[2024] Envato Elements Vs Storyblocks - Which To Choose?

Storyblocks or Envato Elements - My Own Experience

In today's digital landscape, creatives are often on the hunt for a reliable source of high-quality, royalty-free stock footage. With a plethora of options at your fingertips, the decision can sometimes feel a tad overwhelming. Enter the age-old debate: Storyblocks vs Envato Elements. Both platforms have carved a niche among videomakers, marketing aficionados, and businesses alike. At a glance, they both promise unlimited downloads of a myriad of content types, all wrapped up with licensing that's got your commercial endeavors covered. But, as with most things, the devil's in the details.

The goal? To equip you with all the insights you need to make those crucial creative decisions. Think of it as fine-tuning the colors, lighting, and timing of your project. By understanding the distinct offerings of each platform, you can dial in the perfect choice for your needs, ensuring you have all the options you'd want at the end of the day. After all, it's all about iterating, customizing, and capturing that exact vibe you've been chasing.

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What Is Envato Elements?

Alright, let's dive into the world of Envato Elements. Back in my early days of content creation, I stumbled upon this platform, and it quickly became a staple in my toolkit. So, what is it? At its core, Envato Elements is a subscription-based service offering a vast library of digital assets. We're talking about everything from stock footage, music tracks, graphics, to web templates and more.

Who's the ideal user?

1. Designers & Developers: Whether you're crafting a website or designing a logo, the plethora of templates and graphics can be a game-changer.
2. Content Creators: For folks like me who are into video production or podcasting, the range of royalty-free music and video clips can elevate your content to a whole new level.
3. Marketing Professionals: Crafting a campaign? The high-quality images and graphics can give your promotional materials that polished look.

Now, the million-dollar question: Can you use it for commercial purposes? Absolutely. One of the reasons I gravitated towards Envato Elements was its straightforward licensing. Once you've downloaded an asset, it's yours to use in projects, even commercially. However, always ensure you're adhering to the license terms (basically, don't redistribute the raw assets).

What other programs are required for Envato Elements to shine?

‍Well, it depends on the assets you're keen on. For instance:

1. Graphics & Templates: Software like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, or InDesign will be your best friends here.
2. Stock Footage: Video editing software (think Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro) is essential to integrate these clips seamlessly into your projects.
3. Music & Sound Effects: Any decent audio editing software, like Audacity or Adobe Audition, should do the trick.

Now, a quick side note (and this is from personal experience): While Envato Elements offers a vast array of assets, it's essential to ensure they align with your brand or project's aesthetic. Sometimes, I've found myself spending hours sifting through assets to find the perfect fit. But, that's the nature of the beast when you have such a vast library at your disposal.

Pros

• Diverse Content Selection: I've always been impressed by the sheer variety of content available. From videos to graphics, it's like walking into a digital candy store every time I log in.
• Affordability: One thing that struck me was the value for money. With such a vast library at my disposal, the subscription fee feels like a steal. I remember thinking, "Is this for real?" when I first saw the pricing.
• Quality Video Assets: As someone who's dabbled in video creation, I've found their video assets to be top-notch. It's like having a personal cinematographer on standby.
• Music Selection: The music library? A game-changer. I've managed to find tracks that perfectly fit the mood I was going for, every single time.
• User-Friendly Experience: Navigating the platform feels intuitive. I've rarely found myself lost or confused, which says a lot given the vastness of their offerings.
• Consistent Updates: Over time, I've noticed that they keep adding fresh content. It's like the platform evolves with the creative industry, ensuring I'm always on top of trends.
• Licensing Clarity: One of my initial concerns was licensing. But, the straightforward licensing terms put my mind at ease. Knowing I can use the assets commercially without a hitch? Priceless.
• Community Feedback: I've often turned to the community for insights and recommendations. It's like having a group of fellow creatives guiding you through your journey.
• Integration with Editing Software: I remember wishing for an in-app library for some of my editing tools. While they're not there yet, the feedback from the community suggests they're moving in that direction.
• Resource for Various Projects: Whether I was working on a YouTube video, a website, or a marketing campaign, I've found assets that fit the bill. It's like having a Swiss Army knife for all my creative projects.

Cons

• Outdated User Interface: You can only select 1 search filter option from each filter category when looking for something you want.
• Large File Sizes: I recall downloading video clips that were surprisingly large in size, considering their short duration. It took a toll on my storage and download time.

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What Is Storyblocks?

Storyblocks is essentially a platform that offers a vast library of stock footage, music, sound effects, and more. Think of it as a treasure trove for content creators, much like Envato Elements, but with its own unique offerings.

Now, regarding the specific download count for each asset, from my experience, Storyblocks doesn't typically display the number of times an asset has been downloaded. While this might seem like a minor detail, it can sometimes be helpful to gauge the popularity or overuse of a particular asset. I remember wishing for this feature a couple of times, especially when I was aiming for a unique touch in my projects.

