With an increasing number of stock libraries to choose from, it can be handy to know where to look depending on what you are willing to invest and your aesthetic preferences. For us, the less it looks like ‘stock’ the better.
So that you can make a decision of your own here’s a short breakdown of the libraries we’re most familiar with…
- Film Supply: Cinematic material, large library, premium quality, supplied by top filmmakers, clips often come in collections for multiple options of the same scene. ££££
- Dissolve: Mixed styles, v large library, medium-high quality, excellent search filters. £££
- Getty: Mixed styles, v large library, ranging low-medium-excellent quality, ideal for archival/editorial material but therefore expensive. £££££
- Artgrid: Mixed styles but leaning towards cinematic, medium-sized library, medium-excellent quality, subscription available for unlimited downloads makes it very cost-effective. ££
- Raw Film: Cinematic, small-medium sized library, premium quality, clips grouped in scenes, single clip purchase or subscription. £££
- Vimeo Stock: Mixed styles, medium-sized library, average to excellent quality, ££
- Pexels: Very small library, average to v good quality. Free!
- Mixkit: Very small library, average to v good quality, great for aerial footage. Free!
You can also refer to our scorecard below:
Conclusion
You will be surprised just how flexible stock footage can be. Remember like any other video project the most important thing is to define your message and what you want audiences to feel and do after they have watched the video. Now more than ever it's vital that you spend time getting this part right.
If you’re trying to keep video rolling then virtually get in touch to discuss your brief.
