Stock videos, or stock footage or b-rolls, are video content that tends to be a minute or less in length. However, there are exceptions to the length as some clips may be longer than one minute. Nonetheless, these clips can be archive shots or outtakes from other projects. Other content creators use b-rolls to introduce a brand’s products or services.
Using stock videos to promote your website can offer you numerous benefits. Continue reading to know five of these advantages.
1. Tell A Better Story
Sometimes, you miss to shoot a clip that tells a part of a subject matter. Otherwise, you want to highlight portions of a story but don’t have the footage that explains that narrative.
For example, you’re creating a video reviewing your thoughts and experiences about a new camera on the market. You want to highlight the outdoor shooting capabilities of the device. Unfortunately, your city is experiencing bad weather as of late. So, you can’t make full use of the camera’s features for outdoor photography.
You can use stock videos in this regard. Choose a clip that coincides with your topic. In the case of the example mentioned above, select b-roll footage showing outdoor footage that presents the same or similar output when shooting with the camera you’re showcasing.
If you want your visitors to stick around longer on your site, then you need your videos to tell a great story. Use stock videos with footage that coincides with your topic to create depth in the narratives of your original clips.
Still, you might feel unnecessary pressure to buy stock footage. However, you can get a free stock video from a reliable source if you don’t want to spend any cash for your b-roll for now.
2. Lower Production Costs
Amateur and professional video content creators and filmmakers now find it more cost-effective to use stock footage than shooting lengthy clips from scratch. For instance, shooting a scene at a physical location needs you to spend cash for equipment, labor, and rent for the property.
Stock clips, on the other hand, are less expensive solutions to shooting videos on location. Many b-roll footage tends to be generic. This flexibility allows you to use the video in more than one film. Also, all you need to do is to download and save the video to a storage device. Then, you can use the file in different clips.
Therefore, you don’t need to spend the extra cash for additional production costs. You might even say that the stock videos you use to help promote your website or brand can pay for itself for the long-term.
Another option is to use free stock videos on your clips if you want to stick to a strict budget. That way, you can spend the extra cash for other essential investments, like an upgrade for video editing software.
3. Save Shooting Time
Time constraint is a challenge many content creators have to face. For example, you need to shoot a clip that promotes a sunny theme for your insurance website. The footage needs to tell your viewers that your insurance products can help secure their financial well-being. So, you must shoot during the day.
However, you may need to deal with several natural confrontations to get your desired footage. Perhaps, a mass of clouds decide to cover the sun, and shooting a video under an overcast setting isn’t an ideal option.
Also, the video may take several hours to complete. If you don’t shoot fast enough, then you might postpone further production for tomorrow or another date.
Reduce production time and eliminate time constraints during film production by using stock videos. So, instead of spending time to shoot a clip about a sunny afternoon, you can download a file containing that footage as an alternative.
4. Professionally-made
Perhaps, one of the biggest reasons why many filmmakers turn their backs on using stock footage is because the video “looks” like stock footage.
In other words, many content creators believe that stock videos tend to look poorly-made. Your fear might be justifiable as there are still b-rolls made by beginner filmmakers. However, you can select professionally-made stock footage for the videos on your website.
Moreover, you don’t need to insert the stock footage to your central clip without editing the file first. Many stock video providers offer data without royalties. Hence, if you buy and download the clip, then you now own the rights to that file. Therefore, you’re free to edit and use the data as you see fit.
But, it would be best if you still practice due diligence in searching for the right b-roll clip for your website. Don’t choose any video file at random. Remember, you may not want a video about dogs when your site is promoting cat food.
5. Access To Past Events Without Traveling
Imagine the following scenario: you went to Paris, France, last year on vacation. But, you didn’t bring your DSLR or mirrorless camera with you during that trip. So, you don’t have any decent footage about the famous landmarks that the “City of Lights” has to offer.
Now, your brand’s website needs a clip that highlights the beauty of this wonderful city. However, going back to Paris might not be an ideal option, especially if you’re following a strict budget.
Instead of griping about the missed opportunity, you can use stock footage that highlights the sights and sounds of Paris. Therefore, you don’t need to spend hundreds or thousands of cash to buy airline tickets to travel to that city, especially if you only need a one-minute clip for your website.
Where To Get Stock Videos For Your Website
Stock videos can benefit your website in several ways. Use b-rolls to save money, time, and effort to complete videos. But, you might be looking for an excellent place to download these video clips. Reliable stock footage suppliers exist all over the Internet along with free editing software. Still, it would help if you take the time to check out these various sources to ensure you’re going to use the best clip for your site. The last thing you’d want is to upload a wrong video clip that you downloaded from an unreliable online source.