As for its usage among renowned content creators, yes, Storyblocks has been leveraged by several big names in the industry. While I can't provide an exhaustive list off the top of my head, I've seen mentions and endorsements from popular YouTubers and filmmakers. Their high-quality assets, especially in the video department, make it a go-to choice for many who require top-tier content without the hassle of shooting it themselves.

Pros

• Diverse Content Selection: One of the things that stood out to me was the variety of content available on Storyblocks. From videos to music tracks, it felt like I had a world of creative assets at my fingertips.
• Responsive Customer Support: I recall a time when I faced an issue with my subscription. The support team was not only quick to respond but also went above and beyond to ensure my concerns were addressed.
• Affordable Pricing: When I first explored Storyblocks, I was pleasantly surprised by the value for money. The subscription model, especially when compared to per-clip pricing on other platforms, felt like a breath of fresh air.
• High-Quality Assets: The quality of the assets, especially the video footage, was commendable. It felt like I had access to a professional library, elevating the production value of my projects.
• User-Friendly Interface: Navigating through Storyblocks was a breeze. The platform's design and search functionality made it easy for me to find exactly what I was looking for.
• Commitment to Improvement: Over time, I noticed that Storyblocks was receptive to feedback and continuously worked on enhancing their offerings and user experience.

Cons

• Limited Unique Content: When I first signed up for Storyblocks, I was hoping for a diverse range of unique footage. However, I felt a bit let down as some of the stock footage seemed similar to what you might find with a simple Google image search.
• Misleading Recommendations: I remember being swayed by a YouTuber's recommendation, expecting to find a rich collection of historic clips and cartoon footage. Unfortunately, my experience didn't quite match up to the endorsement.
• Overpriced Subscription: The cost of the subscription felt a bit steep, especially when I compared the quality and variety of content to the price point. It reminded me of times when I've invested in something based on recommendations, only to realize it didn't offer the value I was expecting.
• Corporate-Focused Content: While browsing through the library, I noticed a significant amount of corporate stock footage. While this might be useful for some, I was hoping for a broader range of creative assets.
• User Expectation Mismatch: The platform's offerings didn't align with my initial expectations.

Comparing The Pricing Options

When comparing Storyblocks and Envato Elements, several key points emerge that potential users should consider:

1. Unlimited Downloads: Both platforms champion the feature of unlimited downloads. This is a game-changer for many, as it eliminates the worry of hitting a download cap or incurring additional costs from on-demand downloads. Whether you're in the market for top-notch stock footage, captivating images, or memorable music, both platforms are ready to serve.
2. Subscription Plans Tailored to Individual Needs: Both platforms cater to individual users, ensuring that their stock footage requirements are met. However, their approach to subscription plans differs.
3. Diverse Pricing with Storyblocks: Storyblocks provides a more varied pricing structure. They offer three distinct plans for individuals: Starter, Unlimited All Access, and Pro. This tiered system allows users to choose a plan based on their budget and the volume of content they intend to download.
4. Simplified Offering with Envato Elements: On the other hand, Envato Elements takes a more streamlined approach. They offer a single Individual plan, making the decision process straightforward for users who prefer fewer options.

Storyblocks Pricing:

Starter Plan (Yearly):

• Priced at $180 annually (effectively $15/month).
• This plan offers 5 total monthly downloads, which include HD footage, music, photos, vectors, and illustrations.

Unlimited All Access (Yearly):

• Priced at $360 annually (effectively $30/month).
• As the name suggests, it provides unlimited downloads. This encompasses HD footage, 4K footage, After Effects templates, music, sound effects, photos, vectors, and illustrations.

Pro Plan (Yearly):

• Priced at $420 annually (effectively $35/month).
• This plan offers the same unlimited downloads as the Unlimited All Access plan but adds a Storyblocks Plugin for Adobe Creative Cloud.

Envato Elements Pricing:

Individual Plan (Yearly):

• Priced at $198 annually (which breaks down to $16.50/month).
• Monthly pricing is at $33, but there's a special offer where the first month is only $8.25.
• This plan offers unlimited downloads of stock video, video

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Comparing The Libraries

In terms of sheer numbers, while Storyblocks' library contains over 1 million assets, Envato Elements overshadows this with over 15 million assets. However, numbers alone don't paint the full picture. Both platforms offer high-quality content, but the type and variety might cater to different creative needs.

Envato Elements:

• Videos: Envato Elements boasts a vast collection of over 3.6 million video clips. This extensive library ensures that users have a plethora of choices for their projects.
• Audio: Both platforms offer a rich selection of music tracks and sound effects. The exact number or diversity isn't specified, but based on my interactions, both platforms cater to a wide range of genres and moods.
• Templates & Graphics: Envato stands out with its broader range of design elements. It offers custom fonts, presets, and other design assets that aren't available on Storyblocks. Additionally, Envato provides templates for various software, including After Effects, Premiere Pro, Apple Motion, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve.
• Other Assets: Envato's library is not just limited to videos, audio, and templates. They also offer presentation templates, fonts, add-ons, web and CMS templates, WordPress files, and 3D renders. In total, Envato Elements boasts over 15 million assets.

