13 Best Free B-Roll Websites for Video Creators (2026)

Last updated: January 30, 2026

What is B-Roll? B-roll footage acts as supplemental video that is intercut with your main footage to add context, visual interest, and professionalism to your storytelling.

Creating high-quality video content doesn't always mean you have to shoot every frame yourself. Whether you're a YouTuber, a marketer, or a filmmaker, finding the right b-roll can save you hours of production time and thousands of dollars.

In 2026, the quality of free stock footage has skyrocketed. You can now find 4K, cinematic, and drone footage completely for free—if you know where to look. We've tested and reviewed the 13 best free b-roll websites to help you find the perfect clips for your next project.

By the way - once you've edited your perfect video, you'll need a reliable place to host it. Swarmify SmartVideo provides distraction-free, high-speed hosting that keeps your viewers focused on your content, not on ads.

Quick Comparison: All 13 Free B-Roll Sites

13 Best Free B-Roll Websites Reviewed

1. Pixabay

Pixabay is a powerhouse in the free stock world, offering over 1.8 million images and videos. It's an excellent starting point because of its massive variety, ranging from nature shots to tech office environments.

Pros: Massive library, 4K resolution available, absolutely no attribution required.

Cons: Quality can vary significantly since it is community-uploaded.

2. Pexels

Pexels offers a highly curated collection of free stock photos and videos. If you're looking for that trendy, "Instagram-ready" aesthetic, Pexels is your best bet. All content is free for commercial use.

Pros: Modern and trendy aesthetic, no attribution needed, high resolution.

Cons: Search results can sometimes feel repetitive for niche topics.

3. Mixkit

Mixkit is a fantastic resource created by Envato. It offers not just stock video, but also stock music, sound effects, and video templates—all completely free.

Pros: No sign-up required, fast downloads, includes music and templates.

Cons: Library is smaller compared to giants like Pexels or Pixabay.

4. Coverr

Coverr was originally designed to provide background videos for websites, making it a perfect source for clean, looping b-roll that doesn't distract from your message.

Pros: No attribution, 100% free, no sign-up needed.

Cons: Smaller library focused heavily on "mood" and backgrounds rather than specific actions.

5. Freepik

Freepik is best known for vectors and graphics, but their video section has grown substantially. They offer a large library of HD and 4K footage across many categories.

Pros: Massive library from an established platform, HD and 4K options, diverse categories.

Cons: Free tier requires attribution; premium clips are mixed with free ones.

6. Videezy

Videezy is a large community with a strong focus on HD and 4K footage. It's particularly strong for aerial and drone shots.

Pros: Great 4K selection, professional aerial/drone shots.

Cons: "Pro" clips are mixed in with free ones; free clips require attribution.

7. Splitshire

Splitshire is a collection of photos and videos by Daniel Nanescu. The "man on the street" style gives these clips a very authentic feel.

Pros: Deeply artistic, unique style you won't find on other sites.

Cons: Smaller library maintained by a single creator.

8. Motion Array

Motion Array is primarily a subscription service, but they offer a dedicated free section with professional-quality clips. No watermarks on free downloads.

Pros: Pro-quality footage, no watermarks, includes templates and music.

Cons: Free selection is limited compared to their paid library; requires account.

9. Dareful

Dareful (formerly Stock Footage for Free) focuses entirely on 4K footage. If resolution is your top priority, start here.

Pros: Guaranteed 4K quality, beautiful cinematic footage.

Cons: Small library, account creation required.

10. Vidsplay

Vidsplay adds new footage every few weeks. It's a simple, no-nonsense site that lets you download clips without jumping through hoops.

Pros: Simple interface, no account needed, regularly updated.

Cons: Must link back/credit Vidsplay in your project.

11. Free Nature Stock

Free Nature Stock does exactly what it says on the tin. It is the go-to niche site for stars, rivers, mountains, and trees.

Pros: The absolute best source for nature-specific b-roll.

Cons: Nature only—you won't find office or tech footage here.

12. Canva

Canva isn't just a design tool—it includes a solid library of free stock videos you can use directly in their editor or download for other projects.

Pros: Integrated with Canva's editor, no attribution needed on free clips, easy to use.

Cons: Premium clips (marked with crown) require subscription; best used within Canva's ecosystem.

13. Ignite Motion

Ignite Motion specializes in motion backgrounds—looping abstract animations, particles, and visual effects perfect for intros, outros, and lower thirds.

Pros: Unique niche (motion backgrounds), MP4 and MOV formats, completely free.

Cons: Only motion backgrounds—no live-action footage.

For more on sourcing creative assets, check out our guide on how to source free music for videos.

How to Choose the Right Platform

• For Commercial Projects: Stick to Pixabay, Pexels, or Coverr. Their licenses are the clearest and safest for business use.
• For High-End/Cinematic Looks: Dareful and Motion Array offer higher artistic quality with professional-grade footage.
• For Social Media: Mixkit and Canva provide punchy, trendy clips that work well on TikTok and Instagram.
• For Motion Graphics: Ignite Motion has you covered with looping backgrounds and abstract visuals.

B-Roll Licensing Guide & Gotchas

Before you download, understand these three common license types:

• Royalty-Free: This does NOT mean free to use. It means you don't pay royalties per view. However, all sites on this list offer free downloads.
• Attribution (CC BY): You can use the footage for free, but you MUST credit the creator (e.g., "Video by [Name] from [Website]").
• CC0 (Public Domain): The gold standard. No restrictions, no credit needed. You can do whatever you want with the footage.

Frequently Asked Questions

By the way - using high-quality b-roll is great, but if your video player buffers, no one will watch it. Swarmify SmartVideo ensures your beautiful footage plays instantly and smoothly on every device.

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