Best 12 Stock Video Sites in 2025

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Edited by Ben Jacklin
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Finding the right stock video can transform an average project into something polished and professional. There are so many reasons why people need this kind of footage. It could be a YouTube video or a marketing campaign. Even some movies use stock footage. There are plenty of great stock video sites catering to all kinds of creative needs and budgets. Read on for the best stock video sites!

Comparing the best stock footage sites

Website

Main advantage

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Professional quality

Excellent categories

Best stock footage websites

iStock is one of the best stock footage sites operated by Getty Images. There is a large collection of high-quality royalty-free video clips, illustrations, and photos.

iStock caters to everyone from marketers to filmmakers and small businesses looking for reliable, affordable content. Its video library includes 4K and HD clips in a wide variety of categories. Things like nature and lifestyle but also business and abstract backgrounds. The platform is well-organized, allowing users to filter results by things like resolution and category. It isn’t cheap but iStock also offers a few pricing plans, including credit-based purchases and subscription models that appeal to both occasional and frequent users.

Pros:

  • High-quality 4K and HD video content from trusted creators

  • Different credit and subscription options to suit different budgets

  • Strong search filters and curated collections for easy browsing

Cons:

  • Limited selection of free video assets

  • Credits can be expensive if purchasing high-res clips individually

Shutterstock is another huge provider of premium stock media, offering a comprehensive library of over 10 million royalty-free HD and 4K video clips alongside its image collection.

We see professional-grade footage across a wide array of categories like cinematic landscapes and even product showcases. Users gain access through flexible licensing options: subscriptions that cover multiple clips or on-demand packs for single purchases.

A user-friendly interface and seamless integration with popular editing tools make it easy to locate the exact shot needed. Shutterstock also benefits from frequent content submissions and ongoing platform expansion, ensuring fresh and up-to-date footage.

Pros:

  • Massive library with millions of HD and 4K clips

  • Powerful search tools and good software integration

Cons:

  • High cost for individual clips or lower-tier subscription plans

Pond5 holds a massive library with over 44 million royalty-free media assets. It is one of the most comprehensive stock platforms available It was started in 2006 and now operating under Shutterstock. Pond5 offers videos, music, SFX, photos, and 3D models.

Users can choose between credit packs, subscription plans, or the more individual purchases, simplifying budgeting and avoiding long-term commitments. Advanced search filters allow browsing by characteristics such as resolution, FPS, subjects, and more. Users can even search for exclusive clips on the platform.

Pros:

  • Enormous and diverse library spanning HD to 8K footage

  • Lots of footage that has been used in Hollywood productions

  • Advanced search filters that include technical and thematic criteria

Cons:

  • Business and commercial plans can be very expensive

Adobe is a well-known brand in the world of stock footage and software. It is integrated with Creative Cloud® and includes millions of high-quality HD and 4K video clips (it even has 360 video and VR content), alongside other assets: photos, vector graphics, templates, 3D assets, and music. It is good for creators already using Adobe's suite.

Subscribers can access assets via flexible credit packs or subscription plans, but it is important to check usage rights when purchasing clips. Integration with tools like Premiere® Pro and After Effects® allows seamless previewing and licensing directly from the app, speeding up production. A free asset collection offers occasional video downloads, making it a useful resource even for non-subscribers.

Pros:

  • Simple integration with Adobe® Creative Cloud® apps

  • Flexible purchase options: subscriptions or credit packs

Cons:

  • Higher price point compared to some competitors and for certain uses

  • Video and template categories are smaller than image library

Pixabay is a popular free stock media library offering over 180,000 royalty‑free video clips in HD and 4K formats. It’s a starting point for a lot of video makers as it has clips that are safe for both commercial and non‑commercial projects, often without requiring attribution.

Another big benefit is that there is no subscription needed. While it offers convenience and zero cost, recent shifts away from full public-domain licensing mean that commercial usage still requires checking Pixabay’s content license for restrictions.

Pros:

  • Entirely free to use with no subscription required

Cons:

  • Not as much quality control as some other options

  • Some of the footage ends up being overused

Envato Elements offers a vast and growing collection of video assets as part of its all-in-one creative marketplace. With over 55 million assets that include unlimited stock footage in HD and 4K, it serves video editors with loads of different needs.

Footage is supplemented with motion graphics, plus other assets like audio, all under one intuitive subscription. The licensing is simple and broad, allowing commercial use across projects without worrying about separate rights. Recently, Envato began integrating AI-generated clips in beta. This is something that not all users are happy to engage with.

Pros:

  • One subscription covers all media types with consistent licensing

  • Simple licensing model for commercial use

Cons:

  • Many newer clips are AI

123RF is a budget-friendly stock content platform that offers millions of royalty-free video clips. Like so many others, it also has photos, audio, and vectors. It caters to a wide range of users, offering HD and 4K video footage across various themes including nature, business, lifestyle, and technology.

The platform’s comprehensive search filters make it easy to narrow down stock media results based on resolution and more. Videos can be licensed for commercial use, and the site frequently offers bundle deals and credits for flexible purchasing. Although it’s not as heavily focused on video as some of its competitors, it remains a solid, cost-effective choice.

Pros:

  • Competitive pricing and flexible credit-based purchasing system

  • Wide variety of HD and 4K footage covering many categories

Cons:

  • Smaller and less curated video library compared to top-tier platforms

  • User interface can feel dated and less refined than competitors

Mixkit is a free stock video platform created by Envato, known for offering a curated collection of HD and 4K video clips.

