[2024] Motion Array Vs Storyblocks - 5 KEY Differences

Storyblocks Vs Motion Array - Unbiased Opinion

One of the most invaluable assets in your creative toolkit is stock media, and leveraging it effectively is crucial for producing compelling, high-quality content. Whether you're crafting videos for YouTube, designing ads for social media, or even creating full-length documentaries, you need to become well-acquainted with the power of stock footage, photos, and audio. That's where Motion Array and Storyblocks come into play.

These platforms are more than just repositories of royalty-free media; they are comprehensive ecosystems designed to elevate your creative process. From a wide array of video templates to specialized plugins and even licensing options, these services offer a holistic approach to content creation.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the following:

• Why stock media is an essential tool for modern content creators
• The unique features, pricing, and licensing options of Motion Array and Storyblocks
• Pros and cons of each platform to help you make an informed decision
• Additional tools and plugins that can enhance your workflow

By the end of this article, you'll have a thorough understanding of what Motion Array and Storyblocks bring to the table, empowering you to make the best choice for your creative projects.

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What Is Storyblocks?

In 2017, Videoblocks, a well-regarded service in the royalty-free video stock market, expanded its offerings by launching Storyblocks. I've been a long-time user of Storyblocks Video (formerly known as Videoblocks), so when they rolled out this new platform, I was eager to put it to the test. Today, I'm prepared to share my comprehensive assessment with you.

Pros

• Extensive Library: Users are extremely pleased with the wide range of stock video footage and music available on Storyblocks. This makes it a one-stop-shop for various creative needs.
• Affordable Plans: Compared to other platforms where you might pay hundreds for a single clip, Storyblocks offers more budget-friendly options.
• Excellent Customer Service: Many reviews highlight the prompt and courteous customer service. Issues related to billing and subscriptions are generally resolved quickly, often with added benefits like extended subscription periods.
• User-Friendly: Several users mentioned that Storyblocks is easy to use and has helped them learn how to produce their own videos, making it beginner-friendly.
• Quick Refunds: Users who needed to cancel their subscriptions due to financial constraints reported that the refund process was fast and hassle-free.

Cons

• Limited Customization in Plans: Some users dislike the new all-or-nothing plans, stating that not everyone needs both audio and video. They preferred the older, more customizable plans.
• Loading Time Issues: Users with less than stellar internet connections have reported that the site can be slow to load, affecting the overall user experience.
• Search Engine Problems: Multiple reviews indicate that the search feature is not intuitive and needs a complete overhaul. For example, searching for a city name might yield no results, but adding the country name suddenly makes it work.
• Copyright Issues: Some users have faced copyright claims when using content from Storyblocks, particularly music. The dispute process is said to be lengthy and unresponsive.
• Auto-Renewal and Billing: There are complaints about non-optional automatic renewals without reminders, making it difficult for users to cancel in time. Some users also reported continued billing even after cancellation.

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What Is Motion Array?

Having used Motion Array for an extended period, I can attest to its comprehensive offerings for content creators. Founded in 2013 and later acquired by Artlist in 2020, this platform has evolved into a robust digital asset marketplace.

Firstly, let's discuss the financial aspect. At a subscription rate of just $15 per month, you gain unlimited access to a library that houses over 700,000 digital assets. This isn't just a random assortment; it's a meticulously curated collection of high-quality video clips, music tracks, photos, and specialized software templates for After Effects and Premiere Pro.

Now, onto licensing (a topic that can't be stressed enough). Motion Array offers a comprehensive license that covers a wide array of uses. This is crucial because, let's face it, the legal landscape surrounding digital assets can be a minefield. Their licensing terms are designed to be both robust and straightforward, eliminating any ambiguity that could lead to legal complications down the line.

To sum it up, Motion Array is a comprehensive, cost-effective solution for content creators. In my opinion, it's a platform that warrants serious consideration for anyone deeply involved in the content creation process. With its extensive library, straightforward licensing, and additional workflow-enhancing tools, it stands as a strong contender in the digital asset marketplace.

Pros

• Wide Range of Assets: Users appreciate the extensive library of video editing assets, including templates, presets, stock footage, and royalty-free music. This makes it a one-stop-shop for many video editing needs.
• Responsive Customer Service: Several reviews mention the quick and helpful responses from the customer service team. Issues related to billing and technical problems were generally resolved efficiently.
• Quality of Templates and Presets: Users find the templates and presets to be of professional quality, suitable for various video editing software.
• User-Friendly Interface: Some users find the platform easy to navigate, especially with features like filters that make finding assets simpler.
• Educational Resources: Motion Array offers tutorials and a learning section, which can be beneficial for beginners trying to understand how to make the most of the assets.

