Nathalie Looking for a comprehensive review of various creative digital assets platforms? Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this article, we’ll be taking a closer look at Envato Elements, Motion Array, Footage Secrets, Artlist, Shutterstock, and Adobe Stock. These platforms have revolutionized the way creators access and utilize digital assets, making it easier than ever to find the perfect elements for your videos, designs, and projects. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s dive into the world of creative resources!
Digital asset platforms like Envato Elements, Motion Array, Footage Secrets, Artlist, Shutterstock, and Adobe Stock have become game-changers in the creative industry. Gone are the days of spending hours scouring the web for high-quality images, videos, music, and more. These platforms offer a vast library of assets, all conveniently accessible under one subscription or pay-per-use model. Whether you’re a professional video editor, graphic designer, or content creator, owning a membership to these platforms can save you time, money, and headaches.
Throughout this article, we’ll examine the features, pricing, user experience, and overall value of each platform. From Envato Elements’ extensive content library and Motion Array’s convenient one-stop-shop approach to the unique offerings of Footage Secrets, Artlist’s curated selection of music, Shutterstock’s vast collection of images, and Adobe Stock’s integration with Adobe Creative Cloud, we’ll provide you with an in-depth analysis to help you make an informed decision about which platform suits your specific needs.
So stay tuned as we break down the pros and cons of each platform, explore their unique offerings, and help you find the perfect creative assets solution for your projects. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, we’ll ensure you have all the information you need to make the most of these fantastic resources. Let’s get started!
Envato Elements
Envato Elements is a versatile video creative platform that offers a wide range of assets for designers, video editors, developers, and DIY users. With its extensive collection of over 8.1 million images and 4.2 million videos, it provides unlimited downloads for a subscription price of $16.50 per month.
There are several reasons why we are impressed with Envato Elements. Firstly, the platform offers a comprehensive toolkit that caters to graphic designers, developers, coders, film and video professionals, and DIY enthusiasts. It provides unlimited access to a vast library of high-quality assets, allowing users to find everything they need in one place.
Secondly, Envato Elements simplifies the licensing process. With just one royalty-free license, users can easily utilize the assets for their specific projects. This streamlined licensing system is particularly convenient for individuals and teams working on multiple projects simultaneously.
Envato Elements aims to provide users with a wide variety of visual assets to enhance their creative projects. Whether you need images for graphic design, videos for editing, or other visual elements for web development, this platform has it all.
Key features of Envato Elements include its impressive collection of photos and videos, simple licensing process, and availability of individual and team plans. The platform also offers legal coverage equivalent to the last six months of subscription payments, ensuring peace of mind for professionals using the assets for commercial purposes.
Envato Elements sets a high standard when it comes to the quality of its assets. With a vast selection of images and videos from talented creators, users can expect top-notch visuals for their projects. The platform continuously adds new assets to its collection, ensuring that users have access to the latest trends and styles.
While the collection may not be as extensive as specialized stock agencies, Envato Elements still offers a wide range of options to suit various creative needs. The quality and diversity of the assets make it a valuable resource for professionals in different industries.
Pros:
- Unlimited downloads of over 8.1 million images and 4.2 million videos
- A comprehensive toolkit for various creative professionals
- Streamlined licensing system with one royalty-free license
- Individual and team plans available
- Legal coverage and commercial usage license included
Cons:
- Assets cannot be used for new projects after unsubscribing
- Relatively smaller collection compared to specialized stock agencies
- Lower indemnity compared to other platforms
Envato Elements offers an impressive collection of high-quality assets and a user-friendly platform for creative professionals. With its unlimited downloads and comprehensive toolkit, it is a valuable resource for designers, video editors, developers, and DIY enthusiasts. While it may have some limitations, the benefits it provides make it a worthwhile investment for those in need of frequent or high-volume assets.
Motion Array
Motion Array is a stock footage and creative resources platform that serves as a one-stop shop for video creatives. Whether you are a filmmaker, editor, or content creator, Motion Array offers a vast library of stock footage, video templates, video presets, and bonus tools to enhance your video projects.
There are several reasons why we like Motion Array as a video creative platform. Firstly, their unlimited download subscriptions provide incredible value for money. For a fixed monthly or annual fee, you can access and download as many files as you need, without any additional costs. This makes it an affordable and practical option for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
Another standout feature of Motion Array is its extensive collection of over 700,000 files. This means that no matter what style, theme, or concept you are aiming for in your video project, you are likely to find suitable assets on Motion Array. Their diverse range of stock videos, stock audio, and stock images caters to a wide variety of creative needs.
