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Review of the differences between Motion Array & Envato Elements. Read about our discoveries on both these platforms for professional video editing templates designed for all major editing software such as Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro and Davinci Resolve
67% (3613 out of 5392 votes) say that editors who use templates don't necessarily lack genuine skill and creativity. The remaining 33% (1779 votes) reflect a perspective that leans toward skepticism, suggesting that reliance on templates might inhibit the creativity and originality in editing. From my point of view, the major concern with relying too heavily on templates is that they may limit creativity depending on how you use them.
Understanding the varying opinions on template use can greatly influence your choice of resources for obtaining templates. If you're among the 67% who believe that using templates does not diminish an editor's skill and creativity, you might be looking for reliable sources to find high-quality editing templates. This leads us to explore popular platforms like Motion Array and Envato Elements, which offer a vast array of templates compatible with major video editing software.
Motion Array and Envato Elements are both fantastic sources for professional video editing templates designed for all major video editing softwares such as Adobe After Effects, Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro and Davinci Resolve. On either of these platforms, you can find templates, preset packs and project files for all sorts of videos ranging from slideshows to lower thirds. Whatever you're looking for, you can find it on either Motion Array or Envato Elements.
While both platforms provide plenty of high quality assets, how do you know which one is worth paying for? Well, we've tried and tested both brands to provide you with a comprehensive analysis on each video template website.
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Users of the membership-based website Motion Array get access to a constantly expanding collection of royalty-free stock video footage, music tracks, presets, motion graphics templates, After Effects plugins, and other resources. Motion Array provides its users with access to a huge collection of resources as well as savings on third-party video software and hardware. Motion Array is the #2 most popular video template in the world, following Envato Elements. Considering the fact that it's a more recent project, Motion Array is already receiving approximately 800K monthly visitors according to Similarweb.
Is motion array free? There is an everlasting discount going on where you can receive up to 3 months ($50 worth) of Motion Array Subscription for FREE when purchased through a partner, which can be done here. Once the discount is applied, the total cost of Motion Array goes down to just $200 a year or $16.67 a month.
Here's how to create a new account and download assets using the platform.
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Envato Elements is a valuable resource for both experienced video editors and those just getting started with their first project. Similarly to Motion Array, Envato Elements is a membership-based website that provides users with access to an ever-growing library of royalty-free stock video footage, video editing templates and more.
Envato Elements offers two primary subscription models. The monthly plan comes in at $33, while the annual plan offers better value at $198 per year (effectively $16.50 a month). The annual plan, given its cost-effectiveness, is ideal for regular content creators. Envato also used to have a free trial plan up until March 2023 when the removed it.
Envato Elements provides 70,000+ templates for all major video editing softwares. As well as this, Envato Elements also has a collection of user-submittedd stock footage.
Finding top-notch video content is one of the most time-consuming (and expensive) steps in creating a video production. It's all too easy, if you're not diligent, to spend hours (or even days) searching through stock footage websites only to discover that the films you need either don't exist or are unreasonably expensive.
That's never an issue with Envato Elements. No matter what type of video you're creating, you're sure to discover the ideal clip among the site's enormous collection of royalty-free stock video footage. The best part is that you can use as much (or as little) of the video on Envato Elements as you'd like without worrying about accruing costly fees. All of the footage on Motion Array is royalty-free under a single monthly payment of just $16.
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Envato: 24/7 support with fast response
Motion Array: Slightly more delayed response, but also has 24/7 support available
Envato: 10/10
Motion Array: 10/10
Envato: 8/10 (Motion Array is easier to browse through)
Motion Array: 10/10 (when comparing video assets alone)
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They both offer a comprehensive all-in-one solution that includes Video Templates, Stock Video, Music & SFX, and Photos. In fact, if you browse through their templates and stock videos, you'll notice that some of the same assets are available on both platforms. This is because both platforms allow non-exclusive uploads, so authors can choose to make their assets available on both sites.
Another similarity between Envato Elements and Motion Array is their licensing model. Both platforms offer an unlimited download subscription model, which means you can download as many assets as you need and use them in your projects without any restrictions. Plus, if you cancel your subscription, you'll still have access to the assets you've previously downloaded, so you can continue to use them in future projects.
