best free stock footage websites 2023.
Whats is a stock footage website ?
FREE Stock footage websites refers to pre-recorded video clips or footage that is captured by videographers and filmmakers and made available for licensing or purchase by other content creators, typically for use in their own productions. These video clips cover a wide range of subjects, scenes, and settings, making them valuable resources for filmmakers, advertisers, video editors, and various multimedia projects. Check out a couple of my music videos to see the importance of stock free video websites.
Free Stock footage websites are commonly used to supplement or enhance a project when original footage is not available or practical to shoot. It offers convenience, cost-effectiveness, and a diverse array of options, making it an essential tool in the video production industry. Filmmakers and content creators can access stock footage libraries to find the specific visuals they need, whether it’s scenic landscapes, cityscapes, people, wildlife, or abstract concepts, to enrich and complete their storytelling.
Introduction
In the realm of creative content production, access to high-quality stock footage is often a game-changer. Fortunately, there are several exceptional resources that offer a treasure trove of free stock footage websites, ready to enhance your projects. These libraries provide a vast array of visuals, ranging from breathtaking landscapes to intriguing lifestyle shots. Here, we’ve curated a list of five of the best free stock footage websites, each offering a unique collection of visuals that can add depth, character, and professionalism to your work. Whether you’re a filmmaker, content creator, or simply someone in need of captivating visuals, these sources are invaluable assets in your creative toolkit.
One of the best resources of free stock video footage. Has features best for music videos. For features best for commercials check out my other links.
10 Best free stock video Websites.
Storyblocks is a standout free stock footage websites due to its extensive and diverse library of high-quality video clips. It offers a vast selection of footage covering a wide range of subjects, making it a one-stop destination for filmmakers, advertisers, and content creators. With a straightforward licensing model and affordable pricing, Storyblocks provides excellent value for users while allowing unlimited downloads with a subscription. Additionally, the platform’s user-friendly interface and powerful search tools make it easy to find the perfect shots for any project, enhancing efficiency and creativity in video production.
Pixabay is a superb free stock footage website renowned for its extensive collection of free, high-quality video clips. It offers a vast and diverse range of footage, including 4K and HD videos, making it an ideal resource for filmmakers, content creators, and designers working on various projects. What sets Pixabay apart is its commitment to providing free content with Creative Commons licenses, giving users the flexibility to utilize the footage in both personal and commercial work. This accessibility, combined with a user-friendly platform and an active community of contributors, makes Pixabay a valuable resource for those seeking cost-effective and high-quality free stock footage website. This is also a preferred site for music video producers.
Videezy stands out as an exceptional free stock footage website due to its impressive library of high-quality video clips that are available for free, provided users attribute the content to the creators. This generous licensing model makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious filmmakers, designers, and content creators. Videezy offers a wealth of diverse and professionally shot videos, often in high resolutions, catering to a broad spectrum of project needs. The platform’s user-friendly interface and active community of contributors further contribute to its appeal, making it an excellent resource for those seeking free and top-notch free stock footage website. In my opinion this is the best for music videos.
Pexels is an outstanding free stock footage website, renowned for its vast collection of high-quality video clips, all available for free and without the need for attribution. This accessibility and user-friendliness set it apart as a fantastic resource for filmmakers, content creators, and designers. Pexels boasts an extensive library of professionally shot videos, often in high resolutions, ensuring a diverse range of content to meet various project requirements. The platform’s commitment to providing free, high-quality assets, coupled with its easy-to-navigate website, makes Pexels a top choice for those seeking cost-effective and top-notch stock footage.
Artlist.io is a remarkable stock music and sound effects site known for its outstanding audio offerings. With a vast library of high-quality tracks, it caters to the needs of filmmakers, content creators, and video producers. What sets Artlist.io apart is its user-friendly interface and simple licensing model, which allows for easy and affordable access to an array of music choices for various creative projects. This platform’s commitment to providing top-notch audio assets and an intuitive experience makes Artlist.io an excellent resource for those seeking exceptional music and sound effects to enhance their video.
Videvo is an outstanding resource as a free stock footage website that stands out in the crowded landscape of content libraries. With a vast and diverse collection of high-quality videos, it caters to a wide range of creative needs. What truly sets Videvo apart is its user-friendly interface and a seamless experience for both browsing and downloading content.
Moreover, the platform offers a unique blend of free and premium options, making it accessible to creators with varying budgets. From captivating landscapes to dynamic urban shots, Videvo’s extensive library ensures that you can find the perfect clip to enhance your projects. Its commitment to quality and the contributions of a vibrant community of filmmakers and videographers further underscore Videvo’s reputation as a top-tier destination for stock footage, making it an invaluable resource for content creators across the spectrum.
