Stock Video is pre-licensed, royalty-free video clips that can be independently used, modified or integrated into video content. Stock video providers address the challenge of sourcing high-quality, diverse video content for OTT (Over-The-Top) solutions, which often require a vast range of footage to create engaging and visually appealing media. These services solve key problems, including legal clearance for commercial use, the need for a wide variety of content categories, and flexible licensing to accommodate derivative works. Key features often include access to a comprehensive library covering multiple genres, seamless integration with video editing software, various clip durations, and download options that cater to different project requirements. Advanced search tools, historical footage availability, and exclusive content options further enhance content discovery and customization. For collaborative teams, multi-user access and support for custom footage requests enable more efficient workflows. With flexible payment plans and transparent licensing terms, stock video providers empower OTT content creators to deliver high-quality, compliant video content with ease. Learning more about these services can help you streamline production, save time, and enhance the visual impact of your projects.

Stock Video Provider List

Adobe Stock – Adobe Stock provides a vast library of royalty-free stock videos and other creative assets that seamlessly integrate with Adobe Creative Cloud applications.
Artbeats – Artbeats provides royalty-free stock footage with an emphasis on aerial and nature shots, catering to filmmakers and video producers.
Artgrid – Artgrid offers unlimited downloads of royalty-free stock videos for creators, focusing on high-quality footage that tells a story.
Clipcanvas – Clipcanvas offers a large collection of royalty-free stock video footage, with high-definition and 4K options suitable for various creative projects.
Clipstill – Clipstill specializes in stock video cinemagraphs, which are looping video clips that add motion to still images, available for royalty-free use in creative projects.
Coverr – Coverr offers free, high-quality stock video clips that are royalty-free and can be used without any licensing restrictions for personal and commercial purposes.
Depositphotos – Depositphotos is a content marketplace that provides royalty-free stock videos, photos, vectors, and editorial content for various creative purposes.
Dissolve – Dissolve provides high-quality stock video footage and photography, with a focus on cinematic and artistic content for various media projects.
Dreamstime – Dreamstime is a stock content platform offering royalty-free stock videos, images, and audio, catering to creative professionals and businesses.
Envato Elements – Envato Elements offers an extensive library of royalty-free stock videos, motion graphics, and templates as part of its all-inclusive subscription model.
FilmHERO – FilmHERO provides royalty-free stock footage with a focus on cinematic video content, offering a subscription service with unlimited downloads.
Filmora – Filmora provides a variety of royalty-free stock videos and effects as part of its video editing software package, catering to content creators and filmmakers.
Filmstock – Filmstock by Wondershare provides a range of royalty-free stock videos, special effects, and audio assets, designed for use in video editing projects.
Filmsupply – Filmsupply is a premium stock footage platform offering high-quality cinematic video content licensed for commercial, editorial, and personal use.
Framepool – Framepool offers a vast collection of stock video footage with rights-managed and royalty-free licensing, suitable for commercial and editorial use.
Ignite Motion – Ignite Motion provides free, royalty-free stock video clips with a focus on motion backgrounds, suitable for presentations, videos, and websites.
Life of Vids – Life of Vids provides free stock videos and looping clips for personal and commercial use, curated by the LEEROY creative agency.
Lightstock – Lightstock provides high-quality, faith-focused stock videos and images, catering to content creators working on religious and inspirational projects.
Mazwai – Mazwai provides high-quality, free stock video footage with an emphasis on cinematic content, available for personal and commercial use.
Mixkit – Mixkit offers a curated collection of free stock video clips, music tracks, and video templates that can be used in personal and commercial projects without attribution.
Motion Array – Motion Array provides a variety of royalty-free stock videos, templates, and motion graphics for video creators, with a focus on seamless workflow integration.
MotionElements – MotionElements offers a wide range of royalty-free stock videos, music, and motion graphics, catering to video editors and content creators.
Pexels – Pexels provides free stock videos and photos, offering a diverse selection of royalty-free content that can be used for personal and commercial projects.
Pixabay – Pixabay offers a vast library of royalty-free stock videos and images that are freely available for commercial use without the need for attribution.
Pond5 – Pond5 offers a cloud-based platform for video editing and media management, providing access to a vast library of stock footage and media assets.
RawFilm – RawFilm offers premium stock footage shot on high-end cinema cameras, providing royalty-free, high-quality clips suitable for professional video production.
Reelseo – Reelseo focuses on video marketing, offering stock footage and resources for video content creators aiming to improve the quality and reach of their projects.
Revostock – Revostock provides royalty-free stock video, motion graphics, and After Effects templates, catering to video editors and content creators.
Shutterstock – Shutterstock is a leading platform offering millions of royalty-free stock videos, images, and music tracks for creative use in various projects.
Stock Footage for Free – Stock Footage for Free offers a selection of free royalty-free stock footage that can be used in personal and commercial projects.
StockFootage.com – StockFootage.com provides a variety of royalty-free HD and 4K stock footage, offering high-quality clips for use in film, television, and digital media.
Stocksy – Stocksy offers high-quality, artist-curated stock video footage and photography, featuring a royalty-free license model suitable for creative projects.
Storyblocks – Storyblocks offers royalty-free stock videos, music, and sound effects, featuring a subscription-based model that allows unlimited downloads.
Storytape – Storytape offers unlimited downloads of premium stock footage through a subscription service, with clips categorized by themes to make finding relevant content easier.
Videezy – Videezy provides royalty-free stock video footage, including HD and 4K clips, available for creative use in video projects.
VideoBlocks (now part of Storyblocks) – Originally known as VideoBlocks, Storyblocks offers a subscription-based service for royalty-free stock videos, motion backgrounds, and After Effects templates.
Videvo – Videvo provides high-quality royalty-free stock videos and motion graphics, catering to a wide range of video production needs.
Vimeo Stock – Vimeo Stock offers high-quality royalty-free stock videos curated by the Vimeo community, featuring a range of artistic and commercial content.