In addition to their shared features, both platforms also offer dedicated learning resources for video creators. They have comprehensive learn pages that provide access to tutorials and courses designed to help you improve your video editing and motion design skills. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced professional, you can benefit from the educational resources available on these platforms.
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Envato Elements is like a supermarket. You see, they offer everything from video templates to fonts and even CMS templates (those are templates for Content Management Systems like WordPress). On the other hand, Motion Array focuses more on video-related assets. They do offer music, sound effects, and stock photos, but you won't find fonts or web templates there. So, if you're into web development or graphic design, Envato might be more up your alley.
When it comes to using these assets for commercial purposes, both platforms are pretty accommodating. But here's the catch: Motion Array has some assets labeled as "Editorial use only," which means you can't use them in commercial projects like ads. Envato Elements, on the other hand, gives you a lifetime commercial license for all assets. No worries about restrictions there.
As for subscriptions, both platforms offer multiple plans, but Envato Elements takes it a step further by offering a 30% student discount and custom solutions for larger teams (Enterprise plans). Motion Array has monthly and annual plans, and they even have team plans, but they don't mention any student discounts or custom solutions for larger organizations.
In terms of software compatibility, Motion Array is pretty explicit. If you're using Adobe Premiere Pro or After Effects, you're in luck. They even support other software like Vegas Pro and Avid Media Composer. Envato Elements doesn't specify, but their assets are generally compatible with a wide range of software.
First of all, for those who primarily create videos, Motion Array seems to be the go-to platform. Their extensive range of video assets, combined with unique offerings like Premiere Pro plugins, makes it a holistic solution. It's not just about having assets; it's about having the right ones that streamline the video creation process.
On the other hand, Envato Elements is more versatile, catering not just to video creators but also to designers, bloggers, and other professionals. Their vast photo collection is a testament to this, offering millions of stock images that can be a boon for bloggers and designers alike.
The content library on Envato Elements is significantly larger than Motion Array. And Envato Elements offered a broader range of assets in more categories than video editing. Other categories include website themes, stock images and mockups for Photoshop. That's why Envato is better for small online business owners or freelancers.
Envato Elements also has a slightly simpler pricing model. With a flat monthly fee, we were able to access an unlimited number of digital assets without worrying about exceeding any download limits or incurring additional fees.
Some might argue that the licensing of both platforms are the same, but we think 'similar' is a better word. Envato Elements' licensing model was easier to understand and allowed us to use assets in our commercial projects without any restrictions or additional fees. This was a huge plus for us, as we often work on projects for clients and need to ensure that we have the proper licensing in place.
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Envato Elements subscription costs $16.50 a month whereas the pricing for Motion Array is slightly more flexible. If you choose to pay annually, Motion Array will cost you $19.99 a month. But if you choose to pay monthly, the same service will cost $29.99 a month.
Here's where the hidden perks come in. In addition to providing its members with access to an ever-growing library of resources, Motion Array also offers exclusive discounts on third-party video software and hardware purchases. For example, Motion Array members get 20% off all new Adobe Creative Cloud subscriptions—a savings of over $60 per year! And that's just the tip of the iceberg. If you frequently find yourself needing to purchase video editing software or other related tools and equipment, then a Motion Array membership could easily pay for itself many times over thanks to the significant discounts offered on these kinds of purchases.
Videos: Envato Elements is the clear winner with a whopping 4.2 million videos, compared to Motion Array's 90,000. That's a massive difference, and if you're looking for variety, Envato has it in spades.
Music: Both platforms offer a substantial library, but Envato Elements again takes the lead with 145,000 music tracks, while Motion Array has 100,000. So, if music is a big part of your projects, Envato gives you more options.
Sound Effects: The article only mentions the number for Envato Elements, which stands at 629,000. Motion Array's count isn't specified, but given the trend, it's safe to assume it's less.
Templates: Envato Elements offers a staggering 461,000 templates, dwarfing Motion Array's 60,000. If templates are your thing, you'll have a field day with Envato.
Envato Elements boasts an impressive library, making it a treasure trove for content creators. Here's a snapshot:
In terms of quality, we tested at least 100 different projects to discover that both are just about the same. Although we did notice that a few templates from the Premiere Pro section of Envato Elements had some minor discrepancies between the template preview and the actual project file - although this only occurred in about 3 out of over 43 individually tested templates.