Clips obtained from Videvo come with one of three distinct licenses, each with its specific usage guidelines:
1. The Royalty Free License: This is the most commonly used license on Videvo. It grants you the freedom to utilize the clip without the obligation to credit the creator. You can freely publish the video anywhere, as long as you incorporate some form of modification, like adding music, titles, your business logo, or including it as part of a larger video project.
2. The Videvo Attribution License: With this license, you can still use the clip at no cost, but it mandates that you credit the original clip author. For guidance on proper crediting, refer to Videvo’s licensing guidelines, particularly the section titled “How Do I Credit the Author?” Crediting can be done by incorporating text within your video or simply presenting the author’s details alongside the video. Just like the Royalty Free license, redistribution of the clips in their original state on other platforms or services is prohibited.
3. The Creative Commons 3.0 Unported License: This license is akin to the Videvo Attribution license, but it offers the added flexibility to distribute the clip in its original, unedited form. However, it’s crucial to note that selling the clip in its original form is not permitted. Additionally, you must attribute the original author wherever the clip is employed or distributed. This license accommodates commercial projects, but it’s imperative to ensure that no identifiable brands, individuals, or private property appear in the clip unless you’ve obtained proper permissions.
Life of Vids stands out as a fantastic resource as a free stock footage website due to its unique and outstanding qualities. Unlike many other stock video platforms, all of its content is completely free to use, eliminating any cost-related barriers for content creators. also he quality of the videos available on Life of Vids is exceptional, often showcasing stunning cinematography and artistic creativity.
The website offers an extensive and ever-growing collection of clips, making it a versatile choice for a wide range of creative projects. With a user-friendly interface and a commitment to providing high-quality, copyright-free footage, Life of Vids has become a go-to destination for filmmakers, designers, and content creators seeking top-notch stock videos to enhance their work.
8. COVERR.CO
Coverr is an exceptional source for free stock footage website that has garnered a well-deserved reputation for its excellence. What sets Coverr apart is its commitment to offering a wide variety of high-quality, royalty-free videos completely free of charge. The platform boasts a constantly expanding library, featuring diverse and visually captivating content suitable for an array of creative projects.
Its user-friendly interface, combined with the accessibility of free clips, makes it a go-to choice for filmmakers, web designers, and content creators looking to elevate their visual content without breaking the bank. With its emphasis on quality, Coverr has solidified its position as a valuable resource in the realm of stock footage, empowering creatives to bring their projects to life with professionalism and style.
9. SPLITSHIRE
SplitShire is a fantastic source as a free stock footage websites, offering a treasure trove of high-quality videos that cater to a wide range of creative needs. What makes SplitShire stand out is its unique collection, with a distinct focus on capturing the beauty of everyday life, people, and nature. The platform provides these captivating clips free of charge, allowing content creators, filmmakers, and designers to access a wealth of visually stunning and emotionally resonant content.
With its user-friendly interface and a commitment to delivering premium, copyright-free footage, SplitShire has become a reliable resource for those looking to infuse their projects with genuine and evocative imagery. Whether you’re working on a personal blog or a professional video production, SplitShire’s library is a treasure trove of inspiration and top-quality assets.
10. CLIPSTILL
Clipstill is another outstanding source for stock footage, providing a wealth of unique and captivating video content. What distinguishes Clipstill is its focus on delivering cinemagraphs, which are still images with subtle, mesmerizing animations. These cinemagraphs offer a visually distinct and artistic touch to any project, making Clipstill a standout choice for creatives looking to set their work apart.
The platform offers a mix of free and premium content, ensuring accessibility for various budget levels. With its commitment to high-quality, evocative visuals and a user-friendly interface, Clipstill serves as a valuable resource for filmmakers, designers, and content creators seeking to infuse their projects with a touch of cinematic magic and creativity.
Benefits of using stock footage.
The use of stock footage holds significant importance in various creative industries, offering a multitude of benefits. Firstly, it provides an accessible and cost-effective solution for filmmakers, content creators, and marketers who may not have the resources to shoot their own footage. This convenience saves both time and money. Additionally, stock footage offers a wide array of options, ranging from scenic landscapes to specific niche subjects, which can enhance storytelling and complement a wide range of projects. Its availability also aids in quick content production, meeting tight deadlines and filling in gaps when necessary.