Stock Video Provider Key Features and Capabilities

Audio Options

Some stock video providers offer integrated audio elements, such as background music, sound effects, or voiceovers bundled with the footage. Access to these audio options can significantly enhance your video projects by providing ready-made sound design, saving time in sourcing and editing audio separately. Having audio options available can help create a more immersive and comprehensive content package.

Clip Duration and Customization

Look for services that offer various clip durations to meet different project needs, from short loops for social media to longer footage for documentaries or films. Some platforms may also include tools for trimming or customizing the clips before downloading them. This flexibility allows you to use the video content in a wide range of scenarios and tailor the footage to your specific requirements.

Content Variety

A comprehensive collection of video clips across diverse categories, such as nature, urban, lifestyle, business, and technology, ensures that you can find relevant content for any project. It’s essential to choose a library that covers multiple genres, themes, and styles to support various creative needs. The greater the variety, the more likely you are to find clips that match the tone and subject matter of your work.

Copyright Clearance and Talent Releases

Verify that the stock video service provides copyright clearance for all content, including proper model and property releases for clips featuring identifiable people or private locations. This legal coverage is crucial for commercial use, helping to avoid potential legal disputes or additional licensing fees. Ensuring all necessary releases are in place gives you peace of mind when using the content for public-facing projects.

Custom Footage Requests

Some stock video platforms offer options for custom footage requests, allowing you to commission specific shots, scenarios, or locations that are not available in the existing library. This feature can be particularly useful for projects requiring unique or tailored content that aligns closely with a specific vision or requirement. Custom requests enable greater creative control over the final output.

Customer Support and User Resources

Choose a provider with reliable customer support and a range of user resources, such as tutorials, FAQs, user forums, or live chat. Having access to knowledgeable support staff can help resolve technical issues quickly and guide you on using the platform’s features effectively. User resources provide additional value by helping you get the most out of the service.

Derivative Works Licensing

Ensure that the licensing agreement allows for modifications, derivative works, or integration with other content. This is vital for creative projects where extensive editing, transformation, or incorporation of multiple media elements is required. Flexible licensing terms give you the freedom to adapt and personalize the footage to better fit your project’s needs.

Download Options

A variety of download options, such as different resolutions, frame rates, and file sizes, ensures you can access the appropriate format for your specific requirements. Some platforms also offer bulk download capabilities to help save time when working with multiple clips. Flexible download options make it easier to optimize file storage and project management.

