How Much Should You Pay for Cheap Stock Footage

Cheap stock footage is one of the most convenient ways to create an awesome video project. It is cheaper and more time-efficient compared to conducting your own video shoot. Nowadays, you can find stock footage all around the Internet. Some are cheap. Some are expensive. Others are even free. But unless the free footage are from a stock media site, it’s best not to download it. When it comes to stock footage, you should also have some basic knowledge on how it cost.

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Several factors determine the price of a stock footage, including:

  • Cheap stock footage is probably the cheapest way to create a video because the shots are already taken. You do not have to set up on a location, purchase equipment and hire staff. Generally, there are 2 licenses included when you purchase a stock video – royalty-free and rights-managed.

Royalty-free allows you to use the video in multiple ways with limited restrictions. You can use in any creative project for as long as you like, without worrying about additional fees along the way. The market value for a typical stock video ranges between $1 to $50. The quality of these files may vary, so be check the video before you purchase it.

Rights-managed has several guidelines and restrictions because the owner of the video has all the rights. The price vary on how you intend to use and for how long. Usually, this type of license is more expensive than its royalty-free counterpart. But, you can expect higher quality also. A rights-managed cheap stock footage can cost up to $100. Be sure to check it before you make a purchase.

  • File Format. Prices of cheap stock footage can also vary according to file format. Stock video for web purposes is the least expensive while 4K video is the priciest. It is best to purchase footage based on your needs to prevent extra costs. A high resolution stock footage will also cost more than its low and medium counterparts.
  • Unique footage is also more expensive than the common ones. If you can’t find that footage in other stock libraries, there is a real chance that it is pricier. Purchasing cheap stock footage is cheaper than taking the shots yourself. You do not have to spend time and effort as well. Common shots that cost less include skydiving videos, cityscapes and many more. But if footage is rarely captured, expect to pay at least $50 for each.

If you want to make the most of your purchase, it is important that you know how much you should pay for a cheap stock footage. Consider the above factors so you will get value for your money and prevent paying for extra fees.