Best Stock Video Websites for Visually Engaging Content

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Best Stock Video Websites

Global Rank
#N/A
Country Rank
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United States

Stock video websites provide a vast collection of pre-recorded video clips that creators can use for various projects, including advertisements, films, social media, and presentations. These platforms save time and resources by offering ready-to-use footage that eliminates the need for custom video shoots. With diverse categories and styles, stock videos cater to creative needs, from professional to personal use. That being said, this guide aims to explore the best stock video websites available. This includes highlighting both free and paid options, as well as the key features and benefits of each platform to help you make an informed decision. Find out the top stock video websites for your next project and take your creative work to new heights.

Criteria for Choosing the Best Stock Video Sites

There are a lot of available stock video websites to choose from, but discovering the right one for your needs can be a challenge. In line with this, you must consider various factors when selecting the best stock video site for your creative projects. Here are some key criteria to look for:

  • Quality of Footage: Look for websites that offer high-resolution videos, such as 4K or HD, as these formats provide exceptional clarity and detail. High-quality footage ensures your projects maintain a professional and polished appearance.
  • Variety of Content: Choose platforms that provide diverse clips spanning different themes, categories, and styles. This variety lets you find the perfect footage for your creative vision and project requirements.
  • Licensing and Usage Rights: It’s essential to understand the licensing terms of a website to avoid legal issues. Ensure the footage can be used for your intended purposes, whether personal, commercial, or both.
  • Pricing and Subscription Options: Evaluate whether the platform offers affordable or flexible subscription plans. Some websites also provide free access to high-quality videos, catering to creators on a budget.
  • Ease of Use: Opt for a site with an intuitive interface that includes advanced search filters, categories, and previews. A user-friendly site can save you time and make the selection process seamless.
Note: The site or app data is obtained from Semrush and will be refreshed every two weeks.
#1

Pexels

Pexels is a popular free stock video site presenting an expansive library of diverse footage categories. Their videos are licensed under the Creative Commons Zero license, meaning you can utilize them for personal and commercial projects without attribution. One of the noteworthy features of this best website for stock videos is that it enables users to choose their preferred resolution, from 4K to 1080p, to suit their needs. Additionally, Pexels covers a wide range of themes, from nature and cityscapes to lifestyle and technology, catering to various creative projects.

Global Rank
#921

Country Rank
#257
United States

PROs
  • It allows users to download free stock videos without watermarks or attribution requirements.
  • This stock video website offers a user-friendly interface and advanced search functionality.
CONs
  • The selection, though extensive, may not always be as diverse or unique as some other paid stock video platforms.

#2

Pixabay

Next on the list of the best stock footage sites is Pixabay. The platform delivers a huge collection of high-quality stock videos. Aside from videos licensed under Creative Commons Zero, Pixabay also has a substantial selection of premium videos available for purchase through its partner Shutterstock. Moreover, it presents a selection of images and elements, like shapes, arrows, and more, that creators can incorporate into their projects. It also prides itself on a vibrant community, allowing users to engage with and support the contributions of its diverse contributors.

Global Rank
#1,083

Country Rank
#676
United States

PROs
  • The videos are in high resolutions, including HD and 4K, ensuring professional-quality footage.
  • The best stock footage videos on this website come in diverse categories and styles. Cons:
CONs
  • Since it’s a popular free platform, some videos might be widely used, reducing uniqueness for certain projects.

#3

Videezy

Videezy is another top-notch free stock video website that boasts a comprehensive library of high-quality clips. Users can save multiple videos to their accounts and download them at any time. The videos on this platform are available in different resolutions to accommodate various project needs. Furthermore, the search filters allow users to narrow down their options by category, color, mood, and more, making it easy to find the perfect footage. Apart from that, Videezy cooperates with a community of talented video creators, ensuring a steady stream of fresh, original content.

Global Rank
#32,903

Country Rank
#5,223
United States

PROs
  • It also provides a pro version ($19/credit) that enables users to purchase credits for premium stock videos.
  • The categorization of the clips makes it simple to find relevant footage quickly.
CONs
  • Some free videos have a watermark, so users should consider their licensing requirements carefully.

#4

MixKit

MixKit is a unique stock video platform that stands out for its outstanding quality and creativity. This best stock footage websites enables you to download high-res videos and motion graphics without the need to sign up. It offers a diverse collection that covers a wide range of themes, from corporate and business to lifestyle and abstract. Besides, MixKit periodically updates its library with new content, ensuring you have access to the most recent and relevant footage for your projects.

Global Rank
#11,253

Country Rank
#1,837
United States

#5

Videvo

Videvo offers an impressive selection of free, high-quality stock videos that cater to both commercial and non-commercial projects. Its free library includes 30-second clips without watermarks, where attribution is needed, as well as 10-second clips with watermarks that do not require attribution. Furthermore, Videvo's paid plans ($14.99/month) provide access to an extensive collection of premium videos, graphics, and audio files.

Global Rank
#36,549

Country Rank
#11,361
United States

PROs
  • The website's search functionality and filtering options make finding the right footage for your needs easy.
  • The licensing terms are clearly defined, providing users with a better understanding of how they can use the content.
CONs
  • Some free videos require attribution, which can be inconvenient if you're working on commercial projects.

