From feature films to explainer videos, stock video sites are on the rise. Instead of depleting funds to capture a few shots, filmmakers and creative agencies are turning to stock footage sites so they can get back to the fun stuff.

Whether you’re a filmmaker or an agency crafting an explainer video, here’s a list of the top 16 best stock video sites to use for your branded content needs.

Stock Video Sites

1. Pond5

Millions of videos.

With a new video added literally every second, Pond5 is one of the leaders of the stock video industry.

Being used by ABC, NBC, BBC, Pond5’s video library is not only comprehensive, but also easily searchable.

Best Stock Video Sites - Free Stock Videos - Pond5 - StudioBinder

Operating on nearly any budget, you can filter by resolution, FPS, and speciality video like 360 VR. Sites like Pond5 reverse the old reputation ‘stock video footage’ carried.

Pros:

  • Huge video library.
  • Flexible royalty-free licensing.
  • Excellent search filters.


Cons:

  • Quality varies by contributor.


stock video sites

2. Dissolve

Dissolve’s searchability by ‘theme’ sets them apart from the stock footage world.

With themes like “Handcrafted,” “Symmetry,” and “Gooey, Glassy, Glow”, Dissolve's stock footage allows you to tap into the heart of your branded content to find clips.

Pros:

  • Cinematic, high-quality footage.
  • Curated premium collection.
  • Strong search tools.


Cons:

  • Smaller library than competitors.
  • Few free assets.

royalty free videos

3. Filmsupply

While agencies by and large consume stock video footage the most, Filmsupply makes an appeal to traditional filmmakers.

Best Stock Video Sites - Free Stock Videos - Filmsupply - StudioBinder

Get the royalty free videos you're looking for by using the shot detail filter. Search by framing, camera movement, and camera speed to make your next film pop. If you have a precise shot list, this should be your first stop as you sift through stock video sites.

Pros:

  • Stunning cinematic footage.
  • Premium curated library.
  • High-end filmmaker contributors.


Cons:

  • Complicated licensing structure.
  • Smaller library selection.

stock video footage

4. RocketStock

Recently acquired by Shutterstock, RocketStock offer the typical array of video effects and after effects templates that will elevate your premium stock footage.

Their video element packs tailored to their clips makes it easy to put polish on your stock video footage to make it feel within the world of your project.

Pros:

  • High-quality cinematic assets.
  • Great motion graphics templates.
  • Curated professional library.


Cons:

  • Limited free downloads.
  • Smaller footage selection.

Best stock video

5. Artgrid

Artgrid is a serious contender in the stock video footage game. They have an annual subscription plan with unlimited downloads.

The fees range between $25 to $50 per month ranging from HD to RAW/LOG clips.

Pros:

  • Cinematic, film-quality footage.
  • Unlimited downloads available.
  • Simple universal licensing.


Cons:

  • No single clip purchases.
  • Smaller library than giants.
Best Stock Video Websites for Filmmakers - Artgrid

stock video sites

6. Story & Heart

Story & Heart is a different kind of stock video site.  With an emphasis on "story-driven" footage and curation, their mood-based search engine surfaces clips based the feelings you wish to convey.

Best Stock Video Sites - Free Stock Video - Story & Heart - StudioBinder

A lot of the footage on Story & Heart has a more "cinematic" feel.

Pros:

  • Authentic cinematic footage.
  • Strong storytelling aesthetic.
  • Curated filmmaker-driven library.


Cons:

  • Limited overall library size.
  • Fewer search filter options.

best stock videos

7. Adobe Stock

Adobe is a leader in industry editing software. They’re also one of the top stock footage sites.

Best Stock Video Sites - Free Stock Video - Adobe Stock

Giving 35 percent of each sale to the stock video producers, you can feel good about your sale. While not exactly stock footage, you should take a look at their wide array 3D assets.

Pros:

  • Massive stock footage library.
  • Seamless Creative Cloud integration.
  • Flexible subscription options.


Cons:

  • Higher-resolution clips cost more.
  • Search results can feel cluttered.


royalty free videos

8. iStock

iStock’s is one of the top stock footage sites. Quality above all, it’s been around the longest of the modern stock video sites.

Best Stock Videos Sites - Free Stock Video - iStock - StudioBinder

Instead of paying per clip, you can buy credits which can be put towards videos as well as their photos.