Additionally, Motion Array goes beyond simply providing stock footage and offers a range of workflow tools, exclusive plugins, and integrations. Their portfolio website builder allows you to showcase your work in a professional and user-friendly manner, while their video collaboration tool facilitates seamless teamwork and communication among project stakeholders. The integration with Adobe software, such as Premiere Pro, further enhances the efficiency and creative possibilities for users.
Motion Array’s primary purpose is to provide video creatives with a comprehensive and convenient platform to access high-quality resources for their projects. With their unlimited download subscriptions, users can explore and utilize a vast library of stock footage, video templates, video presets, and bonus tools.
Key features of Motion Array include its extensive collection of over 700,000 files, which encompass stock videos, stock audio, and stock images. They also offer workflow tools, such as a portfolio website builder and a video collaboration tool, to facilitate efficient project management and collaboration.
Furthermore, Motion Array’s exclusive plugins and integrations, particularly the Adobe integration with Premiere Pro, enhance the creative possibilities and streamline the editing process. The platform’s user-friendly interface and search functionalities make it easy to navigate and discover relevant assets for your video projects.
Motion Array consistently delivers high-quality content and tools for video creatives. Their vast library of stock footage is diverse and well-curated, ensuring that users can find suitable assets for their projects. The platform is user-friendly and provides seamless integration with Adobe software, further enhancing the overall editing experience.
Pros:
- Unlimited download subscriptions offer great value for money
- Extensive collection of over 700,000 files
- Workflow tools for project management and collaboration
- Adobe integration and exclusive plugins for enhanced editing capabilities
- User-friendly interface and search functionalities
Cons:
- Subscription-only service may be limiting for occasional users
- Limited access with the free account option
Motion Array stands out as a one-stop shop for video creatives, offering a wide range of high-quality resources and tools to enhance your video projects. With its unlimited download subscriptions and comprehensive collection, Motion Array provides excellent value for money and convenience.
Epidemic Sound
Are you a video creator looking for the perfect background music to enhance your videos? Look no further than Epidemic Sound! This website offers a wide range of royalty-free music specifically designed for video creators. Whether you are working on a personal project or creating content for your business, Epidemic Sound has the perfect soundtrack to complement your videos.
Epidemic Sound is a fantastic resource for video creators for several reasons. First and foremost, the website offers a vast library of high-quality royalty-free music. With over 30,000 tracks and new music added regularly, you will never run out of options when searching for the perfect soundtrack for your videos.
One of the standout features of Epidemic Sound is its intuitive search function. You can easily filter music by genre, mood, and even instrument, making it incredibly easy to find the perfect track that fits the tone and atmosphere of your video. This functionality is a huge time-saver, allowing you to spend less time searching for music and more time creating captivating content.
Another reason we love Epidemic Sound is its commitment to supporting creators. Unlike other platforms, Epidemic Sound offers a simple and straightforward licensing model. With a single subscription, you have access to unlimited music usage for your videos, both on current and future projects. This means you can focus on creating, without having to worry about navigating complex licensing agreements.
Epidemic Sound has one primary purpose – to provide video creators with high-quality royalty-free music. The platform understands the importance of music in enhancing videos and aims to provide a diverse range of tracks to cater to every creative need.
Key features of Epidemic Sound include:
- Vast Music Library: With over 30,000 tracks, Epidemic Sound has a vast collection of music across various genres, moods, and instruments.
- Easy Search Functionality: The website’s search function allows you to filter music based on genre, mood, or instrument, making it effortless to find the perfect track for your videos.
- Simple Licensing Model: Epidemic Sound offers a single subscription that grants you unlimited music usage for all your projects, both current and future.
- Regularly Updated Library: New music is added to Epidemic Sound regularly, ensuring that you always have access to fresh and current tracks.
- Customized Recommendations: Based on your music preferences, Epidemic Sound provides personalized recommendations to help you discover new tracks that may suit your creative style.
The overall quality of the music offered by Epidemic Sound is exceptional. The platform works with talented musicians and composers from around the world to curate a diverse library of music that suits every creative need. The tracks are professionally produced, ensuring that the sound quality is top-notch.
Whether you are looking for a cheerful melody for a lighthearted video or a dramatic score for a suspenseful scene, Epidemic Sound has music that will elevate your videos and captivate your audience. The platform’s commitment to quality ensures that you can rely on its music to enhance the overall production value of your videos.
- A vast library of high-quality royalty-free music, with over 30,000 tracks across various genres, moods, and instruments.
- Intuitive search functionality allows you to easily find the perfect track for your videos.
- A simple licensing model grants you unlimited music usage for all your projects, both current and future.