Exclusive Content Options

Some stock video services provide access to exclusive footage that is not available on other platforms, often for an additional fee. This can help make your projects stand out by featuring unique content that is less likely to be used by other creators. Access to exclusive options adds a layer of originality and quality to your work.

File Formats and Codecs

Videos should be available in multiple file formats (e.g., MP4, MOV, AVI) and codecs to ensure compatibility with different video editing software and production workflows. Offering various formats makes it easier to meet specific project requirements, especially when working with complex video production pipelines. Compatibility across editing environments helps streamline the workflow and reduce technical barriers.

Historical and Archival Footage

If you need content that captures specific historical events or eras, consider services that offer archival footage or vintage clips from different time periods. Such footage can be valuable for documentary projects or any content that aims to provide context or reference to the past. Access to historical footage can help bring authenticity and depth to your storytelling.

Integration with Video Editing Software

Some stock video platforms offer direct integration with popular video editing tools, allowing for seamless importing and organizing of clips within your software. This feature can significantly streamline your workflow by reducing the need for manual file transfers. Integration with editing software ensures a more efficient and user-friendly content creation process.

Licensing Terms

Select a stock video provider that offers clear, flexible, and transparent licensing terms. Videos should be royalty-free, allowing unlimited use without recurring fees, and the license should explicitly cover the intended uses, whether for commercial, editorial, or personal projects. Understanding the licensing terms ensures that you remain compliant with usage rights and avoid unexpected legal issues.

Multi-User Access and Collaboration Tools

For team projects, opt for platforms that offer multi-user accounts, shared workspaces, or collaboration tools. These features enable teams to access the content library, share feedback, and coordinate on projects more effectively. Multi-user capabilities facilitate collaborative workflows and ensure that project teams can work together seamlessly.

Payment Options and Subscription Plans

Evaluate the platform’s pricing models, whether one-time purchases, subscriptions, or credit-based systems. Also, check for payment methods that suit different financial preferences, such as credit cards, PayPal, or wire transfers, as well as options for corporate billing or purchase orders. The right payment options provide flexibility and affordability for different budget levels.

Preview and Watermarked Downloads

The ability to preview clips in high quality and download watermarked versions for evaluation allows you to test the footage in your projects before committing to a purchase. This feature is especially useful for assessing the visual fit and quality of the content. Previewing clips ensures you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary expenses.

Search and Filtering Options

Advanced search tools and filtering options, such as keyword search, resolution, duration, aspect ratio, and frame rate, make it easier to find the right clip quickly. Well-organized search features can save significant time during the content selection process. Efficient search functionality helps streamline your workflow by delivering relevant results faster.

Usage Analytics and Reporting

Some stock video services offer usage analytics to track which clips are downloaded, used, or most popular. This data can be valuable for understanding how the content is being utilized, optimizing future purchases, or making informed budget decisions. Usage analytics can help assess the value of the service and improve content management strategies.

Video Quality and Resolution Options

Choose a service that provides various video quality options, including standard definition (SD), high definition (HD), 4K, and even 8K, to match different project requirements. Higher resolutions are especially important for high-production-value projects such as film, TV, or large-scale commercial applications. Offering multiple quality options ensures you can adapt content to various distribution channels.

Video Library Updates and Content Freshness

Look for services that regularly update their libraries with new footage, ensuring access to fresh and current content that reflects the latest trends and creative needs. Frequent content updates help keep your projects relevant and give you access to a broad selection of modern footage. Up-to-date libraries provide a continuous stream of new creative possibilities.

Stock Video Glossary

Adaptive Bitrate (ABR) – A streaming technique that adjusts the video quality in real-time based on the viewer’s internet speed. ABR ensures smooth playback by switching between different quality levels to prevent buffering.

Alpha Channel – A part of the video file that stores transparency information, allowing certain parts of the video to be transparent. It is useful for overlaying video content on different backgrounds.

Archive Footage – Historical or previously recorded video content that can be used in new projects. Archive footage can add context, authenticity, or reference to past events in your videos.

Aspect Ratio (AR) – The proportional relationship between the width and height of a video frame. Common aspect ratios include 16:9 (widescreen) and 4:3 (standard). It is crucial for ensuring the video content fits various display formats without distortion.

