Selling stock videos is a great way to earn passive income, especially if you have a passion for videography. Businesses, marketers, and content creators constantly need high-quality video clips for their projects. Here’s how you can start making money selling stock videos online.
1. Choose a Profitable Niche
Not all stock videos sell well. Focus on high-demand topics such as:
- Nature and landscapes
- Business and corporate settings
- Lifestyle and travel
- Technology and innovation
- Time-lapses and slow-motion shots
- Aerial drone footage
- Fitness and wellness
- Seasonal and holiday-themed videos
Research trending topics by exploring Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, and Pond5 to see what’s in demand.
2. Get the Right Equipment
High-quality videos are essential for stock footage sales. Invest in:
- A DSLR or mirrorless camera (Sony A7S III, Canon EOS R5)
- A good lens (wide-angle for landscapes, prime lens for portraits)
- A tripod or gimbal for stability
- A drone for aerial shots (DJI Mini 3 Pro, DJI Air 2S)
- Lighting gear for indoor shoots
- External microphone for better audio (if applicable)
3. Shoot High-Quality Footage
To maximize sales, create visually appealing and versatile stock footage:
- Shoot in 4K or higher – Most platforms prefer ultra HD resolution
- Use proper lighting – Natural light or softbox lighting works best
- Keep clips between 5-30 seconds – Short, high-quality clips sell more
- Avoid logos and trademarks – Any visible brands can lead to rejection
- Ensure smooth camera movements – Use gimbals or tripods to stabilize footage
- Get model/property releases – If your footage features people or private property, you’ll need signed release forms
4. Edit and Optimize Your Videos
Editing enhances the quality and appeal of your stock videos. Use software like:
- Adobe Premiere Pro – Professional-level editing
- Final Cut Pro – Ideal for Mac users
- DaVinci Resolve – Great for color grading
- Filmora – Easy-to-use option for beginners
Basic editing tips:
- Trim unnecessary parts to make clips concise
- Adjust colors and lighting for a polished look
- Export in multiple formats (MP4, MOV, ProRes)
- Remove background noise if necessary
5. Upload to Stock Video Websites
Join multiple platforms to increase your chances of selling. Top stock video marketplaces include:
- Shutterstock – One of the biggest stock media platforms
- Adobe Stock – Integrates with Adobe software, making it a popular choice
- Pond5 – Offers flexible pricing for contributors
- Videohive (Envato) – Best for animated and motion graphics videos
- iStock (Getty Images) – Known for premium-quality stock footage
- Storyblocks – Subscription-based platform for high-volume buyers
Each platform has different commission rates, ranging from 15% to 60% per sale.
6. Optimize Titles, Tags, and Descriptions
To get more views and sales, use effective metadata:
- Write clear titles – Example: “4K Aerial View of a Mountain Landscape at Sunset”
- Use relevant keywords – Think like a buyer and include words related to your footage
- Write detailed descriptions – Describe the video’s setting, motion, and mood
Use keyword research tools like Google Trends, Shutterstock Keyword Tool, and Vidooly to find the best tags.
7. Promote Your Stock Videos
Increase visibility and sales by:
- Sharing previews on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok
- Creating a portfolio website to showcase your work
- Using SEO and hashtags to reach potential buyers
- Collaborating with influencers and bloggers who need video content
8. Scale and Automate Your Business
To maximize earnings, focus on:
- Uploading new footage regularly to keep your portfolio fresh
- Expanding to multiple stock agencies for more exposure
- Outsourcing video editing to speed up production
- Reinvesting in better equipment for higher-quality footage