If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing your work on TV, in adverts, or across social media, stock video might just be your ticket. Filming for stock video websites can be a creative and rewarding way to make your mark as a media content creator—and earn a little on the side. It’s not without its challenges, but if you’re smart about your approach, the potential is there. Let me share my personal journey, along with tips and tricks to help you start filming for stock video.
The Thrill of Seeing Your Work in Action
Let’s start with why this can be so exciting. I remember how giddy I felt seeing one of my shots on TV. It was this shot above, a cycle lane during rush hour, used for a Green Party advert. Politics aside, money is money. It wasn’t much, but it funded the coffee on those early mornings getting up before dawn to film the sunrise over Tower Bridge. Those moments of validation are what keep you going. They prove your work has value, and they make the effort worthwhile.
What Makes a Stock Video Shot Sell?
The beauty of stock video is that you can capture everyday moments and turn them into something valuable. My personal brand focuses on just that: everyday life. Some of my standout clips include:
- Oxford Street in the rain, bustling with umbrellas and double-decker buses. Watch it on iStock (sold for $100 in one sale).
- Cyclists navigating bike lanes during rush hour. Check it out here (a steady earner at $20 per year on Adobe and iStock).
- Aircraft wheels landing. View the clip (another $100 sale).
These kinds of shots work because they tell a story through recognisable iconography. They capture real-life moments that resonate universally—the kind of footage advertisers and producers need to add depth to their projects. If you can create a series of clips that work together to tell a story, even better.
Trends in Stock Video
The stock video world has seen some major shifts over the years. Here’s what’s trending now:
- Authenticity: Gone are the days of overly polished, staged footage. Buyers want real, relatable moments.
- Portrait Video: With the rise of platforms like Instagram and TikTok, portrait-oriented footage is now in high demand. It’s hard to imagine that just a few years ago, portrait video barely existed.
- Diversity: Content that reflects a variety of cultures, lifestyles, and perspectives is highly sought after.
Don’t be afraid to experiment. Even clips filmed on your phone can sell if they capture something unique or timely. However, keep in mind that the more polished your work, the more competitive it will be in the high-end market.
The Gear You Need
You don’t always need the latest gear to get started, but understanding the requirements of different buyers is crucial. Here’s a breakdown:
- Entry-Level: A smartphone shooting 1080p can still sell clips, especially for social media use.
- Mid-Tier: Mirrorless or DSLR cameras with decent stabilisation and 4K capabilities give you more flexibility.
- High-End: For broadcast-quality footage, invest in a professional 4K camera that can record in ProRes. While MP4 dominates downloads (95% of the time, in my experience), having high-quality ProRes files available can make a difference for premium buyers.
The Keywording Conundrum
If there’s one part of the process that feels like a slog, it’s keywording. Every video you upload needs detailed metadata—descriptions, tags, and categories to help buyers find your clips. It’s tedious, but it’s essential. Each platform has their own rules and methodology so it takes a while to learn.
Thankfully, AI is starting to step in. Some platforms offer tools to auto-generate keywords, and there are services like BlackBox that let you outsource the entire process. Just be careful—do your homework before handing over this task. Poor metadata can bury your work in the depths of stock libraries.
Navigating Licensing
Licensing can be tricky, but it’s something you have to get right. Here’s the simplified version:
- Royalty-Free: This is the go-to option for most creators. It’s less complicated and allows buyers to use your footage repeatedly without extra fees. More on Royalty-Free Licensing
- Rights-Managed: This gives you more control over where and how your footage is used but comes with stricter terms. More on Rights-Managed Licensing
The best approach? Stick to royalty-free unless you’re sure you can control every variable, including actors, buildings, and clothing. The last thing you want is a legal headache over an unlicensed logo or face in your shot.
Sales and Royalties
When it comes to earning money, you have two main approaches:
- The Apple Model: Focus on high production value with fewer, higher-paying sales. Think TV shows and premium projects that pay upwards of £80–£100 per clip.
- The Costco Model: Go big and wholesale, selling lots of clips at lower prices. These sales can range from as little as £0.30 per clip, but with enough volume, they can add up.
Additionally, you’ll need to decide whether to submit your work as exclusive or non-exclusive:
- Exclusive: Your footage is only available on one platform, often earning higher royalties per sale (usually 50%). However, this limits your exposure.
- Non-Exclusive: Your clips can be sold across multiple platforms, usually earning lower royalties (around 20%). I chose to go non-exclusive because it allows me to display my work in multiple “shops,” increasing the chances of a sale.
Consider your long-term goals and the nature of your content before choosing.
The Future of Stock Video
AI is poised to shake up the industry. Platforms like Sora are already pushing stock content towards the fast and cheap end of the spectrum. Social media has shown us that the demand for quick, inexpensive content is growing—but that’s where AI could dominate.
For creators, this means leaning into the high-end market. Focus on quality, creativity, and niche sectors that AI can’t replicate. Remember: you can only have two of the three from the triangle of “fast, cheap, and good.” Make sure your work falls squarely in the “good” category.
Where to Sell Your Work
There are plenty of platforms to choose from, but these are my top picks:
- Shutterstock: Great for high visibility but competitive.
- Pond5: Offers more control over pricing.
- iStockphoto/Getty: Known for premium content.
Other renowned stock artists include creators like Robb Crocker, whose nature and urban time-lapses have set benchmarks in the field.
For a shameless plug, check out my own stock libraries:
Joining forums like MicrostockGroup can provide invaluable insights from other creators.
Final Thoughts: Do Your Homework
Filming for stock video is not a get-rich-quick scheme. It takes time, effort, and a bit of luck. Here’s my advice:
- Do Your Homework: Research trends, platforms, and licensing requirements.
- Find Your Niche: Whether it’s cityscapes, lifestyle shots, or wildlife, focus on what you do best.
- Manage Expectations: Stock video is a supplemental income stream, not a primary one for most creators.
Persistence and creativity will set you apart. As self-employed creators, we have to adapt or die. Embrace the challenges, stay curious, and who knows? Your work might just end up on TV, making someone else’s vision come to life while fuelling your next adventure. Good luck out there!