- A regularly updated library ensures that you always have access to fresh and current tracks.
- Personalized recommendations help you discover new tracks that suit your creative style.
- The subscription-based model may not be suitable for creators who only need music for a single project or have a limited budget.
- Some users may prefer a pay-per-track option rather than a subscription-based model.
Epidemic Sound is a fantastic resource for video creators in need of high-quality royalty-free music. With its vast library, easy search functionality, and simple licensing model, Epidemic Sound caters to the needs of both amateur and professional video creators alike. The overall quality of their music is exceptional, and the platform’s commitment to supporting creatives sets them apart from other music licensing platforms. So why wait? Elevate your videos with the perfect soundtrack from Epidemic Sound today!
Artlist.io
Artlist is a subscription-based platform for high-quality music licensing. It is primarily used by content creators, filmmakers, and video editors who require a wide range of original music for their projects.
We like Artlist because it offers unlimited downloads and use for a fixed monthly or yearly price. This means that you have access to a vast library of music without any restrictions, allowing you to explore different genres, moods, and styles for your videos.
Artlist’s main purpose is to provide content creators with a convenient and affordable way to access a diverse collection of original music for their projects. The platform offers a user-friendly interface and an extensive library of tracks that can be used worldwide.
Key features of Artlist include:
- Unlimited and royalty-free music: You can download and use as many tracks as you need without worrying about additional fees or royalties.
- Affordable pricing: Artlist offers three subscription plans – Personal, Unlimited, and Enterprise – to cater to different user needs and budgets.
- Fast and efficient search: The search filters in Artlist are highly effective, allowing you to find the perfect track quickly and easily.
- High-quality music: All the music available on Artlist is produced by professional musicians and composers, ensuring that you have access to top-notch audio for your projects.
In terms of overall quality, Artlist stands out for its vast selection of high-quality music. The platform curates its library to ensure that only the best tracks are available to its users. The music is professionally produced, and the audio quality is excellent, making Artlist a reliable choice for content creators seeking top-notch soundtracks for their videos.
Artlist.io offers several advantages that make it a worthwhile investment for content creators. These include:
- Unlimited and royalty-free music: With Artlist, you have the freedom to download and use as many tracks as you need without any additional costs.
- Affordable pricing: The subscription plans offered by Artlist are reasonably priced, making it accessible to creators with different budgets.
- Fast and efficient search: The search filters in Artlist allow for easy navigation through the library, enabling you to find the perfect track quickly.
However, there are also some drawbacks to using Artlist. These include:
- Inability to purchase songs separately: Unlike some other platforms, Artlist does not offer the option to purchase individual songs, which may be a downside for those who only need a few specific tracks.
- Smaller library compared to other platforms: While Artlist’s library is extensive, it may not be as large as some of its competitors. This means that you may have a more limited selection of tracks to choose from.
- Some tracks not well-categorized: As with any library, there may be instances where the categorization of tracks in Artlist can be improved, making it slightly challenging to find the specific type of music you are looking for.
Artlist is a subscription-based platform that provides content creators with access to a vast library of high-quality royalty-free music. While it has some limitations, such as the inability to purchase songs separately and a slightly smaller library compared to other platforms, its affordable pricing, unlimited downloads, fast search feature, and overall content quality make it a valuable resource for creators in need of exceptional soundtracks for their videos.
Shutterstock
Shutterstock is a popular stock photo site that serves as a go-to platform for individuals and businesses looking to source high-quality images, videos, music, and editorial content. It caters to a wide range of industries and creative professionals in need of visual assets to enhance their projects.
There are several reasons why we admire and recommend Shutterstock for your creative needs. First and foremost, Shutterstock boasts the largest collection of stock images in the industry, with a staggering 434 million options available. This extensive library ensures that you will find the perfect image to match your vision, no matter how niche or specific it may be.
Additionally, Shutterstock’s 30-day free trial with 10 images worth $49 is an excellent opportunity to explore the platform and familiarize yourself with its vast offerings. This trial allows you to test the waters and discover the range of content available, ensuring that it meets your requirements before committing to a subscription or purchasing image packs.
The platform’s various buying options, including subscriptions and image packs, offer flexibility and affordability. With big discounts available for annual prepaid plans, you can access high-quality visual content at a reasonable price. This cost-effective approach is particularly valuable for businesses and professionals who require a constant flow of visuals for their ongoing projects.
Shutterstock’s primary purpose is to provide users with an extensive and easily accessible collection of stock images, videos, music, and editorial content. Its key features include a comprehensive royalty-free license for images and videos, providing users with the peace of mind to utilize these assets in various projects without worrying about legal restrictions or copyright issues.