#6

Shutterstock

Shutterstock is a well-known and respected premium stock video platform that delivers a massive selection of stock footage. The website is frequently updated with new, high-quality videos from a global network of talented videographers. The website offers two membership plans: 10 clips for $1,599 or 20 clips for $1,999 per year. Additionally, Shutterstock’s intuitive search tools, including filters and keyword suggestions, make it easy to locate specific footage.

Global Rank
#587

Country Rank
#280
United States

PROs
  • This website is a trusted source for businesses, brands, and agencies needing professional-grade stock videos.
  • Shutterstock’s collection covers considerable categories, from lifestyle and nature to technology and business.
CONs
  • The subscription-based model may not be suitable for occasional users.

#7

Adobe Stock

Adobe Stock is another high-quality premium stock video platform that integrates seamlessly with the Adobe Creative Cloud suite. It showcases an large library of stock footage, images, templates, and other multimedia assets. This stock video site also features an intuitive search interface and advanced filters to help users find the ideal footage for their projects. In addition, the site provides flexible licensing options, including on-demand and subscription-based plans. This makes it accessible to many users, from individuals to large enterprises.

Global Rank
#103

Country Rank
#130
United States

PROs
  • This site provides access to professional-grade footage, including 4K and HD videos, ensuring your projects have a polished and cinematic look.
  • The integration with Adobe Creative Cloud tools simplifies the creative workflow for users.
CONs
  • While pay-per-clip purchases are available, users may find the subscription model more beneficial only if they frequently require stock footage.

#8

Getty Images

Getty Images is one of the best video stock footage websites, renowned for its premium-quality content and vast library of professional video clips. It's a trusted platform for filmmakers, advertisers, and creative professionals seeking high-resolution videos for their projects. This site delivers a range of resolutions, including HD and 4K, with diverse video styles, including cinematic, documentary, and editorial. Furthermore, Getty Images provides straightforward and flexible licensing options, including royalty-free licenses and rights-managed content.

Global Rank
#29,942

Country Rank
#917
United States

PROs
  • The website lets users preview clips before purchase and offers various file formats suitable for different editing platforms.
  • It has robust filtering and AI-assisted searches that streamline the process of finding the right footage.
CONs
  • Unlike competitors, Getty Images doesn't offer subscription-based pricing, relying instead on pay-per-clip purchases.

#9

Envato

Envato is a versatile platform that caters to creators looking for different stock resources, including video footage, templates, graphics, and audio tracks. Its affordability and vast library make it a favorite among professionals and hobbyists. With individual plans starting at just $16.50 per month, Envato provides unlimited downloads, making it an excellent value for creators who need diverse assets for multiple projects. Moreover, this stock video website regularly updates its collection of high-quality stock videos, animations, and motion graphics.

Global Rank
#1,802

Country Rank
#867
United States

PROs
  • Each license for the stock videos covers both personal and commercial use.
  • All the downloaded stock footage is tracked in a user's dashboard for easy access.
CONs
  • Envato doesn't offer a free tier, which may deter those seeking cost-free resources.

#10

Coverr

Another free stock video website worth considering is Coverr. The website is designed to provide marketers, entrepreneurs, and content creators with high-resolution videos for their projects. Focusing on lifestyle, nature, and business themes, it gives a diverse footage collection. In addition, you can download high-quality videos without watermarks or attribution requirements. On top of that, it also offers music in WAV format that enables users to create professional-looking content seamlessly.

Global Rank
#108,347

Country Rank
#53,185
United States

PROs
  • The website also includes an AI video generator, allowing users to customize stock videos with text and logos.
  • The free-to-use nature of this platform makes it appealing for budget-conscious creators.
CONs
  • The platform lacks extensive filtering and search tools compared to premium sites.

FAQs

Are stock footage copyright-free?

No, stock footage is not always copyright-free. You have to review the licensing terms carefully to understand how you are allowed to use the content. Most stock videos have attribution requirements or other limits on commercial use unless you purchase an extended license for a certain stock video.

How much does it typically cost to use stock video footage?

The cost of using stock video footage varies widely depending on the platform and licensing type. Free platforms like Coverr and Pixabay offer high-quality footage at no cost. At the same time, premium sites such as Shutterstock or Getty Images charge hundreds to thousands of dollars for professional-grade clips.

Do YouTubers use stock videos for their content?

Yes, many YouTubers and content creators use stock video footage to enhance visual appeal and save time. Stock footage is especially helpful for adding professional-quality visuals or covering scenes that are difficult or costly to shoot. With affordable or free options available, it’s a practical resource for creators of all levels.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the stock video websites discussed offer a range of options for creators, whether you're working with a limited budget or seeking premium content. While free platforms provide quality footage with fewer restrictions, paid sites, on the other hand, offer expansive libraries and advanced features. Therefore, selecting a platform that aligns with your project's specific needs, such as budget, content type, and licensing requirements, is essential. You can find the ideal stock video website to elevate your creative projects by carefully considering these factors.

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