Its search system isn’t as intuitive as others, but veteran stock footage buyers know how to navigate it for their branded content.

Pros:

  • Affordable subscription pricing.
  • Huge stock media library.
  • Flexible credit purchase options.


Cons:

  • Video quality can vary.
  • Best assets require subscriptions.


stock video sites

9. Shutterstock

Shutterstock is squarely one of the best stock video sites and arguably the most popular. Pricing is scaled to stock video resolution. Shutterstock has some of the most affordable stock photos and bundle their content for smart pricing. They even offer Shutterstock free footage promotions from time to time.

Pros:

  • Massive stock footage library.
  • Affordable subscription plans.
  • Easy-to-use search tools.


Cons:

  • Quality varies widely.
  • Overused generic footage.
  • Extra licenses cost more.
  • stock video footage

    10. Distill

    Popular with creative agencies, Distill has the high quality, royalty free videos you need for your branded content.

    Best Stock Video Sites - Free Stock Video - Distill - StudioBinder

    By joining their mailing list, you can get 10 free HD stock videos delivered to your inbox every 10 days.

    Pros:

    • Completely free stock footage.
    • High-quality curated clips.
    • Simple royalty-free licensing.


    Cons:

  • Smaller library selection.
  • Limited search functionality.
  • Fewer niche footage options.
  • Stock videos

    12. Getty Stock Images

    Getty Stock Images is featured just about in every current new story you’ll find. They’re great for their coverage of events with celebrities and recent news stories.

    In editorial, you can search by Fashion, Entertainment, News, and an archive with coverage of smaller events like graduation ceremonies. If you can't get a celebrity to appear in your branded content, Getty is a first stop stock video site.

    Pros:

    • Massive premium media library.
    • Exceptional editorial footage.


    Cons:

  • Very expensive licensing.
  • Complicated pricing structure.
  • Limited budget-friendly options.
  • best stock video websites

    13. Footage.net

    The power of Footage.net comes through its ZAP request.

    Simply input what you’re looking for and they will search the rest of the stock footage sites for exactly what you’re looking for. Having a branded content script handy can make your search even more precise. 

    Pros:

    • Aggregates footage from many libraries.
    • Excellent archival footage access.


    Cons:

  • Outdated website interface.
  • Licensing can be confusing.
  • Not ideal for beginners.
  • stock footage

    14. 123RF

    123RF makes stock footage a team sport by giving your agency a centralized login so you can create lists, share, and license footage as one company.

    They offer monthly and yearly stock video subscriptions, and are particularly great if you’re constantly on the hunt for branded content.

    Pros:

    • Affordable stock footage pricing.
    • Large royalty-free library.


    Cons:

  • Footage quality can vary.
  • Website feels outdated.
  • Search tools are less refined
  • stock video sites

    15. VideoBlocks

    If you’re bouncing around stock footage sites on the daily, VideoBlocks' subscription-based business may be for you.

    Forging the classic model of selling videos individually, VideoBlocks uploads fresh video and audio weekly to keep their stock footage site worth it. If you're churning out branded content weekly, be sure to check out VideoBlock.

    Pros:

    • Unlimited downloads subscription.
    • Includes templates and audio.


    Cons:

    • Footage quality can vary.
    • Less exclusive-looking content.
    • Search results feel cluttered.

    free stock video

    16. Pexels

    Looking for a free stock video library?

    Best Stock Video Sites - Free Stock Video - Pexels - StudioBinder

    Then Pexels may be your answer. While offering affordable stock photos, Pexel's stock video site provides twenty second or so clips to fill the gaps in your next film or explainer video

    Pros:

    • Completely free stock footage.
    • Simple licensing terms.


    Cons:

    • Smaller library than paid sites.
    • Limited niche footage options.
    • Popular clips feel overused.

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    16 Best Video Stock Sites of 2018 - Full Page - Exit Intent - StudioBinder

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    Up Next

    The Best Stock Photo Sites

    Now that you're well versed in the best stock video sites for your next project...what about stock music? Music is key in establishing theme, mood, and even tone. Get to know these sites to amplify your next project.

    Up Next: Best Royalty Free Music Sites →
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    • AJ Unitas is a Baltimore native turned Los Angeles wanderer. He enjoys good movies, hates the bad ones, and drinks water regularly. If you'd like to contact him, please don't!

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