11 Free Resources For High-Quality Stock Media
If you're a writer, marketer, or another creative entrepreneur, you know that supplementing your work with suitable media can drastically enhance your business output and brand awareness.
However, attaining high-quality media and technology can be costly, and forces many users to settle for average images, video clips, or audio clips.
To help balance your budget and enhance your social media presence, we've provided a handful of media sources that provide top-notch, affordable content. In fact, many of them are free!
Here are 11 of our favorites.
STOCK PHOTO SOURCES
1. Unsplash
With a simple keyword search, this database will return hundreds of high-resolution photos for you to choose from . . . for free.
You will be prompted to give credit to the contributor, but this is a recommendation and not a requirement. If you sign up to Unsplash's email list, they will even send photo bundles directly to your email!
2. Canva
Canva has been a media staple for years, but most people know it as a graphics creation tool rather than an evolving photo archive. Well, it's both.
Search through the free photo library that gives access to a plethora of stunning images. If you don't find what you're looking for, there's a whole archive of additional photos that are available for $1 a piece.
3. Gratisography
Another free photo library, Gratisography could not be more user-friendly. Use the search bar to find the perfect photo, and click "download."
That's all there is to it. You don't need to create an account, and there are no wait times nor fees, what more could you want?
4. Negative Space
Visit the Negative Space website and you'll immediately be greeted by scores of gorgeous and scenic images.
Another source that features a clean interface and free stock photos, Negative Space could not be more convenient.
STOCK VIDEO SOURCES
1. Coverr
Each week, Coverr adds seven new videos to its vast archive of footage. These videos are free and can be used for both commercial and non-commercial purposes.
Additionally, Coverr offers a "subscribe" option (which is also free) that uses emails to alert you as soon as new videos have been made available for download.
2. Pexels Videos
Pexels Videos is a free stock video service that hosts an enormous library of downloadable footage. The front page features a list of the most popular videos, so it's easy to scroll through and see if something resonates with you.
This archive contains videos that vary in length, so there are plenty of options to suit your project needs.
3. Videvo
One of the more versatile libraries on the Internet, Videvo covers a wide range of locations, settings, and file sizes. This extensive collection of motion graphics and footage is available to users, free of charge.
Though there is an option to create an account, an account isn't required. Upon downloading a video, you will be prompted with a polite request to spread the word on social media.
4. National Park Service Multimedia
If your project requires footage of nature, look no further than the National Park Service Multimedia page. Though the site is a little harder to navigate, the amount of media that is available makes the experience well worth your time.
Be sure to credit the filmmaker, if requested. Though much of the footage is in the public domain, there are specific files that require credit.
Also, feel free to make use of this site for all of your media needs. In addition to video clips, there are plenty of photos and audio clips that are available as well.
STOCK AUDIO SOURCES
1. Freesound
This massive audio archive covers a variety of samples, sound effects, and tracks. Audiophiles are constantly updating its library, so you'll never run out of audio clips to try out.
Most of the clips are free; but again, be sure that you are crediting the artist whenever it's a requirement.
2. YouTube Audio Library
One of YouTube's best-kept secrets is that you can use its music for your own commercial and non-commercial use. The caveat is that this music is in a separate library all on its own.
Scroll through and see if there are songs and audio clips that you could find useful. Many are marked as free; but again, make sure you're keeping an eye out for artists who require that you credit them.
3. BENSOUND
BENSOUND is a fantastic archive of music created by Benjamin Tissot, a composer from France. The clips can be used for free, with composer credit the only protocol. And if you're unable to give credit, he provides a "pro" option, which allows you to avoid crediting him by paying a membership fee.
Media doesn't have to be expensive, and neither does high-quality media! There are limitless resources that you can use to your advantage. Try out a few of the 11 options we mentioned here. You'll find that they can meet most of your multimedia needs!