Creating engaging Facebook and Instagram ad campaigns often requires high-quality video content to capture the attention of your target audience. However, sourcing this content can be a challenge, especially when you’re on a tight budget, or if you’re working remotely for a client who doesn’t have the budget. Fortunately, many platforms allow users to download videos easily in various formats, making it simpler to access the content you need.
Fortunately, there are several free stock video sites that offer a wealth of resources to help you create captivating ads without breaking the bank. These stock video sites provide a variety of video clips available for different licensing needs, ensuring you have the right footage for both commercial and non-commercial projects.
In this blog post, we’ll explore 8 of the best free stock video websites perfect for social media ad campaigns including Meta, TikTok and YouTube.
Before we do get stuck in, please be sure to read each platform’s usage policy as you may be required to pay a licence fee to use their video footage for commercial purposes.
Also, be sure to use the Orientation filter to discover Vertical (or Portrait) formatted videos as these are best suited to social media. After all, 99% of social media users are on a mobile device.
Royalty free videos are stock videos that you can use without paying ongoing royalties or licensing fees. These videos are often licensed under Creative Commons Zero (CC0) or other royalty-free licenses, which allow you to modify and use the videos freely. Whether you’re a marketer, videographer, or content creator, royalty free videos can be a game-changer. They can be used for both personal and commercial purposes, making them a versatile and cost-effective option for your projects. With royalty free stock videos, you can enhance your content without worrying about legal restrictions or additional costs.
Using free stock videos offers several compelling benefits:
Cost-effective: Free stock videos can significantly reduce your production costs, allowing you to allocate your budget to other critical aspects of your project.
Time-saving: With free stock videos, you can skip the time-consuming process of filming and editing your own footage. This means you can focus more on other important tasks.
High-quality content: Many free stock video websites offer high-quality videos that can elevate the visual appeal of your project, making it look professional and polished.
Increased productivity: By using free stock videos, you can complete your projects faster, boosting your overall productivity and efficiency.
These benefits make free stock videos an invaluable resource for anyone looking to create engaging and visually appealing content without breaking the bank.
Pexels is a popular stock video site among digital marketers for its vast collection of free stock videos and photos. The platform offers a vast collection of free stock footage, including high-definition videos that can be used both commercially and non-commercially without requiring payment or attribution. The platform offers high-quality, royalty-free videos that are perfect for social media ads. What sets Pexels apart is its easy-to-navigate interface and the ability to search for videos based on specific themes or moods.
✅ Pexels has an Orientation filter.
Pixabay is another treasure trove of free stock videos, photos, and music. Pixabay also offers free stock images for creatives and videographers who need free visual content for their projects. With an extensive library that spans various categories, Pixabay is a go-to resource for finding the perfect clip for your social media campaigns. All content on Pixabay is released under Creative Commons, making it safe to use without asking for permission or giving credit to the artist.
✅ Pixabay has an Orientation filter.
Videvo offers thousands of free stock videos and motion graphics contributed by a community of users. The quality of videos on Videvo ranges from HD videos to 4K, ensuring you find something that enhances your social media ads. While most videos are free, Videvo also offers premium clips for those looking for something extra special.
❌ Videvo doesn’t appear to have a orientation filter.
Videezy is an ok resource for finding free HD stock videos and drone footage. Videezy offers a collection of free stock video clips that can be downloaded and used without any cost or restrictions. Users can download videos easily without needing to sign up or create an account. The site is regularly updated with new content, making it easy to find fresh and relevant videos for your campaigns. Videezy’s videos are free to use, although some require attribution.
❌ Videezy doesn’t appear to have a orientation filter. It also appears to have quite a lot of banner ads and was slow to load, so we don’t recommend this one.
Coverr stands out for its unique collection of beautiful, free stock videos that are perfect for website backgrounds and social media ads. These videos are available for personal and commercial use. The site adds seven new videos every Monday, ensuring a constant supply of new content to keep your ads looking fresh and engaging.
❌ Coverr doesn’t appear to have a orientation filter.
Mixkit, by Envato Elements, offers a curated collection of free stock videos, music, and Premiere Pro templates. Mixkit also provides a large curated collection of high-quality stock footage. What makes Mixkit exceptional is the quality of its videos, which are artfully crafted and perfect for creating high-impact social media ads. All content on Mixkit is free to use, even for commercial purposes, without attribution.
✅ Mixkit has an Orientation filter so you can find vertical videos.
Dareful is where you can find high-quality, 4K stock videos that are completely free to use. Dareful offers a wide selection of stock video footage for various projects. The site focuses on providing stunning, dare-to-be-different footage that can make your social media ads stand out. All videos on Dareful are available under a Creative Commons license.
❌ Dareful doesn’t appear to have a orientation filter.
Mazwai is a great source for finding artistic and abstract stock videos. The site offers a variety of video clips, handpicked to ensure high quality and uniqueness. While Mazwai’s collection is smaller than some of the other sites on this list, the quality and artistic flair of its videos make it a valuable resource.
❌ Mazwai doesn’t appear to have a orientation filter.
To make the most out of free stock videos, consider these tips:
Choose the right website: Opt for reputable free stock video websites that offer high-quality videos and a user-friendly interface. This ensures you get the best content with minimal hassle.
Read the license: Always read the license agreement before downloading a video. Understanding the terms and conditions of use will help you avoid any legal issues.
Use them sparingly: Avoid overusing free stock videos to prevent your project from looking repetitive or unprofessional. Use them strategically to enhance your content.
Edit and customize: Tailor the videos to fit your project’s style and tone. Editing and customizing the videos can make them look more authentic and engaging.
Give credit: If the license requires it, make sure to give credit to the original creator. This not only respects the creator’s work but also builds trust and credibility with your audience.
By following these tips, you can effectively incorporate free stock videos into your projects, making them more engaging and visually appealing.
Video content is king, especially when it comes to social media advertising. The resources listed above will help you discover videos free for both personal and commercial use, however, if you want high quality vertical (portrait) style videos, you might be better off going for a paid option. Most of these resources offer paid options.
Remember, while these resources are free, it’s always good practice to check the licensing on each video to ensure you’re using them within their guidelines.
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