Best Free Stock Footage Sites for Editors

 🧠 What is Stock Footage (and Why It Matters)?

Stock footage is pre-recorded video that you can use in your own edits — think drone shots, city scenes, nature clips, slow-motion product shots, and more.

Why It’s a Game-Changer:

  • Saves time and cost on production
  • Adds cinematic flair to your content
  • Great for intros, transitions, or storytelling
  • Perfect for background visuals or filler clips

🔝 Top 7 Free Stock Footage Sites (Editor-Approved)

1. 🎥 Pexels

  • Huge collection of HD and 4K footage
  • No attribution required
  • Covers travel, people, nature, and tech

🔗 pexels.com/videos

Best for: YouTube intros, lifestyle content, social media edits

2. 📸 Pixabay

  • Library includes photos, illustrations, music & video
  • Free for commercial use
  • Quick downloads, no login needed

🔗 pixabay.com/videos

Best for: Explainers, promo videos, aesthetic reels

3. 🚀 Mixkit

  • Curated by Envato
  • 100% free, with categories like business, urban, abstract
  • New clips added weekly

🔗 mixkit.co/free-stock-video

Best for: Professional-looking ads, product montages, cinematic cuts

4. 🌿 Videezy

  • Offers free and premium stock footage
  • Requires attribution for free downloads
  • Strong in drone and aerial shots

🔗 videezy.com

Best for: Travel vlogs, documentary-style content

5. 📷 Coverr

  • No attribution required
  • Business-friendly categories like startup, office, and tech
  • Seamless loop clips available

🔗 coverr.co

Best for: Corporate edits, SaaS promos, explainer backgrounds

6. 🎨 Life of Vids

  • Curated by Canadian agency Leeroy
  • Artsy, modern, and minimalist vibes
  • No copyright restrictions

🔗 lifeofvids.com

Best for: Aesthetic YouTube channels, chill reels, creative transitions

7. 🏞️ Distill

  • Handpicked HD footage
  • Smaller collection but high-quality
  • No licensing headache

🔗 wedistill.io

Best for: Filmmakers, indie creators, short films

✅ How to Use Free Stock Footage Legally

While these sites are royalty-free, always doube-check for:

  • ✅ License type (personal vs. commercial use)
  • ✅ Attribution requirements (Pixabay = no, Videezy = yes)
  • ❌ Avoid using for reselling or on stock platforms
  • ⚠️ Never assume YouTube monetization is safe — check first

🎬 Tips for Editing Stock Footage into Your Videos

  • Use stock clips as B-roll while narration or music plays
  • Add text overlays or filters to match your brand
  • Use transitions + zooms for a more dynamic feel
  • Combine with CapCut templates for smoother edits

💡 Final Thoughts

You don’t need a DSLR or drone to make stunning videos.

With the right free stock footage, your edits can look professional, polished, and platform-ready — all without blowing your budget.

Start building your stock footage folder today and thank yourself tomorrow. 

(Best Video Tools for Instagram Influencers)

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