Due to the increasing number of people watching videos, companies must take advantage of this powerful medium. One simple way to do this is by using stock footage.

Today, it is no longer necessary to be afraid of the word “stock.” There is now a vast amount of stock footage available on some platforms, and content creators can easily find the perfect asset to use in their videos.

Through free stock footage, creators can save time and money by accessing and utilizing additional footage that they could not capture on their own. When used correctly, this type of footage can turn a strong message into a generic one. 

That is why, when it comes to creating stock footage, you must choose the right video and work with your partner to create something that’s both authentic and relevant to your brand.

Assess What You Need

Before you start working on a video project, you must consider the need for stock footage. This can be done by creating a video storyboard with your partner. 

This will help visualize the project frame by frame and identify areas where stock footage might add more depth to the story.

According to video producers and freelance videographer experts, they only use stock footage if it enhances their project and is authentic. They also say that they only add content that is needed to improve their project. 

In addition, they always save stock footage as a last resort if they cannot shoot themselves.

Identify The Right Footage That You Need

Before you start searching for the right footage, you must identify the type of footage that you need. 

Many stock footage sites can provide you with a wide range of options, but finding the right content can be challenging due to the vast amount of available content.

Many professionals said it is important to thoroughly research the different search results for stock footage to find what you are looking for. 

They also advise that you use a variety of keywords and set the appropriate filters so that the first results show the most relevant content.

Be Always Consistent

Whether you prefer to use smaller or larger stock footage providers, consistency is important when it comes to video type and quality. This is especially true when you are blending pre-existing footage with stock imagery.

Expert Tip: If you have 4K stock footage and your current footage is in high definition, you should adjust the resolution to match. 

However, if the frame rates are different, you might have a problem. This issue can occur when the original footage is 60 frames per second while the stock footage is 24 frames per second. Though there are several ways to fix this issue, it can be very complicated.

Make Your Stock Video Become Original

The ability to alter or even change stock footage makes it an ideal choice for different projects. You can create something truly unique from the generic footage you have with the help of various effects, such as:

• Transitions
• Animations
• Text

Moreover, some people use stock footage as a starting point for their stories. They will then add various effects to make it look better and more authentic. Some of these include:

• Color correction
• Animated blur
• Addition of brand elements

Shoot Your Own Footage For A Better Option

There are many styles and forms of stock footage that you can use. 

While many businesses can successfully utilize this type of footage to create their own videos, it is important to remember that incorporating your own branding and footage is very important to stand out from the competition. 

In addition, you should always shoot your own videos, giving you creative control and ownership. You can also use the footage you need without making any compromises.

Create Footage That Can Help You Convey Your Message

It is clear that the types of footage you choose depend on your brand’s message. Generally, you are looking for stock footage that matches the tone of your company’s communications and the subject being discussed. 

So, if you plan on creating video content related to politics, business, and news, make sure that it includes some shots of the setting and quotes from the subject matter.

For instance, in a news story about a new poll, the best footage would be from a video that shows politicians talking about the issue and Washington DC’s political structures. Some of the quotes that appear in the video should be attributed to reputable sources.

On the other hand, promotional videos should feature images of the product you’re selling and people who are using it. They should also include aspirational imagery that reflects the product’s appeal. 

For instance, you can use stock footage that features allegories and metaphors designed to convey the emotions surrounding the product.