As content creators, we've all been there: you need a shot, a sound, an image that you just couldn't capture during production. Maybe you missed a b-roll shot that ties your script together. Maybe the client couldn't afford to stage another day of filming. There's a million and one reasons you may need to pull in stock content.
The challenge? We're so used to stock footage, music, and photos that are absolutely crap. Smiling people in shiny glass offices putting blank post-it notes on a glass wall; a businessman presenting a chart that doesn't have actual data on it; a woman smiling at a salad: we know bad stock content when we see it.
That's why, whether you’re a video editor, content creator, or marketing professional, having access to high-quality stock assets can make a world of difference. Today, we’ll explore three of the best stock asset websites that we use on nearly every project—Artlist.io, Envato, and Storyblocks—that offer a variety of resources to help bring your creative visions to life.
Artlist.io: Cinematic Content and Authentic Music
When it comes to high-quality, royalty-free music, footage, and sound effects, Artlist.io is where we've found the most success. Their portfolio of music is more than just the generic corporate and folk tunes that we've all become accustomed to -- it feels like the artists they work with actually have personality. That goes a long way when it comes to inviting people into your video work.
Artlist’s library is extensive, offering a wide range of genres and moods that fit just about any type of video content you can imagine. Whether you need an uplifting track for a corporate video, a dramatic score for a film project, or ambient sound effects for a podcast, Artlist has you covered.
Their footage is also stellar, favoring shoots that lean more into natural lighting and authentic situations than the standard, highly-produced stock footage that can seem cold and impersonal.
Why Artlist.io is My Preference:
Simple Licensing: Artlist offers a universal license, which means that you can use any downloaded track in any type of project—commercial or personal—without worrying about complex licensing restrictions or additional fees. This is a huge plus for creators who need a hassle-free solution for music and sound effects. Note: this is only true for smaller organizations, like Tulpamancer. Larger organizations will need pricier licenses, which is a great reason to outsource your production to a team like ours!
Curated Playlists: Artlist’s team of music professionals curates playlists that help users find the perfect track more easily. These playlists are categorized by mood, genre, or video theme, making it easier to find a track that fits your project's needs.
Regular Updates: Artlist consistently adds new tracks to its library, ensuring that creators always have fresh and relevant options at their fingertips.
Envato: All the Stock Assets You Need, Plus the Kitchen Sink
Envato is another powerhouse in the world of stock assets. Offering everything from stock video and music to website themes and graphic templates, Envato is a versatile platform for creators of all types.
While their portfolio is a lot more "stock-y" than Artlist.io, they provide a great portfolio of graphic templates that have made mock-ups a breeze. Want to see your logo on a billboard? They've got you covered. Curious what your poster mock-up looks like in the real world? Done. It's just a great fit for quick and dirty executions that bring the brands you serve to life.
Why Envato?
Diverse Range of Assets: Envato Market is home to millions of digital assets, including video footage, music tracks, graphic templates, fonts, and more. This makes it an ideal one-stop shop for creators working on a variety of projects.
Subscription-Based Access: With Envato Elements, users can access thousands of digital assets for a flat monthly fee. This subscription model is perfect for agencies or creators who need a continuous stream of high-quality assets without the worry of additional costs.
High-Quality Resources: Envato’s strict quality control ensures that only high-quality assets make it to their platform. This means you can trust that the assets you download will be top-notch and professionally made.
Storyblocks: Stock Made Simple
Storyblocks is designed for video creators looking for an easy way to access and use stock footage, music, and sound effects. With a focus on simplicity and affordability, Storyblocks offers a library of over one million royalty-free assets that cater to a wide range of video production needs.
It's my go-to when the first two options fall short.
Why Storyblocks?
Unlimited Downloads: Storyblocks offers subscription plans that allow users to download unlimited video clips, music tracks, and sound effects. This is particularly beneficial for creators who work on multiple projects simultaneously and need a steady stream of fresh content.
User-Friendly Interface: The platform’s intuitive search and filtering tools make it easy to find exactly what you need. Whether you’re looking for a specific type of footage or just browsing for inspiration, Storyblocks makes the process straightforward.
Affordable Pricing: Storyblocks offers some of the most competitive pricing in the industry, making it an excellent choice for freelancers, small businesses, or anyone on a budget. Their subscription model is designed to offer great value without compromising on quality.
Finding the right stock asset website can help bring your client's story to life. Artlist.io is an excellent choice for those who prioritize high-quality audio and video and simple licensing. Envato stands out for its wide range of digital assets and subscription-based access, while Storyblocks offers a user-friendly, affordable option for video creators. By leveraging these platforms, you can streamline your workflow and focus on what you do best—creating amazing content.
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