Each of these sites offers a variety of high-quality footage download stock videos that can be used for personal and commercial projects.

Where can I find high-quality stock videos?

There are many stock video sites that offer high-quality footage. Some of the best include Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Pond5. Each of these sites offers a wide variety of footage, ranging from nature and landscapes to corporate and lifestyle footage.

What is the biggest stock video library?

Shutterstock is one of the largest stock video libraries in the world. They offer over 18 million stock video clips, as well as photos, music tracks, and more.

What is the cheapest stock video site?

There are several stock video sites that offer footage at a lower price than Shutterstock. Some options include Adobe Stock, Pond5, and iStock.

Where can I find high-quality stock videos?

There are many stock video sites that offer high-quality footage. Some of the best include Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Pond5. Each of these sites offers a wide variety of footage, ranging from nature and landscapes to corporate and lifestyle footage.

What is the best stock footage website?

There are several great stock footage websites, including Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Pond5. Each of these sites offers a wide variety of footage at various price points, making it easy to find the perfect footage for your project.

What is the cheapest stock footage subscription?

The cheapest free stock photo site depends on your needs and budget. Some affordable options include Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and iStock. Additionally, some free stock photo sites offer high-quality images that can be used for personal or commercial projects.

What does Royalty Free Stock Footage Mean?

Royalty-free stock footage refers to video clips that can be used in various projects without the need for additional payment or fees for each use. The license for this type of footage typically grants the user the right to use the video clip in perpetuity for personal or commercial use, with certain restrictions outlined by the royalty free licensing agreement.