Many different types of videos utilize Stock Video, and you might not even realize it. Using stock footage isn't just about taking a clip and adding it to your video. A skilled editor will hide the footage so well that you won't be able to tell what is stock and what has been purposely shot. Today we will take you through how and when to use copy-right free stock footage in various project types; let's jump in.
Vlogging
Vlogging is a powerful medium for content creators. What's more, vlogs can be about anything that would interest you and your audience. Many vloggers create videos that mix informative content with personal opinions, building a fan base around a particular subject matter.
If you've considered starting a vlog but are not comfortable on camera or are creating podcasts and audiobooks, stock footage can help you reach a wider audience. YouTube is the world's second-largest search engine, and by adding stock clips to your audio recordings, you can take advantage of that.
Stock footage is essential for vlogs, and the range of clips available means you can find something for any subject. So whether you're using the stock footage to cover cuts in your edit or reinforce the shared information, an extensive library of stock assets can help keep your vlogs engaging and consistent.
Can you spot the stock footage in this video?
Commercials
Corporate video productions like commercials and promotional videos might not seem like the project you'd need stock assets on. Many TV commercials are purposely shot for the product, usually because they include specific branding, celebrities, or locations. Still, you might be surprised how many adverts utilize stock assets.
For example, if you're creating a spec ad, it can be time and cost-saving to check what you can find in a stock footage library first. While you might not be able to create the whole commercial from stock assets, searching for stock footage can allow you to start filling in your storyboard before you shoot anything.
Artgrid is also unique in that it provides collections of clips all centered around the same subject, locations, and performers, called Stories. So the mix of clips allows you to cut together entire scenes with a narrative flow rather than joining together unrelated clips.
Music videos
Using stock footage for music videos is a fantastic way of producing one on a budget. One of the most incredible things about producing a music video is that it doesn't need to make narrative sense.
The music part will always be more important than the video part with music videos. While many music videos will use a narrative to tell a story, you don't necessarily need one. Some of the best music videos use abstract shots, motion graphic elements, and other non-connected visuals to invoke a feeling of relatable emotion.
When you film a music video and edit it, the most important thing is to reinforce the themes and emotions in the track. You can use any clips you'd like, so long as they suit and enhance the music.
Lyric videos
Lyric Videos are among the top types of video to use stock footage, as the visuals are often produced without the artist. The popular method of sharing music on social media shows the viewer a typography-based animation with the song's lyrics. While solid colors and gradients can be used as backgrounds for your Lyric Videos, stock footage can take your video to another level.
Stock Footage isn't always filmed clips but can include motion graphic elements, backgrounds, and animated sequences. From abstract styles to modern graphical flourishes, stock footage can help you create a look and style to suit your track.
Where music videos use narratives and performers to tell a story, a lyric video will use words. Since the onscreen text precisely represents the music, you can be more creative with your background images and video clips, and the stock footage is a fantastic option.
Short films
If you're creating a short film, stock footage might be the last thing you think of, but it should be the first. When you make a short film, you spend a lot of time planning and storyboarding your movie before getting your camera out, and you can use stock footage here to save both time and money.
Many shots might be required in a short film that stock footage can provide. These include establishing shots, aerial drone shots, special effects compositions and title sequences. While it is unlikely you'll be able to construct a story from stock footage alone, it can do a lot to enhance your production.
When you storyboard your film, consider and research the available stock footage and see what you can use; you might be surprised how much is offered.
Documentaries
There are a lot of similarities between vlogs and documentaries in the way they are shot. Still, while Vloggers focus on opinion around a subject, documentaries are more informational.
Documentaries often rely on talking-head interviews with b-roll and cut-aways to add flavor and context for your audience. Stock footage is fantastic for documentaries, as no matter your subject, you're sure to find some clips you can use.
Many documentaries are created around subjects that are difficult to film cutaways for, such as historical and newsworthy events or space. Stock footage can help fill the gaps in your story, providing shots of places, people and things that would cost a lot or be impossible to film yourself.
This documentary about space uses stock footage of Mars and other planets.
Wrap up
Stock footage has a lot of uses, and nearly every content creator can take advantage of the massive online stock libraries like Artgrid. So whether you're creating a travel vlog, short film, advert or even a Spotify Canvas, there are so many varieties and subjects of stock footage that you're sure to find something you can use.