It also has music and SFX but also some video templates. One of its biggest advantages is that users don’t need to register or pay to download and use its assets. The platform is updated regularly, and all content is available under a royalty-free license for both personal and commercial use. While its library isn’t as vast as premium platforms, the quality of footage is generally high. Mixkit is an ideal choice for creators on a budget who still want polished, professional-looking assets.

Pros:

  • Completely free to use with no sign-up required

  • Royalty-free license suitable for personal and commercial projects

Cons:

  • Smaller selection compared to paid stock platforms

  • Some assets overused

Pexels originally became most famous for its free images rather than video footage. Pexels provides content that’s especially useful for social media and business marketing. The platform is entirely free to use, and videos are available under a generous license that allows for personal and commercial use without attribution.

The site is simple to navigate, and downloads are fast and easy. Since content is community-contributed, variety is impressive. But video quality can occasionally be hit or miss.

Pros:

  • Completely free for personal and commercial use

  • Wide variety of HD and some 4K footage

Cons:

  • Quality can vary depending on the uploader

  • Restrictions on redistributing unaltered videos elsewhere

FilmSupply is one of the best stock footage websites, full of high-end, cinematic-quality stock footage crafted by top filmmakers and directors of photography. Its library features dramatic visuals and things like epic landscapes, emotional close-ups, and cinematic urban scenes. It is mainly sourced from short films and independent productions. The name Filmsupply comes from the fact that it is aimed almost exclusively at the movie industry (but it does have uses elsewhere).

Each clip is editorially selected to ensure professional quality and visual storytelling power. Licensing is straightforward with rights-managed models tailored to specific uses like commercials, film, or broadcast. FilmSupply is ideal for creators needing standout visuals to elevate their work with a cinematic edge.

Pros:

  • Exceptional cinematic quality featuring visually striking storytelling

  • Rights-managed licensing ensures clarity when making a purchase

Cons:

  • Premium pricing reflects higher production values

  • Smaller library compared to large-scale stock platforms

Artlist is a go-to platform for creators seeking high-quality stock footage and sound effects under one comprehensive subscription. The video library offers thousands of HD and 4K clips that cover cinematic shots, everyday scenes, lifestyle, and drone footage. The footage can be ideal for short films and social content. Artlist’s licensing is simple and universal, covering all projects worldwide (including commercial use) without worrying about per-clip fees or renewals.

Its curated content ensures consistency in look and feel, making it easier for filmmakers to maintain a great visual style. Regular updates bring fresh footage, and users appreciate the ability to search by mood and even shot types.

Pros:

  • One flat-rate subscription covers video, music, and SFX

  • Unlimited downloads of HD/4K footage with universal commercial licensing

  • Curated library offers consistent, quality visuals

Cons:

  • Library isn’t as extensive as larger stock platforms

  • No flexible individual clip purchases

Motion Array blends stock footage with a full suite of video assets. It is something of a one-stop shop for content creators. A subscription unlocks unlimited downloads of HD and 4K clips, plus Premiere® Pro and After Effects® templates and audio tracks.

The platform is designed for professionals and enthusiasts alike. It has clean and user-friendly search tools. Every asset, including stock videos, comes with a royalty-free license that covers commercial and personal use. It is popular for YouTubers but also a variety of other video makers and producers.

Pros:

  • Unlimited downloads across video, templates, audio, and more

  • Integrated toolset for complete video production within one subscription

  • Royalty-free licensing simplifies usage for both personal and commercial work

Cons:

  • Monthly subscription required; no pay-per-item option

Edit videos with Movavi Video Editor

As well as the best stock video sites, there are also some examples of editing software that incorporates stock footage. Movavi Video Editor is a versatile and beginner-friendly editing program perfect for both hobbyists and professionals. It stands out for its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, making it easy to create polished, professional-looking videos in minutes.

One of its biggest advantages is the built-in media library, which includes a selection of stock footage, music, backgrounds, and sound effects. This makes it ideal for users who want everything in one place, without needing to search third-party libraries.

Movavi Video Editor includes features like automatic subtitles and AI motion tracking. It also has simple features that look very pro and clean cut like background removal, and professional-grade color correction. It’s compatible with both Windows and macOS and is regularly updated to keep up with creative trends and user needs.

Summary

The best stock footage websites give creators access to high-quality footage that enhances their projects and saves time on shoots. Tools like Movavi Video Editor make production even easier by including media libraries and powerful features. The right platform depends on the user’s budget and the type of footage they want for their project.

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*The free version of Movavi Video Editor may have the following restrictions depending on the build: watermark on exported clips, 60-second video or 1/2 audio length limit, and/or some advanced features unavailable when exporting videos.

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Frequently asked questions

Where do YouTubers get their stock footage from?

Many YouTubers use platforms like Pexels, Pixabay, and Mixkit for free footage, or Shutterstock and Artgrid for premium, high-resolution clips. Some editing programs, like Movavi Video Editor, also offer built-in stock libraries.

What license do I need to use stock video commercially?

It depends on the site. Most paid sites include royalty-free licenses with commercial rights, while free sites often offer Creative Commons or custom licenses. Always read the usage terms before publishing.

Can I edit stock footage in free software?

Yes. Free editors allow you to cut and enhance stock video. However, premium software may offer better performance and features.

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