Although learning designers frequently use AI-generated video tools, traditional stock video libraries still provide authentic people, real-world environments, and dependable visuals that AI can’t always replicate. Many practitioners use both: AI to speed up production and suggest ideas, and stock to improve authenticity and diversity in real footage.
Several AI video tools let you generate videos for free with certain restrictions, like videos with watermarks, short clips, or a set number of credits per month. Two of these sites (Coverr and Freepik) offer both analog and AI-generated video clips. For more advice on creating videos, see Planning a Video Production.
Uses for Stock Footage
Free stock video clips can fill many gaps, and they have many creative uses. One of the best uses is as B-roll—supporting footage that plays under narration or alongside a talking head. You can use B-roll to gain attention, add interest, and make your material more appealing. It’s more interesting than watching a talking head drone on. (If this sounds familiar, learn more at How to Stop Making Boring Videos.)
Stock footage also works well when you need visuals to:
- Set a mood or establish context in a story
- Serve as a background for quotes, opening text, or key messages (as long as there is good contrast)
- Introduce or transition between sections of a story
- Act as a visual metaphor paired with voiceover
- Loop subtly in a title or section slide
Types of Free Stock Video Sites
Many sites listed here use free videos to attract potential buyers to their premium footage or for clicks to websites that sell stock imagery. Others are a vehicle for videographers who want to showcase their work or for community-minded people to share. Now, many sites offer AI-powered video for a price.
Whatever their purpose, if your budget is limited, you may benefit from access to free stock video sites. Please check license agreements, as you may need to provide credit to the person who shot the clip. Here are quite a few sites with free stock videos. I’ve checked them all out and written a brief review.
1. Coverr
This site has both free and premium footage as well as AI-generated video that you can also use to modify stock footage. There is a decent collection of footage, though small. This is one of many sites that displays search results from more expensive sites, like iStock and Shutterstock. So, scroll down past those results to the real Coverr videos.
2. FreePik
I’m not sure that FreePik currently has a free plan, but they are usually low-priced. They have a selection of videos grouped into four sections: Business and corporate, People and emotions, Nature and Backgrounds and Miscellaneous. They have a free plan where you can download videos with 720p resolution, which is the lowest quality HD. This is probably sufficient for instructional purposes.
3. IgniteMotion
Ignite Motion exclusively offers clips for use in background videos. You’ll find abstract shapes moving, explosions, fire, gears, volcanoes, etc
4. Mixkit
Mixkit has a good selection of free HD videos organized into categories like abstract, business and tech, coffee and cafes, travel and even several animations. See the example below. You can sign up for their newsletter to be alerted of 10 new videos each week.
5. Motion Places
Motion Places has one of the better collections of free footage, particularly if you need clips of specific city or country locations. The stock is categorized by place, theme and color. HD videos are free, 4K videos have a premium price.
6. Pexels
You may have used Pexels for free stock photos. This site also has free stock videos and a search tool. The selection isn’t large but it’s worth exploring. Search results include videos from Shutterstock beneath their results.
7. Pikwizard
Pikwizard has a good and varied selection of videos, from people performing work tasks to shopping scenes. You’ll find some unusual clips too, like a slow motion video of peppers sprayed with water. That should really come in handy! The search results start with clips from Adobe stock, so scroll down past that if you are looking for free.
8. Pixabay
This is a great site for finding free stock video clips. Pixabay has a few unique features. You have a choice of resolution (1080p or 4K) and the selections include slow motion, animations and time lapse. If you search rather than browse, the results in the first row of the grid lead to a premium site.
9. Vecteezy
Vecteezy has a large collection of free and premium videos as well as photos and vector graphics. Find the stock you want through their search function or browse through video categories. You can find free videos by scrolling down past the premium search results. They also have a low-cost monthly plan.
10. Videezy
Videezy has a large mixed selection of free and premium videos. They sell their premium videos by credit and many are inexpensive.
11. Vidsplay
Organized by category, you’ll find a few videos within each subject. When you search, you’ll see that the first results displayed are from Shutterstock. Ignore them if you want free footage.
If You Have Budget for Videos
If you have room in your budget for premium video clips and AI-generated video, you’ll find a better selection that is more relevant to L&D topics. Try the premium videos on the sites above or these sites that have both traditional libraries and AI-generated capabilities, but cost more:
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