The platform also offers an intuitive and user-friendly editor for creating graphics. This tool, which is free with an active Shutterstock subscription, allows you to customize and modify visual assets to align them with your specific creative vision. This functionality eliminates the need for additional graphic design software, streamlining your workflow and saving you time and resources.
Furthermore, Shutterstock offers additional features such as integrations and plugins for accessing images from anywhere. Whether you are working within popular editing software or browsing the web, these integrations and plugins empower you to seamlessly incorporate Shutterstock’s extensive library into your creative process.
Shutterstock has consistently received high ratings and is widely regarded as one of the best stock photo websites to purchase from. Its vast collection, easy-to-use editor, and comprehensive licensing options contribute to its overall quality and user satisfaction. By providing access to millions of high-quality visuals, Shutterstock ensures that users can find exactly what they need to bring their creative projects to life.
- Largest collection of stock images in the industry
- Offers a 30-day free trial with 10 images worth $49
- Flexible buying options with discounts for annual prepaid plans
- Comprehensive royalty-free license for images and videos
- User-friendly editor for creating graphics
- Additional features such as integrations and plugins
- Subscription plans may not be suitable for users with sporadic image needs
- Some users may find the sheer size of the image library overwhelming
Shutterstock is a trustworthy and reliable platform that excels in providing a vast collection of high-quality visual assets. With its intuitive editor, flexible buying options, and extensive licensing capabilities, Shutterstock is well-positioned to meet the creative needs of professionals and businesses across various industries.
Adobe Stock
Adobe Stock is a curated collection of high-resolution, royalty-free stock assets for digital projects. It is primarily used by creative professionals and designers who need high-quality images and videos for their creative pieces.
There are several reasons why we like Adobe Stock. First and foremost, it offers a wide variety of options and categories, ensuring that you can find the perfect assets for your projects. The platform is reliable, robust, and professional, making it suitable for design purposes. Additionally, Adobe Stock integrates seamlessly with other Adobe products, making it convenient for users who are already using Adobe software.
The purpose of Adobe Stock is to provide users with a diverse collection of high-quality stock assets for their creative projects. The platform offers easy browsing and search features, allowing users to quickly find the assets they need. It also provides filters and keyword searches to further refine the search results. One key feature of Adobe Stock is the ability to preview full-size images before purchasing, allowing users to check the quality of the assets. Overall, Adobe Stock aims to be a comprehensive and user-friendly resource for creative professionals.
When it comes to the overall quality of Adobe Stock, it excels in providing high-resolution images and videos. The curated collection ensures that only the best assets are available, allowing users to confidently incorporate them into their projects. The integration with other Adobe products also ensures a seamless workflow for users who are already familiar with Adobe software. However, some users have mentioned issues with navigation and wait times for folders in the library, which can be frustrating for those who rely heavily on organization and efficiency.
Here are the pros and cons of Adobe Stock:
- Wide variety of options and categories
- Reliable, robust, and professional platform
- Easy browsing and search features
- Filters and keyword searches to refine results
- Ability to preview full-size images before purchasing
- Integration with other Adobe products
- Navigation and wait times for folders in the library can be slow
- Pricing starts at $29 per month for individuals and teams, which may be costly for some users
Adobe Stock is a valuable resource for creative professionals and designers who need high-quality stock assets for their projects. With its diverse collection, reliable platform, and seamless integration with other Adobe products, it offers a comprehensive solution for finding and incorporating assets into creative works. While there may be some limitations in terms of navigation and pricing, the overall quality and features of Adobe Stock make it a top choice for many users.
Comparison of Creative Digital Assets Platforms
Specifications
Here is a comparison of the key specifications for each of the Creative Digital Assets Platforms:
| Product | Varies based on the plan | Number of Images Available | Number of Videos Available | Number of Music / Sounds Tracks Available | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Envato Elements | $16.50/month | 8.1 million | 4.2 million | Over 140,000 | No |
| Motion Array | $29.99/month | Over 700,000 | N/A | – | No |
| Epidemic Sound | Varies based on the plan | N/A | N/A | Over 130,000 | 30-days |
| Artlist | Varies based on the plan | Varies based on the plan | N/A | Over 12,000 | 14-days |
| Shutterstock | Varies based on the plan | 434 million | Varies based on the plan | N/A | 30-days |
| Adobe Stock | $29/month | Varies based on plan | Varies based on the plan | N/A | No |
Please note that some of the specifications for Motion Array, Shutterstock, and Adobe Stock are not available or vary based on the chosen plan.
