10 Best Free Stock Video Sites (2026 Guide)
Need free stock video? We reviewed the top 10 sites for 2026, including Pexels, Mixkit, and Coverr. Find safe, high-quality 4K footage for your next project.
Last updated: January 28, 2026
I think you will agree when I say: creating high-quality video content is a Herculean task. Between conceptualizing, shooting, editing, and uploading video, the process can feel overwhelming for all but the most experienced creators.
Without a big production team or a Hollywood budget, many small businesses and creators struggle to fill their content calendar. This is where free stock video sites come in to save the day.
With the right resources, you can bring your projects to life without paying a dime. Whether you need a cinematic establishing shot or a generic background loop, there is likely a free option waiting for you.
• Best Overall: Pexels — Huge library, simple license, no attribution required.
• Best for 4K Nature: Dareful — Stunning cinematic quality, all clips in 4K.
• Best Curated Collection: Mixkit — Artistic, high-quality clips without the clutter.
• Best for Website Backgrounds: Coverr — Beautiful, loop-friendly clips for headers.
In this guide, we cover 10 of the best free stock video sites for 2026. All sites on our list provide high-quality footage you can use in your projects—mostly without shelling out a cent.
Quick Comparison: Top 5 Sites
| Site | Best For | 4K Available? | Attribution Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pexels | Everything | Yes | No |
| Mixkit | Artistic clips | Yes | No |
| Coverr | Backgrounds | Yes | No |
| Pixabay | Variety | Yes | No |
| Dareful | Cinematic 4K | Yes (Only) | Yes |
10 Best Free Stock Video Sites in 2026
We've ordered this list starting with our absolute favorites, but every site here is a winner depending on your specific needs. Browse around, download what you need, and start creating.
1. Pexels
Pexels is widely considered the king of free stock assets. If you've ever looked for free stock photos, you probably know them already. Their video library is just as impressive, featuring a massive community of contributors who upload high-quality HD and 4K footage.
Why use it: Pexels has everything from vertical videos for social media marketing to cinematic landscapes. The license is incredibly permissive (Creative Commons Zero - CC0), meaning you can use the videos for almost anything, commercial or personal, without attribution.
Trade-off: Because it's so popular, you might see the same clips used by other brands or creators.
2. Mixkit
Brought to you by Envato, Mixkit is a curated gallery of high-quality videos, music, and even Premiere Pro templates. Unlike some massive databases that feel cluttered, Mixkit feels like a boutique collection.
Why use it: The quality is consistently high. You don't have to wade through "junk" clips to find the gold. They also offer free stock music, making it a one-stop shop for your B-roll and audio needs.
3. Coverr
Coverr started as a resource specifically for website background videos, but it has grown into a formidable stock video site. Their library is beautiful, modern, and distinctively "clean."
Why use it: If you need a video header for your website or a clean background for a Zoom call, Coverr is the place. No sign-up is required, and everything is free for commercial use.
4. Pixabay
It is hard to ignore Pixabay when talking about free assets. With over 2 million images and videos, their database is enormous. They offer free clips in various resolutions, including 4K and HD.
Why use it: The sheer volume. If you need a very specific clip (e.g., "dog eating ice cream"), Pixabay is your best bet to find it. They also have a large collection of motion graphics and loops.
5. Videvo
Videvo offers a mix of free and premium content. Their free library is huge and includes not just footage but also motion graphics and sound effects.
Why use it: Great for finding motion graphics (like countdowns, loading bars, etc.) in addition to live-action footage. Just be careful to check the license on individual clips, as some require attribution (CC BY 3.0).
6. Videezy
Videezy is another community-driven site with a strong focus on aerial drone footage and nature clips. It's part of the Eezy network, which is known for vector graphics.
Why use it: If you need sweeping drone shots or nature backgrounds, Videezy excels here. However, be aware that many of their "Pro" clips are paid, and free clips often require attribution.
7. Dareful
Formerly known as Stock Footage for Free, Dareful is a collection of 4K stock video clips shot by Joel Holland. While the library is smaller than Pexels or Pixabay, the quality is exceptional.
Why use it: Every single clip is 4K and looks like it belongs in a high-budget documentary. If quality is your #1 priority and you don't mind a smaller selection, start here.
8. Vecteezy
While primarily known for vectors, Vecteezy has expanded aggressively into stock video. They have a robust vetting process, which means the content is generally safe for commercial use.
Why use it: Safety and searchability. Vecteezy is very careful about model releases and property releases, which is a big plus if you are working on a commercial project for a client and need to be 100% sure about rights.
9. Life of Vids
Life of Vids is a project by the web agency Leeroy. It features a smaller, looser, and more artistic collection of clips. It doesn't feel "corporate" like some other sites.
Why use it: To add a bit of personality or "vibe" to your video. The clips often feel more like something a filmmaker shot for a personal project rather than generic stock footage.
10. Splitshire
Created by web designer Daniel Nanescu, Splitshire offers a collection of photos and videos that have a very distinct, warm, and cinematic look.
Why use it: For that "Instagram aesthetic." The videos are heavily stylized and color-graded, which can save you time in post-production if that's the look you're going for.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use these videos on YouTube?
What is the difference between royalty-free and copyright-free?
Do I need to sign up to download?
Why are these videos free?
Can I use stock videos for commercial projects?
What resolution should I download?
How do I avoid overused stock footage?
What's the best format to download?
Are there any restrictions on reselling stock footage?
How do I properly attribute a video when required?
Conclusion
In the past, finding usable video footage meant hiring a crew or paying hundreds of dollars for a single stock clip. Today, you have access to thousands of cinema-quality clips at your fingertips for free.
Whether you choose the massive library of Pexels or the curated beauty of Dareful, there is no excuse for having boring visuals in your content. Just remember to double-check the license, give credit where it's due, and maybe compress your video before uploading to ensure it loads fast.
By the way—once your video is ready, you need somewhere to host it. Swarmify SmartVideo makes embedding on your website effortless, ensuring your beautiful stock footage plays instantly without buffering or ads.
At Swarmify, our mission is to bring an accelerated, distraction-free video experience to websites of all sizes. Whether you're a website owner, an agency, or you just want to get in on our affiliate program, we have a plan for you!