Cons

• Misleading Subscription and Cancellation: A recurring complaint is about the difficulty in canceling subscriptions. Users find the cancellation process to be intentionally misleading and hidden, requiring them to go through detailed FAQs to find the cancellation link.
• Quality Control Issues: Some users report that downloaded assets, like templates and music, didn't work as expected. This led to wasted time and effort in trying to integrate these assets into their projects.
• Billing Issues: There are instances where users were charged for an annual subscription when they thought they were signing up for a free trial. This has led to disputes and general dissatisfaction.
• Copyright Concerns: One user mentioned that a song downloaded from Motion Array got flagged on YouTube, raising concerns about the reliability of the royalty-free assets.
• Limited Usability Post-Cancellation: Unlike other royalty-free libraries, Motion Array's terms state that you can only use downloaded files while you are a paying member. If you cancel, you legally no longer have the rights to use the products in new projects.

Pricing

Motion Array

Each of the following plans is designed to cater to different needs and team sizes. The unlimited downloads and additional tools like the Video Review and Portfolio Site Builder make these plans robust and comprehensive.

Monthly Plan‍

Priced at $29.99 USD per month, this plan translates to approximately $40.19 AUD, $38.09 CAD, or £21.89 GBP. If you're someone who prefers a no-commitment, month-to-month subscription, this is your go-to option. It offers unlimited downloads of all assets, plugins, 250GB of storage, and free access to the Video Review tool and Portfolio Site Builder. The 250GB of storage is particularly useful for heavy-duty projects (those that require a large amount of data storage).

Annual Plan‍

At $249.99 USD per year (or about $20.83 USD per month), this plan equates to roughly $334.98 AUD, $317.49 CAD, or £182.49 GBP annually. The monthly breakdown would be around $27.92 AUD, $26.46 CAD, or £15.21 GBP. For sure, this plan offers a cost-effective way to access all the features on a long-term basis. The annual commitment allows you to plan your projects without worrying about monthly renewals.

Team Plan‍

This plan is priced at $224.99 USD per year for each team member (or $18.75 USD per month), translating to approximately $301.49 AUD, $285.74 CAD, or £164.24 GBP per year for each member. On a monthly basis, that's about $25.12 AUD, $23.79 CAD, or £13.67 GBP. If you're part of a team ranging from 2 to 20 people, this plan offers a cost-effective way to collaborate. Each team member gets the same benefits as the individual plans, including the 250GB storage and Video Review tool (a platform for collaborative feedback on video projects).

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Storyblocks

For the sake of this discussion, let's assume the following approximate conversion rates: 1 USD = 1.27 CAD, 1 USD = 1.34 AUD, and 1 USD = 0.73 GBP. Please note that these rates are subject to change.

Storyblocks Unlimited All Access‍

Priced at $65 USD per month or $360 USD annually (equivalent to about $82.55 CAD, $87.10 AUD, or £47.45 GBP per month), this is the all-encompassing package. It offers unlimited downloads of all types of assets and access to a video editor. In my opinion, if you're a professional who needs a wide array of assets, this is the plan to go for.

Video Basic‍

This plan costs $20 USD per month or $120 USD annually (that's roughly $25.40 CAD, $26.80 AUD, or £14.60 GBP per month). It includes 5 downloads of HD footage per month. If you're on a budget and don't require many video assets, this could be your go-to plan.

Unlimited Video‍

At $50 USD per month or $240 USD annually (approximately $63.50 CAD, $67 AUD, or £36.50 GBP per month), this plan is a boon for video editors. It offers unlimited downloads of HD and 4K footage and After Effects templates. If video is your primary medium, look no further.

Basic Audio‍

For $15 USD per month or $120 USD annually (translating to about $19.05 CAD, $20.10 AUD, or £10.95 GBP per month), you're entitled to 3 downloads of music files per month. If your projects only require a handful of audio assets, this plan is a good fit.

Unlimited Audio‍

This plan is priced at $30 USD per month or $180 USD annually (roughly $38.10 CAD, $40.20 AUD, or £21.90 GBP per month). It offers unlimited downloads of music and sound effects. If audio is a significant part of your work, this plan is definitely worth considering.