Comparison
Here is a detailed comparison of the mentioned products:
Envato Elements
- Subscription cost: $16.50/month
- Offers unlimited downloads of over 8.1 million images and 4.2 million videos
- Ideal for designers, video editors, developers, and DIY users
- Provides 12 free assets each month
- Allows for commercial use of assets
- Offers simple licensing and plans for individuals, teams, and enterprises
- Collection of photos and videos may be smaller compared to specialized stock agencies
- Lowest indemnities in the industry
- Assets cannot be used for new projects after unsubscribing
Motion Array
- Subscription cost: $29.99/month
- Offers unlimited downloads for stock footage, video templates, video presets, and bonus tools
- Provides workflow tools, exclusive plugins, and integrations
- Over 700,000 files available
- Offers a free account with limited access
- Portfolio website builder and video collaboration tool available
- Adobe integration and exclusive Premiere Pro plugins
- Pricing options include monthly and annual plans, starting at $249.99 per year
Artlist
- Subscription cost varies based on plan
- Offers unlimited downloads and use of high-quality music
- Music can be used worldwide for any projects
- Pros include unlimited and royalty-free music, affordable pricing, fast and efficient search, high-quality music, and a user-friendly interface
- Cons include the inability to purchase songs separately, a smaller library compared to other platforms, and some tracks not being well-categorized
- Offers three subscription plans: Personal, Unlimited, and Enterprise
- Subscription includes a universal license, unlimited downloads and projects, lifetime use, and a 14-day money-back guarantee
- Effective search filters and easy navigation through the library
- Offers a free trial option and all music and SFX are royalty-free
- Refund within 14 days of purchase
Shutterstock
- Offers the largest collection of stock images, with 434 million available
- Provides a comprehensive royalty-free license for images and videos
- 30-day free trial with 10 images worth $49
- Various buying options, including subscriptions and image packs
- Discounts available for annual prepaid plans
- Easy-to-use editor for creating graphics, free with an active Shutterstock subscription
- Additional features such as integrations and plugins available
- Rated highly and considered one of the best stock photo websites
Adobe Stock
- Subscription cost: $29/month
- Curated collection of high-resolution, royalty-free stock assets
- Wide variety of options and categories
- Reliable, robust, and professional platform
- Easy browsing and search features, with filters and keyword searches
- Preview full-size images before purchasing
- Integrates with other Adobe products, convenient for Adobe software users
- Some users mention issues with navigation and wait times for folders in the library
Conclusion
Based on the reviews of Envato Elements, Motion Array, Artlist, Shutterstock, and Adobe Stock, it is clear that each platform offers unique benefits for video creatives. However, there are certain drawbacks that you should consider before making a decision.
Envato Elements
Envato Elements is a valuable resource for video creatives, offering a vast library of assets and unlimited downloads at an affordable price. However, some users have noted the lack of exclusive content and the need for a personal touch in customer support.
Motion Array
Motion Array proves to be a one-stop-shop for video creatives, offering everything from stock footage to music and graphics. Its subscription plans are reasonably priced, and the platform is user-friendly. However, it falls short in terms of the size of its library compared to other platforms.
Artlist
Artlist stands out for its high-quality music library, which provides users with unlimited downloads and lifetime usage rights. The platform also offers a straightforward pricing structure. However, some users have mentioned that it lacks a diverse range of footage options.
Shutterstock
Shutterstock boasts a massive collection of stock footage and images, providing users with plenty of variety. Additionally, its licensing options are flexible, and its search features are user-friendly. The main drawback is the pricing, which is relatively higher compared to other platforms.
Adobe Stock
Adobe Stock integrates seamlessly with other Adobe products, making it a convenient choice for users already utilizing Adobe Creative Cloud. It offers a wide range of assets and provides excellent search functionality. However, the subscription plans can be pricey for individual users.
Recommendation
“For video creatives on a budget looking for a diverse range of assets, Envato Elements would be a recommended choice. It offers a cost-effective subscription plan with unlimited downloads of creative digital assets. If you prefer a one-stop-shop with a user-friendly interface, Motion Array could be more suitable, especially for those who prioritize convenience over the size of the library.
Those with a focus on music for their video projects may find Artlist to be the best option. Its high-quality music library and lifetime usage rights make it an attractive choice. Meanwhile, Shutterstock is recommended for users seeking a vast collection of stock footage and images, although it comes with a higher price tag.
Lastly, if you are heavily reliant on Adobe Creative Cloud and seek seamless integration, Adobe Stock is a suitable choice, although it may be more expensive for individual users. Ultimately, it boils down to your specific needs and priorities as a video creative to determine which platform is the best fit for you.”