Envato Elements offers a limited liability coverage, which means that the platform limits its liability based on the total amount paid for the subscription six months prior to any event triggering liability. This is a significant feature because it provides a safety net for users. If you're using assets for commercial projects, this indemnity clause can be a lifesaver, offering you a level of protection against potential copyright claims or other legal issues.
Envato goes a step further by offering tailored indemnification plans under its Enterprise Plan. This means that businesses can negotiate the terms of their indemnity to better suit their specific needs, providing an extra layer of customization and security.
On the other hand, Motion Array's licensing agreement is notably silent on the issue of indemnity. This absence can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, the lack of an indemnity clause means that you might not have that extra layer of legal protection if something goes wrong. On the other hand, it also means that you're not bound by any limitations set by the platform, giving you more freedom—but also more responsibility—to manage your legal risks.
The absence of indemnity in Motion Array's terms might not be a deal-breaker for everyone, but it's something to consider, especially if you're working on large-scale or high-stakes projects. You might need to take extra precautions, like additional legal reviews, to ensure that you're not exposing yourself to undue risk.
However, if you're a risk-taker or someone who prefers to manage their own legal safeguards, the absence of an indemnity clause in Motion Array's terms might actually be more appealing to you. It gives you the freedom to operate on your own terms, but remember, with great freedom comes great responsibility.
Both user interfaces are great. Here's a more in-depth look:
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Starting with Motion Array, our first impression was its neat and minimalist user interface. We've found this approach conducive to a smooth navigation experience. Everything is well-organized and intuitive, which is key when we're under a tight deadline and need to find specific assets quickly. We were able overall to get around the site with relative ease and without unnecessary distractions.
One of the things we appreciated about Motion Array was its simple yet effective search functionality. We could just type in what we needed, and the platform would offer a range of relevant results. This was particularly useful for us when we were searching for something more niche or specific. The additional filter options, such as asset type or genre, enabled us to refine our search further, saving us valuable time.
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Switching gears to Envato Elements, this platform also presented us with an intuitive user interface. The platform's design felt modern and vibrant, which was pleasing to our creative senses. Navigation was straightforward, and we could easily access different sections of the platform.
Envato Elements had a distinct edge in terms of its search and filtering capabilities. We were able to not only search for specific assets but also filter them by various parameters such as format, orientation, and even color. This advanced level of granularity in search options was beneficial when we were looking for a very specific asset for our projects.
In terms of the frequency of use, we found ourselves splitting our time almost equally between the two platforms, each serving unique needs for different projects. We've spent roughly $30 per month on each, giving us access to an abundance of resources to enrich our creative work.
In sum, both Motion Array and Envato Elements have been valuable tools in our creative toolbox. Each offers an effective user interface and search functionality, though with slight nuances that distinguish one from the other. We've found these platforms to be reliable companions in our creative pursuits, helping us deliver high-quality content time and time again.
See Motion Array UI
See Envato Elements UI
Licensing can be a tricky domain, but understanding it is crucial to avoid potential pitfalls.
One unique aspect of Envato Elements is the need to re-license each asset every time it's used. While this might seem cumbersome, it ensures clarity in usage rights. However, a significant point to note is that if you decide to cancel your subscription, future projects won't be able to leverage any of the assets.
Motion Array adopts a more universal licensing model. All their assets are royalty-free, suitable for both commercial and personal projects. A small subset of their library, marked “For Editorial Use Only”, is the exception and is reserved for non-commercial productions. The beauty of their model? All projects created during an active subscription remain covered forever, even if you decide to part ways with them.
Motion Array has a reputation for maintaining a high standard of quality across its assets. The platform is known for its rigorous review process, ensuring that only top-notch templates, stock footage, and audio files make it to their library. This meticulous curation is a godsend for professionals who don't have the time to sift through mediocre assets.
Moreover, Motion Array offers specialized assets for specific video editing software like DaVinci Resolve, which is a testament to its focus on quality and user-specific needs. The platform also provides additional tools like Adobe Panel Extension and a video review and collaboration tool, enhancing the overall user experience and project outcome.
