The use of videos in digital marketing has become increasingly important in recent years. However, creating high-quality videos often requires significant time and financial resources. Fortunately, there are several online platforms that offer the opportunity to download free, high-quality videos that can be used in various communication plans or architectural projects. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best sources of free online videos, including Pexels, Pixabay, Life of Vids, Videezy, and Vidsplay, and delve into their key features.
Where to find the best copyright-free online videos
In this post, I’ll list the best sites to find free online videos. There are dozens of websites offering extensive libraries where you can download videos you need for architectural videos or to communicate a project through a reel, presentation, and more – some even for free. These sites are continually updated, and some allow users to subscribe to upload their own material, potentially for profit.
This principle is similar to sourcing photographs (here are the best sites for copyright-free images) or music (here are some sites for downloading music or sound effects), or a range of resources often covered on MFA like vector icons, PSD figures, or textures.
As you conduct your research, my advice is to bookmark or even download videos you find interesting and that could be useful in the future. This way, you’ll start building your personal library of resources, always available to boost your productivity in the long run, as explained in this post.
Where to find free online videos
Pexels
Pexels offers a vast collection of high-definition videos that are free to download. The videos cover a wide range of categories including nature, technology, people, sports, and more.
Pixabay
Pixabay is a valuable resource for anyone seeking high-quality, copyright-free videos for personal or commercial projects like advertisements, presentations, filmmaking, and more. In addition to videos, Pixabay also offers a vast collection of free images, vectors, and illustrations that can be used without any copyright restrictions.
Life of Vids
Videos on Life of Vids are created by filmmakers from around the world and cover various categories such as nature, cityscapes, people, animations, and more. The quality of videos here is notably higher on average compared to other platforms listed, though the quantity is somewhat more limited.
Videezy
Videezy is an excellent resource for finding high-quality videos for personal or commercial projects, similar to Pixabay. The website also offers a wide range of images, vectors, and more that can be used without copyright restrictions.
Videvo
Videvo features a wide range of professional videos, templates, audio, and other materials. Like most resources on this list, Videvo is an active community of filmmakers and creatives contributing to the available videos.
Vidsplay
Vidsplay primarily offers videos in MP4 format and has an extensive selection with all the main features expected from such a platform. Definitely another site to bookmark.
Other Interesting Sites to Find (Some) Free Videos:
Best webites for premium online videos
Adobe Stock
Adobe Stock is integrated with Adobe products like Premiere Pro and After Effects, making it easier and more convenient for users to integrate Adobe Stock content into their projects (if they use these programs).
Overall, Adobe Stock is an excellent resource for high-quality audiovisual content with a wide selection for personal or commercial projects. However, the website is paid, so it might not be the best choice for those seeking free content.
Shutterstock
Shutterstock is one of the most famous paid sites available. Users must purchase a license to use the videos on the website. Shutterstock also offers a subscription option, granting access to unlimited audiovisual content for a monthly or annual fee.
Video Blocks
Storyblocks (formerly Video Blocks) is one of my favorite platforms in this list for its great value for money. Like other platforms, Storyblocks provides a wide collection of high-definition videos, along with other audiovisual content like images and sounds. Storyblocks also offers a subscription option for unlimited access to audiovisual content.
Elements Envato
To access Elements’ incredible resources, users need to purchase a subscription, granting access to a wide range of high-quality content at no additional cost.
Elements is part of the Envato network, which also includes other online platforms for creatives like WordPress themes, plugins, graphics, fonts, and more.
Filmsupply
Filmsupply collaborates with top filmmakers worldwide to offer a wide range of high-quality videos covering various categories. A unique feature of the platform is its curated selection process, ensuring only the highest quality content is offered to users. Filmsupply is primarily a paid agency, requiring users to purchase a license to use the available content.
Artgrid.io
Artgrid is one of my favorite platforms on this list. The video materials here are exceptional, and the value for money is honest. Well worth a visit.
Vimeo Stock
Vimeo Stock is where Vimeo Plus users can access exclusive, well-crafted videos. However, not all videos are included in the Plus subscription; some must be purchased separately.
iStock by Getty Images
Similar to Shutterstock, iStock is a very popular platform. Users must purchase a license to access the high-quality content, including videos and images.
I hope you find what you’re looking for. Remember to bookmark this page! When the time comes to use free online videos for your projects, you’ll know where to go.