Moreover, stock footage can be a valuable resource for historical or documentary work, providing visual archives of events and locations. It allows for creative flexibility, enabling the integration of diverse footage seamlessly into projects. In summary, the importance of using stock footage lies in its efficiency, accessibility, and versatility, all of which contribute to the overall quality and impact of visual storytelling.
Best use of stock video libraries
Stock video serves as an invaluable resource for a multitude of creative purposes. Its versatility allows for a broad range of applications, making it a crucial asset for filmmakers, content creators, and marketers alike. Aerial shots, captured from stunning vantage points, can be used to add a breathtaking perspective to your projects, whether it’s a travel vlog, promotional video, or a cinematic masterpiece.
Additionally, stock video featuring bustling crowds and urban scenes can infuse energy and realism into your storytelling, especially when creating advertisements, documentaries, or even music videos. These resources not only save time and money but also provide the means to elevate the quality and impact of your visual content, opening up endless possibilities for artistic expression and communication.
Cool Examples of the use of free stock video website footage.
who created the first free stock footage websites?
The concept of stock video has been around for many decades, but the first stock footage libraries were primarily physical collections of film reels. One of the earliest known stock footage companies was the “Hollywood Film Library,” established in 1919. This library provided motion picture producers with access to stock footage for various purposes.
In the digital age, the first online stock footage websites began to emerge in the late 1990s and early 2000s. However, pinpointing the very first stock footage site in the digital realm can be challenging due to the rapid growth and evolution of the industry during that time. Companies like Artbeats, founded in 1989, and Getty Images, which acquired various stock footage agencies, played significant roles in the development of online stock footage resources.
The story of Getty images
Getty Images is a global powerhouse in the stock photography and digital media industry. Its journey began in 1995 when Mark Getty, the grandson of oil tycoon J. Paul Getty, and Jonathan Klein, a successful photojournalist, recognized a growing demand for digital images. The duo saw the potential to transform the way media professionals accessed visual content. They acquired numerous photo agencies, merging them into Getty Images, and began digitizing their vast collections.
Their pioneering efforts in the digital space revolutionized the stock photography industry. Getty Images quickly became the go-to source for high-quality visual content, serving diverse sectors such as advertising, publishing, and entertainment. The company’s reach extended globally, with a network of photographers and videographers contributing to their extensive collection.
Today, Getty Images is synonymous with premium visual content, and it continues to evolve, providing a broad spectrum of media professionals with the visuals they need to tell compelling stories and create impactful marketing campaigns. The legacy of Mark Getty and Jonathan Klein’s vision lives on, and Getty Images remains a dominant player in the world of stock media.
What is the cost of stock footage?
The price of the most expensive stock footage ever purchased can vary significantly based on factors like exclusivity, licensing rights, quality, and the rarity of the content. Prices for stock footage can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars per clip, and in some cases, even more for exclusive usage.
While there have been instances of stock footage being sold for tens of thousands of dollars or more, it’s difficult to pinpoint a single “most expensive” purchase due to the vast range of content and pricing options available in the industry. It’s worth noting that premium stock footage with exclusive usage rights and unique, high-demand content tends to command the highest prices. This is why its always best to go to stock video sites.
what are the pros and cons of using stock footage?
Using stock footage in your creative projects offers various advantages and disadvantages:
Pros:
1.Time and Cost Efficiency:
Stock footage can save significant time and money by eliminating the need to shoot specific scenes or sequences.
2. Variety:
Stock libraries provide a vast selection of visuals, spanning different locations, subjects, and styles, offering versatility for various projects.
3. Professional Quality:
Stock footage often features high production values, ensuring a professional look for your project.
4. Access to Unique Content:
Rare or hard-to-capture footage, such as aerial shots or exotic locations, is readily available in stock libraries.
5. Inspiration and Flexibility:
Stock footage can inspire creative ideas and provide the flexibility to incorporate diverse elements into your project.
Cons:
1. Lack of Customization:
Stock footage may not precisely match your project’s vision, as it’s pre-produced content.
2. Copyright and Licensing:
Ensuring you have the correct licenses and permissions for stock footage is crucial; otherwise, you may face legal issues.
3. Overuse:
Excessive reliance on stock footage can lead to a lack of originality in your work, potentially making it less unique.
4. Inconsistent Quality:
Not all stock footage is of equal quality, and finding the perfect clip can be time-consuming.
5. Limited Uniqueness:
Because stock footage is available to other users, there’s a chance that the same footage could appear in multiple projects.
In summary, using stock footage offers convenience, variety, and professional quality but may come with limitations in customization and potential copyright concerns. It’s essential to weigh the pros and cons based on your specific project’s requirements and budget.
