Let's dive into the world of free stock video resources. As an filmmaker who's been in the trenches of video production for years, I've learned a thing or two about finding quality footage without breaking the bank. Trust me, I've been there – scraping together pennies for my first indie film while dreaming of Hollywood-level production values. But here's the thing: you don't always need a fat wallet to create stunning visuals. And you can even create entire spec ads or videos with free stock footage.

1. Pexels

This site is a godsend for content creators on a budget. And let's be real, who isn't trying to stretch their dollars these days?

Pexels offers a huge collection of high-quality videos that will match your the overall quality of your project no matter what your budget is. From breathtaking nature scenes to bustling urban landscapes, they've got it all.

One time, I was working on a branded video for a local client and I couldn't find the right stock footage on any of the paid sites, so I turned to Pexels and ended up finding exactly what I was looking for.

One interesting thing to note is you can also find high quality vertical video on Pexels and sort for it in their filters, if that's what you are looking for.

The best part? Their licensing is super straightforward. Most videos are under the Pexels License, which means you can use them for free, even for commercial projects. No need to sell your soul or firstborn child to the copyright gods.

2. Pixabay

Next up on our magical mystery tour of free stock footage is Pixabay. Now, I'll be honest – when I first heard about Pixabay, I thought it was just another run-of-the-mill stock site with the same tired stock videos that have been floating around since the mid-90s, but it's actually pretty good!

Unlike Pexels, which just offers stock video and photos, Pixabay is like the Swiss Army knife of stock resources. Need a time-lapse of a blooming flower? They've got it. How about some futuristic motion graphics? Yep, that too. They even have sound effects and music, which is pretty great.

Pixabay's interface is so user-friendly, even my tech-challenged aunt could navigate it. And trust me, this is a woman who once tried to make a phone call on a calculator. The search function is intuitive, making it a breeze to find exactly what you need.

As for licensing, Pixabay uses the Creative Commons Zero (CC0) license. In plain English? You can copy, modify, distribute, and use the videos for free, even for commercial purposes, without asking permission. It's like they're saying, "Here's some awesome footage. Go forth and create!"

3. Videvo

Videvo is like the cool cousin of stock video sites. They've got a mix of free and premium content, but don't let that scare you off. They've got some pretty decent stuff in their library of free content. This includes footage, templates and audio, so Videvo is another place to go when you are looking to spice up your videos with sound design and graphics.

Now, here's the deal with Videvo – they do have some download limits for free users. And yeah, you might need to create an account.

But, one thing that sets Videvo apart is their collection of sound effects and music tracks.

The quality of the footage maybe isn't up to the same level as Pexels, but the fact that the site is an all-around resource for footage, templates, and music pushes it to #3 on this list.

4. Coverr

Coverr has changed quite a bit over the years. They used to specialize mainly in background videos, but now they offer a wide range of footage (both captured by a camera and AI generated). Similarly to Videvo, they offer a selection of free and premium stock footage as well as royalty free music you can download for free as a .mp3 (.wav is a paid upgrade).

Something Coverr is doing that no other site I know of is doing, is tackling AI within the stock footage space. They have a new AI Workflows section that allows you to see prompts that have been used in various AI tools like Midjourney, RunwayML, Stable Diffusion, and LumaAI to create pretty interesting video clips.

One thing to note, there are a lot of ads on the site, so if you aren't careful, you'll end up clicking onto iStockPhoto or some other premium site.

Using Coverr videos in your projects is a breeze. They play nice with pretty much every editing software out there. And if you're more of an online platform kind of creator, fear not! Coverr's got you covered with easy integration options.

5. Mixkit

Now, let's get real for a second. We've all been there – staring at the screen, deadline looming, desperately searching for that perfect clip. Mixkit has saved my behind in more late-night editing sessions than I care to admit.

Here's the best part – Mixkit's licensing terms are clear as day. You can use their videos in commercial projects without worrying about the copyright police kicking down your door. It's like they're saying, "Here's some awesome footage. Go make something cool!"

But wait, there's more! (I always wanted to say that.) Mixkit doesn't stop at videos. They've also got a sweet collection of music and sound effects. It really is a great collection of content creation resources. One time, I was putting together a pitch video for a big client and realized I needed both a stunning beach sunset clip AND the sound of crashing waves. Mixkit delivered both.