Envato Elements, on the other hand, offers a colossal library. With its vast array of choices, you might think that quality could be compromised. However, that's far from the truth. Envato also has a stringent review process, but given the sheer volume of their library, you might occasionally stumble upon assets that are less than perfect.
What sets Envato apart is its diversity. Whether you're into video editing, graphic design, or even web development, the platform has something for everyone. This wide range of assets goes through a quality check, ensuring that irrespective of the type of asset you're downloading, the standard remains high.
It's not just about video templates or stock footage; this platform offers a plethora of digital assets that go beyond the realm of video editing. We're talking about fonts, graphic templates, WordPress themes, and even 3D assets. Imagine needing a unique font for your video's text overlay; you don't have to hop over to another platform. It's all there in Envato Elements.
The platform is particularly strong in its offering of music and sound effects. You can find tracks and sounds that fit the mood of your video without having to sift through poorly tagged or irrelevant options. The search functionality is quite advanced, allowing you to filter by genre, mood, instrument, and even vocal type (male, female, or instrumental).
Moreover, Envato Elements is a haven for graphic designers and web developers. Need a mockup for a client presentation? They've got it. Looking for a WordPress theme for your new blog? It's there. The platform even offers presentation templates, so if you're in the corporate world needing to make PowerPoint slides, you're covered.
Motion Array, on the other hand, is laser-focused on video content creators. While it may not offer the extensive range of asset types that Envato Elements does, what it does offer is specialized and high-quality. For instance, if you're a DaVinci Resolve user, you'll find a larger selection of templates specifically designed for Resolve on Motion Array.
One of the standout features of Motion Array is its additional tools that come bundled with the subscription. These include an Adobe Panel Extension, a video review and collaboration tool, a website portfolio builder, and a presets plugin for Premiere Pro. These tools are integrated into the platform, making it a more streamlined experience for those who are deeply embedded in the Adobe ecosystem.
Motion Array also excels in its organizational structure. When you download assets, they are neatly organized into Project Files, Help Files, and Fonts, making it easier to manage your resources.
First off, Envato Elements is pretty generous when it comes to student discounts. Eligible students can enjoy a 30% discount, bringing their monthly rate down to just $11.50. To be eligible, you need to be an enrolled student, teacher, or staff member in an accredited educational institution. The process is straightforward—just verify your student status, and you're good to go. What's more, the discount applies to all products, so you're not limited in any way. You can access a plethora of digital assets, from stock photos to website themes, without breaking the bank. And let's not forget, if you decide to cancel your subscription, you can still use items that have been licensed for project use (Envato Elements Student Pricing).
Switching gears to Motion Array, they also have a pretty sweet deal for students. They offer up to a 20% discount on their subscription plans. To qualify, you must be currently enrolled in an accredited college or university. Motion Array doesn't just stop at students; they also offer other discounts that you can stack up. For instance, you can get additional discounts by referring friends or signing up for their newsletter. So, if you play your cards right, you could be looking at some serious savings.
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First up, Envato Elements. This platform operates on a single-use commercial license for all its assets. What this means is that you can use any downloaded asset for one end project. If you decide to cancel your subscription, you won't lose the rights to use the assets in projects you've already completed. In other words, everything you created before canceling your subscription will still be covered. However, you won't be able to use any of the downloaded assets in new projects post-cancellation.
Now, let's talk about Motion Array. This platform uses a standard, universal license, meaning all assets are royalty-free and can be used in any commercial or personal projects worldwide. Similar to Envato, if you cancel your subscription, you can still use the assets in projects you've already completed. However, you won't be allowed to use any downloaded assets in new projects if you decide to cancel your membership.
When it comes to search-ability, both Envato Elements and Motion Array have their strengths and weaknesses. It's actually surprising how each platform excels in different areas.
When it comes to music, Envato Elements takes the cake with its extensive filtering options. You can sift through tracks based on Genre, Mood, Instruments, Vocals vs. No Vocals, Male Vocals vs Female Vocals, Length, and BPM. They even offer a looped music option. This granularity allows you to pinpoint the exact track that resonates with your project's vibe.
