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.
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