6. Vidsplay

Vidsplay is home to a collection of free HD videos but their library might not be as vast as some other sites

Now, I'll be honest – navigating Vidsplay can sometimes feel like you're on a treasure hunt. It takes a little digging to find the gold. And like some of the other sites, you may accidentally hit a few ads along the way.

One thing that bugs me about Vidsplay is their licensing info. It's generally okay for commercial use, but it can be a bit vague. Always double-check before you use anything. The last thing you need is a copyright headache on top of your editing migraine.

Is Vidsplay going to revolutionize your productions? Probably not. But when you're in a pinch and need some halfway decent footage without selling a kidney, it's not a bad place to look. Just don't expect miracles, and maybe have a stress ball handy for when the search function decides to go on strike.

7. Dareful

I stumbled across this site a while back when I was desperately searching for some decent footage for a project that was... let's just say, lacking in the budget department.

Their library isn't massive, so don't expect to find every random clip you might need. But here's the thing: what they do have is pretty darn good.

Dareful uses the CC0 license, which basically means you can do whatever you want with the videos. No attribution, no worries. It's pretty sweet, I've got to admit. But always double-check the terms, because things can change, and I don't want you coming after me if something goes sideways.

The quality of their footage is generally solid. It's all 4K, which is great for those of us who are making videos here in 2024.

Here's my advice: don't just skim through their homepage. Really dig into the categories. You might not find exactly what you're looking for, but you might find something that works just as well. And let's be real, when you're working with free stock footage, "just as well" is often good enough.

Paid Option: FILMPAC

There are numerous paid options available for high-quality stock footage, but my top choice is FILMPAC.

One of the standout features is the availability of RAW and LOG clips, which provide greater flexibility in post-production. Additionally, FILMPAC ensures consistency across multiple shots within their packs, making it easy to find clips that match in style and quality by searching by model.

This is particularly beneficial for maintaining a cohesive look in projects. Furthermore, they offer a selection of music and sound effects, all bundled into a straightforward yearly subscription fee, which makes it not only convenient but also cost-effective for filmmakers and content creators.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are these stock video sites really free?

A: Yeah, for the most part. The sites listed here offer free videos, but some (like Videvo) also have premium options. Always check the specific terms for each video you download.

Q: Can I use these free stock videos for commercial projects?

A: Generally, yes. Most of these sites allow commercial use, but it's crucial to double-check the licensing for each video. Some might require attribution or have restrictions on certain types of use.

Q: What's the difference between royalty-free and copyright-free videos?

A: Royalty-free means you can use the video multiple times after paying a one-time fee (or getting it for free). Copyright-free (like those under Creative Commons Zero license) means the creator has waived all rights, and you can use the video however you want.

Q: Do I need to credit the source when using these free stock videos?

A: It depends on the site and the specific video. Some require attribution, others don't. Always check the licensing terms. When in doubt, it's good practice to give credit anyway.

Q: What's the typical quality of these free stock videos?

A: Quality varies, but many of these sites offer HD and even 4K videos. Pexels, Pixabay, and Dareful are known for their high-quality offerings.

Q: How often are new videos added to these stock footage sites?

A: It varies by site. Some, like Coverr, add new videos weekly. Others may update less frequently. Check each site's info or FAQ for specifics.

Q: Can I use these free stock videos on YouTube or other social media platforms?

A: In most cases, yes. These videos are generally safe to use on social media and video hosting platforms. Just be sure you're following the licensing terms for each video.

Q: Are there any restrictions on how I can modify these free stock videos?

A: This depends on the specific license. Many allow unrestricted modifications, but some may have limitations. Always review the terms before heavily editing or altering a video.

Q: How do these free stock video sites compare to paid services?

A: Free sites often have smaller libraries and may have less consistent quality compared to paid services. However, for many projects, especially those on a tight budget, these free resources can be a lifesaver.

Q: Can I download as many videos as I want from these free stock footage sites?

A: Most sites don't limit downloads, but some (like Videvo) might have daily download caps for free users. Check each site's terms for any restrictions.

Remember, while these FAQs cover the basics, it's always best to check the most up-to-date info on each site. The world of free stock videos can change faster than a cat video goes viral!