Motion Array, on the other hand, keeps it simple. Their music search functionality offers filters for BPM, duration, and a general list of categories. While it may not be as detailed as Envato's, it's straightforward and gets the job done. But let's be real, if you're a stickler for details, you might find Motion Array's options a bit limiting.
When searching for templates, Motion Array has a much wider selection available. If you're a big user of Motion Graphics Templates (.mogrt) that can be imported and used in Premiere Pro's Essential Graphics panel, Motion Array has a specific category just for Motion Graphics or mogrts. Envato Elements, on the other hand, only has a category for Premiere Pro, so you won't know if it's a Premiere Pro Project Template or a .mogrt until you download it.
Envato Elements, however, categorizes everything under "Premiere Pro," making it a bit of a treasure hunt. You won't know if it's a Premiere Pro Project Template or a .mogrt until you hit that download button. But hey, life's an adventure, right?
Without a doubt, one of the most impressive features of Motion Array's search is the ability to filter by application version. This means that if you're using an older version of After Effects, such as CS6, you can still find templates that are compatible with that version. This can save you a lot of time and hassle trying to sort through templates that won't work with your software.
Based on search queries, Envato Elements has a significantly larger library. For instance, a search for "aerial" shots yielded over 465,000 results on Envato, while Motion Array produced just over 60,000. While both are impressive, the sheer volume on Envato gives you more choices. However, more isn't always better. A larger library can sometimes mean sifting through more low-quality items to find the gems.
Both platforms offer a user-friendly interface, but they each have their quirks. Envato Elements has a more polished look, but some users have reported that its search functionality can sometimes display unrelated content. Motion Array's interface is more straightforward but lacks the aesthetic finesse of Envato.
If you're an Adobe Creative Cloud user, Motion Array offers an Adobe Panel Extension that allows you to browse all of Motion Array's assets directly from within the software. This eliminates the need to switch between your browser and your project, streamlining your workflow.
Unlike Envato Elements, Motion Array offers some unique benefits that set it apart from other digital asset platforms, including four extra tools that can help streamline your workflow. These tools include an Adobe Panel Extension, a video review and collaboration tool, a website portfolio builder, and plugins for Premiere Pro as well as all other major video editing programs.
However, it's worth mentioning that the review and collaboration tool offered by Motion Array may not be as necessary for Creative Cloud subscribers, as Frame.io now comes built into both After Effects and Premiere Pro with 100GB of free storage for client feedback and approval.
The big question you've been waiting for: which is better? Motion Array or Envato Elements? Based on our comparisons, we believe that Motion Array is the better option for those who are on a tight budget whereas Envato Elements is for those who are willing to spend more in the long term. But how do you know which one is for you? Well, that depends on the type of videos you create as well as your expertise in video production. If you're more experienced and are looking for single use templates for individual elements such as lower thirds and/or text intros, we'd highly recommend Motion Array as you'll be able to find more of these types of templates on there. If you're seeking complete videos that only require minor adjustment and placeholder replacement, Envato Elements would be ideal, especially if you're a freelance video editor who works on multiple different types of projects. That's because Envato Elements has plenty of complete project files for full-length videos rather than individual sections and elements for making your own video from scratch.
Envato Elements has introduced several exciting updates and features over the last few months, enhancing creative workflows and providing more value to users:
Envato Elements Promotions: Envato frequently runs campaigns for new subscribers, offering discounts and trial periods, making it a cost-effective choice for creators. Here are the latest
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ELEMENTS-70P-FIRSTMONTH-VDXE6YSpecial Discounts via Affiliates:
Motion Array has introduced several new features and updates recently, enhancing its platform for creators working in video editing, motion design, and audio. Here are the highlights:
Motion Array Promotions: Motion Array has been running several promotions recently, including discounts and seasonal sales:
Holiday Sale: Save 10% on the "Everything Plan," which includes unlimited downloads of templates, motion graphics, AI voiceovers, presets, plugins, music, stock footage, and more. This deal applies to new purchases or upgrades, making it an excellent choice for creators looking to expand their resources
Student Discounts: Students can save up to 55% on Motion Array subscriptions. Verification of student status is required to access this offer. This promotion aims to support students in creative fields
Seasonal Discounts: Occasionally, promotions offer up to 70% off on selected items or plans, especially during holiday periods
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