B-Roll – Supplemental footage that supports the main visual content, often used to add context, cut between scenes, or enhance storytelling. B-roll footage is commonly sourced from stock video libraries.

Bitrate – The amount of data processed per unit of time in a video file, usually measured in kilobits per second (kbps) or megabits per second (Mbps). Higher bitrates generally result in better video quality but larger file sizes.

Chroma Key – A visual effects technique where a specific color (usually green or blue) is made transparent, allowing a different background to be inserted. Chroma keying is frequently used in video editing to create composited scenes.

Color Grading – The process of adjusting the colors in a video to achieve a specific look or mood. Stock video clips may require color grading to match the visual style of the main content.

Copyright Clearance – The process of ensuring that all necessary rights and permissions are obtained to legally use and distribute a video clip. This is essential to avoid legal issues related to intellectual property.

Creative Commons (CC) – A type of license that allows content creators to grant certain usage rights to their work. Creative Commons licenses may have various levels of permissions, from free use to restrictions on commercial use or modification.

Digital Rights Management (DRM) – A technology used to control how digital content is used, accessed, or shared, ensuring that copyright-protected content is not used in unauthorized ways.

Exclusive Content – Video clips that are not available on other platforms and are provided exclusively by a specific stock video service. This can make your content stand out by featuring unique footage.

File Format – The structure in which a video file is stored, such as MP4, MOV, or AVI. Different formats may be better suited for specific editing software or playback requirements.

Frames Per Second (FPS) – The number of individual frames displayed per second in a video. Common FPS rates include 24, 30, and 60, with higher rates providing smoother motion.

High Definition (HD) – A video resolution of at least 720p, offering higher quality than standard definition (SD). HD is widely used in modern video content production for better clarity and detail.

Intellectual Property (IP) – Legal rights that arise from the creation of original content, such as videos, music, or artwork. Stock video providers must ensure that all IP rights are cleared for commercial use.

Keyframe – A frame in a video where specific parameters (e.g., position, opacity, scale) are defined for animation or effects. Keyframes are essential in video editing for creating smooth transitions and dynamic motion.

License Agreement – A legal contract outlining the terms under which a video clip can be used. It specifies whether the content can be used for commercial, editorial, or personal purposes.

Metadata – Information embedded within a video file that describes various attributes, such as title, description, resolution, and copyright information. Metadata helps in organizing and searching for video content.

Model Release – A signed document that grants permission to use a person’s likeness in a video clip for commercial or promotional purposes. It is required when identifiable individuals are featured in the footage.

Proxy File – A lower-resolution version of a video clip used during the editing process to speed up playback and editing performance. Once editing is complete, the proxy file is replaced with the original high-resolution file for final output.

Resolution – The number of pixels in each dimension that a video displays, such as 1920×1080 (Full HD). Higher resolutions provide more detailed images, making them suitable for high-quality production.

Royalty-Free (RF) – A type of licensing that allows the purchaser to use the video content without paying recurring royalties. Once purchased, the content can be used according to the terms specified in the license.

Royalty-Free Music – Similar to royalty-free stock video, this is music that can be used without paying recurring fees. It is often paired with stock video content to enhance audio-visual projects.

Standard Definition (SD) – A lower video resolution, typically 480p or below. SD is less commonly used today due to the widespread availability of higher-quality options like HD and 4K.

Stock Footage – Pre-recorded video clips that can be used in various media projects. Stock footage is often licensed for commercial, editorial, or personal use and can save time in production.

Ultra High Definition (UHD) – A video resolution of 3840×2160 pixels (4K) or higher. UHD provides exceptional clarity, making it ideal for high-quality broadcasts and large-screen displays.

Usage Rights – The permissions granted to a user for how a video clip can be used, including limitations on distribution, modification, or monetization.

Watermark – A visible or invisible mark embedded in a video to prevent unauthorized use. Stock video providers often use watermarks on preview clips to protect content before purchase.

Widescreen – A video format with a wider aspect ratio, such as 16:9, commonly used for modern televisions and online video content. Widescreen formats provide a cinematic viewing experience.