Finding Creative Commons images is difficult, but finding videos that you can legally use as your own is even harder. In fact, there are many videos that cannot be shared simply by copying and pasting due to copyright protection and other rules. Even so, here are the best websites to find Creative Commons videos that you can make sure you’re sharing legally.
1. VIMEO
One of my favorite places to watch a video VimeoWe also offer Creative Commons licensed videos.
When browsing for royalty-free videos on Vimeo, you need to scroll down on the left and select the appropriate Creative Commons license type based on your video plan. Vimeo offers several types of Creative Commons-licensed content, so you should check the rules for your license type to make sure you can use it for what you want.
If you’re not sure which license type you need, that’s okay. Vimeo’s Creative Commons page explains the different types of licenses.
2. PixaBay
Believe it or not, pixa bay Not just images, but also videos! In fact, our media library of over 2 million contains a fair amount of video.
When browsing content on PixaBay, you have the option to search your entire library or specify the type of media you want to watch (e.g. video). Within the video result you will know if it is HD or 4K and how long it is. You can even watch the video before downloading.
All videos downloaded from PixaBay can be used for both commercial and non-commercial purposes, with some limitations. Go to License Page.
3. Videvo
Videvo Another great source of free stock video footage. With over 500,000 stock footage clips, motion graphics, video templates, stock music tracks, and sound effects, a simple search will find what you need.
When searching for videos on Videvo, you have the option to filter results based on resolution, license type, clip type or duration. You can also view videos sorted by category if desired.
Some premium videos require a subscription to Videvo’s paid service, but there are also many free videos. Nonetheless, all videos meet Creative Commons guidelines and are royalty-free.
4. Videezy
If you are looking for free HD stock footage and 4K videos, Videezy is recommended.
Videezy is one of the largest video communities on the web and has a wide range of videos to suit almost any need. You can browse videos in SD, HD (720 or 1080), Ultra HD or 4K, and you can download videos as MP4 files or .MOV according to your needs.
Most videos on Videezy are licensed for personal and commercial use, but you can always check the usage rights for individual videos before downloading them. You can also check the attribution requirements if you use videos from Videezy and even get coding to add attribution to your website.
5. Cover
Cover We provide beautiful free stock video footage that users can download whenever and wherever they need it.
From Coverr’s homepage, you can search using predetermined keywords, browse curated collections, or browse the categories listed at the top of the page to find what you need. Just click on the video you want to download and use.
When searching, Coverr will show you video clips from Shutterstock first, so be careful. You have to pay. However, if you scroll down a bit, you can find the free videos you are looking for.
6. VidsPlay
since 2010 Vidsplay is expanding its online library of royalty-free stock video footage to provide options for everyone. New videos are added every week, so this is a great place to download the next clip you need.
When you find a video you like, you can preview the clip by clicking on it, check the exact specifications (time, resolution, format, etc.) and download the video for free. Once downloaded, you can easily add it anywhere you like, such as social media or websites.
As with many other sites, all Vidsplay clips are free to use for both personal and commercial purposes, as long as the attribution is included. However, you can always check the “Terms and Conditions” if you are not sure if the clips can be used for a particular purpose.
7. Mixkit
mixkit We offer everything from stock video clips and audio files to video templates you can use for your next media project. Best of all, everything is free and under a Creative Commons license!
Many sites offer free downloadable videos, but do not always have permission to edit and repurpose the videos as your own. However, with Mixkit’s video templates, you can download a template and then customize it to fit your needs. In fact, the templates can be edited in Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects, Apple Motion – Final Cut Pro and DaVinci Resolve. This means you can edit using your favorite video app.
If you don’t want to make it your own, no problem! Mixkit also offers complete video clips that you can simply download and use.
8. Mazwai
Mazwai We provide “stock video footage” that can be used for almost any purpose.
Unlike some other sites that allow users to upload their own videos for others to use, Mazwai says experts “handpick” the videos that appear on the site. This often means that sites offer high-quality but royalty-free videos for anyone to use.
This site offers videos under two types of licenses, so check if you need an attribution before using any downloaded videos.
9. YouTube
Like VIMEO, Youtube is one of our favorite video sites.
YouTube has millions of videos that users can watch and in some cases download. However, unlike Vimeo and other sites on this list, there are no easily accessible links to the Creative Commons video listings. Instead, you should filter your search results to only show Creative Commons videos in your search results. Similarly, you can view Creative Commons videos by adding “,creativecommons” to your search terms (eg “cats,creativecommons”).
Unfortunately, while the video is royalty-free, YouTube also doesn’t have an easy download button.
10. Archive
Archive It is a storage site for mostly archived media, and also offers Creative Commons licensed content, including videos.
This tool is useful if you want something that might correspond to what is considered an “old” video. However, there is no special section for content. you have to search for it.
When you click on a video of your choice, the identification information at the bottom will indicate whether it is licensed under Creative Commons. If you don’t say anything about this, assume you don’t have a license and continue.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I know which type of Creative Commons licensed video is right for my project?
There are six types of Creative Commons licenses, each with its own fair use rules. Before downloading any video, please read about: different types of licenses See what works for your personal plan.
2. For personal use, can I just use YouTube videos without checking the copyright status?
no. Unfortunately, every video posted on YouTube has some kind of copyright status. You should always verify that a video is under a Creative Commons license or in the public domain before using it without permission.
3. Can I edit Creative Commons videos and use them as my own?
It’s always best to check permissions first, but most Creative Commons licensed videos can be edited or remixed with your own content. When posting a new remix version, simply follow the attribution rules listed with the video.