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Library

Both Storyblocks and Motion Array offer robust solutions for video editors, each with its own set of advantages and limitations. Your choice will hinge on your specific needs, whether it's high-resolution footage, a diverse range of audio assets, or compatibility with multiple editing platforms.

Storyblocks

Unlike some platforms that offer single item downloads, Storyblocks only provides bundled content plans. This is ideal for long-term editors who require a plethora of assets for complex projects. You're not just getting a few clips; you're getting an entire library that can elevate your post-production workflow.

Video Quality

In the realm of video, Storyblocks' Starter plan offers only HD resolution. For those of us working on projects that demand 4K—think cinematic productions or high-end commercials—you'll need to opt for the Unlimited All Access or Pro plans. HD is fine for most applications, but 4K gives you more latitude in post-production, especially when it comes to cropping and stabilizing footage.

Music and Sound Effects

The Starter plan is somewhat limited, offering only music tracks. If you're working on projects that require intricate sound design or Foley work, you'll need to upgrade to the Unlimited All Access or Pro plans to get those crucial sound effects.

Templates

The Starter plan doesn't include templates. However, the ULAA and Pro plans offer a range of templates compatible with Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro. They also throw in Apple Motion templates, which is a boon for those in the Final Cut Pro ecosystem. Templates can significantly speed up your workflow by providing pre-designed motion graphics, transitions, and title sequences.

Download Limits

The Starter plan caps you at 5 downloads per month. For heavy-duty editors who are constantly churning out content, the ULAA and Pro plans offer unlimited downloads, giving you unfettered access to the entire asset library.

Content Updates

Storyblocks consistently adds new assets to its library, ensuring that you're not stuck with stale or outdated media. This is crucial for keeping your projects fresh and engaging.

Motion Array

Motion Array also offers an extensive library, boasting over a million assets. What sets them apart is the variety within their digital assets, currently at about 700,000 and growing. This is particularly beneficial for editors who require a wide range of assets, from lower thirds to complex motion graphics.

Video Quality

The individual plan in Motion Array includes 4K video right off the bat. This is a significant advantage for those of us who need that extra resolution for color grading, reframing, or VFX work.

Music and Sound Effects

Motion Array's individual plan is comprehensive, offering both music and sound effects. This is a one-stop-shop for your entire audio post-production needs, from scoring to sound design.

Templates

The individual plan provides access to a wide array of templates compatible with multiple NLEs (Non-Linear Editing systems), including Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Rush, and DaVinci Resolve. This is a major advantage if you're platform-agnostic and switch between different editing software.

Additional Content

Motion Array goes beyond the basics by offering presets and macros for After Effects, Premiere Pro, and DaVinci Resolve. These can be invaluable for streamlining your post-production process, allowing you to apply complex effects or color grading settings with a single click.

Download Limits

Motion Array offers the luxury of unlimited downloads in their individual plan. This is a game-changer for those of us who work on multiple projects simultaneously and require a constant influx of new assets.

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License

Here's a table that pretty much sums it up:

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Which One Should You Choose?

Here's the platform I'd recommend you choose based on your use case and requirements:

If you're a freelance content creator who frequently works on diverse projects that require a wide range of assets, Storyblocks would be the more suitable option for you. The platform offers a more comprehensive indemnification protection of up to $20,000, which can be a significant safeguard against third-party copyright claims. This is especially crucial if you're working on commercial projects for clients. Additionally, Storyblocks' license allows for unlimited worldwide distribution and covers both personal and commercial projects. Most importantly, the assets you download are yours to keep forever, even if you cancel your subscription. This provides a level of long-term security and flexibility that Motion Array's licensing doesn't offer, as their assets can no longer be used in new projects once the subscription is canceled. In a nutshell, for a freelance content creator who values legal protection and long-term usability of assets, Storyblocks would be the more prudent choice.

If you're a multimedia professional who specializes in using a variety of video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve, Motion Array could be the better choice for you. The platform offers a wider array of templates compatible with these programs, allowing you to seamlessly integrate assets into your workflow. Additionally, Motion Array provides both music and sound effects in their individual plan, making it a one-stop-shop for all your audio-visual needs. This is particularly useful if your projects require a nuanced blend of both. While it's true that Motion Array doesn't offer indemnification, if your primary concern is having a broad selection of assets and templates that can be used across multiple software platforms for the duration of an active subscription, then Motion Array fits the bill. Take it from me, for professionals who value software compatibility and a wide variety of assets, Motion Array is a compelling option.