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Storyblocks:

• Videos: Storyblocks offers over 1 million video clips. While this number is significant, it's smaller compared to Envato's collection. However, a unique feature of Storyblocks is their loopable video clips, which are invaluable for creators requiring seamless loops.
• Audio: As with Envato, Storyblocks provides a diverse range of music tracks and sound effects. The exact quantity isn't specified, but the platform caters to various needs.
• Templates & Graphics: Storyblocks offers templates for software like After Effects, Premiere Pro, and Apple Motion. While their range is commendable, it doesn't match the breadth of Envato's offerings.
• Other Assets: Storyblocks also provides photos, vectors, and other illustrations. However, unlike Envato, they don't offer additional assets like web templates or 3D renders.

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Ease Of Use & User Friendliness

Logging into Storyblocks, the user interface greeted me with a clean design. The search bar was prominently placed at the top, beckoning me to start my quest. As I typed in my keywords, I appreciated the auto-suggestions that popped up, hinting at popular searches and potentially saving me time. Once I hit the search button, a plethora of results displayed. The filtering options on the left side were intuitive. I could easily narrow down my search by resolution, like 4K or HD, or by specific categories such as nature or technology. While this was helpful, I did find myself wishing for a more advanced filtering system, perhaps by color or mood, to fine-tune my results further.

Transitioning to Envato Elements, I immediately noticed the platform's broader scope. Not only did it offer videos, but it also had templates, music, graphics, and more. The search experience was somewhat similar to Storyblocks, with a central search bar guiding the way. However, as I delved into the results, I was impressed by the additional filtering options. Beyond the standard category and resolution filters, I could also sort by the popularity of items or even by their recent addition to the platform. This was particularly useful when I was in search of fresh content that hadn't been overused. The user interface felt a tad more modern than Storyblocks, with larger thumbnails and a more visual-centric design.

In terms of search accuracy, both platforms had their moments. There were times when Storyblocks gave me exactly what I was looking for, and other times when I had to sift through unrelated content. Envato Elements, on the other hand, seemed to have a slightly sharper search algorithm. More often than not, the first few results were spot-on with what I had in mind.

As I continued to use both platforms, I began to notice the little things that enhanced the user experience. Storyblocks had this feature where hovering over a video thumbnail would give a quick preview, saving me the time of clicking into each option. Envato Elements countered with its vast array of content types, making it a one-stop-shop for all my creative needs.

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Conclusion - Is Envato Elements Better Than Storyblocks?

Each platform boasts its unique features, and it's crucial to delve deep into their offerings to discern which one aligns best with your specific needs. I've personally spent countless hours comparing the two, and here's my take:

Storyblocks, for instance, offers a vast library of high-quality assets. Their tiered subscription model allows users to access different levels of content based on their subscription type. This granularity in access can be beneficial for those who have a clear understanding of their requirements. However, it's essential to be aware of the limitations of each tier to avoid any unforeseen licensing issues. On the quantitative side, Storyblocks boasts over a million assets (a mix of videos, audio, and images). Their interface is user-friendly, and their categorization system makes it relatively easy to find specific content.

On the other hand, Envato Elements has made a significant mark in the industry with its comprehensive offering. Their subscription model is more straightforward, granting access to their entire library without any tier-based restrictions. This can be particularly advantageous for those who require a diverse range of assets regularly. With over two million digital assets (spanning templates, videos, music, and more), their library is expansive. One of the standout features of Envato is their integration with other tools and platforms, offering plugins for software like Adobe Premiere Pro and Photoshop. This seamless integration can be a game-changer for professionals who rely on these tools daily.

However, it's not just about the numbers. The quality of assets, ease of use, and customer support are equally crucial. Both platforms offer top-notch quality, but I've found that Envato's customer support is slightly more responsive based on my interactions.

Drawing a parallel from my personal experience in the design industry, choosing a stock media service is akin to selecting the right printing service. Just as one wouldn't compromise on print quality for a lower price, it's vital not to settle for a stock media service without thorough research. I once advised a client, who tried to venture into an area outside his expertise, that it's always best to rely on professionals for specialized tasks. Similarly, when choosing between Storyblocks and Envato Elements, it's essential to understand the intricacies of each platform and how they can cater to your specific needs.

In conclusion, both Storyblocks and Envato Elements have their strengths. Your choice should hinge on your specific requirements, budget, and preference for platform usability. Investing time in understanding each platform's offerings can save you from potential pitfalls in the future. Remember, the right choice today can lead to seamless creative projects tomorrow.