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Stock media has become an essential tool for creatives, and today many companies are offering paid subscription plans for individuals and teams. But with so many options out there, it can be daunting trying to determine which plans include everything you need. To make matters even more complicated, many subscription offerings appear similar on the surface. Take Motion Array vs Storyblocks, for instance. Both have large libraries of HD and 4K video, high-resolution photos, and professionally recorded audio. But if you dig a little deeper, you’ll discover some key distinctions that could make or break your next project.
You might think stock media subscriptions only provide royalty-free content for creatives. But many plans also offer tools, plugins, and other useful features to help you do your very best work. Not to mention the importance of the license that comes with your subscription. Not all licenses are created equal, and not all of them will shield you against copyright claims. These details matter, and should all factor into which stock footage subscription plan you choose. To make it a little easier, this post will examine some of the key differences between Motion Array and Storyblocks.
Considering other stock media providers besides Motion Array? Check out our posts on Artlist vs Storyblocks and Storyblocks vs Envato Elements.
What are Motion Array and Storyblocks?
Founded in 2009, Storyblocks provides an affordable alternative to traditional stock media platforms. It’s primarily geared toward providing creators with the right tools and assets for creating high-quality videos quickly and easily. It offers subscription plans for any budget with flexible download options. Its library contains over 1 million videos, photos, templates, sound effects, and more.
Motion Array was founded in 2013, and offers a subscription-based creative marketplace and technology platform for video creators. Motion Array’s library also includes around 1 million stock media assets, and it provides several monthly and annual membership options. In 2020, digital content licensing provider Artlist acquired Motion Array for $65 million.
Looking at Storyblocks vs Motion Array’s individual plans
Both Motion Array and Storyblocks offer subscription stock media plans for individuals. Both allow users to choose between annual or monthly billing. However, Motion Array only has one Individual plan option. Storyblocks’ individual plan options include several tiers to accommodate different needs: Starter, Unlimited All Access, and Pro. That said, let’s dig into some of the key differences between the services’ individual offerings.
Licensing: Motion Array vs Storyblocks
For individuals, Storyblocks’ license covers unlimited worldwide distribution for all projects including print, digital, or production. This includes coverage for both commercial and personal projects. Motion Array offers a standard, universal license that covers all assets for personal or commercial use. Anything you download from Storyblocks’ library comes with a license that never expires. With Motion Array, projects you create using their assets are covered only as long as your subscription is active. If you want to re-use any of their assets, you’ll need to sign up to renew the license. If you’re looking for rights certificates and cue sheets, they’re only included with Storyblocks’ Pro plan.
What indemnification protection is offered?
Indemnification is essentially insurance that any stock media you download is cleared to use in your commercial or personal projects. With Storyblocks’ Individual plans, creators are covered for up to $20,000 in indemnification protection. This shields you from any lawsuits stemming from a third-party copyright claim for assets downloaded on the platform. Motion Array does not offer indemnification.
What restrictions are included with an individual license?
Neither Storyblocks nor Motion Array permit re-selling or redistribution of their content in any way. Content in Motion Array’s library labeled “Editorial Use Only” cannot be used in commercial projects. Their P.R.O. music tracks also require additional steps for reporting.
Storyblocks content can be used for client projects even under an individual license. However, it must be incorporated into an original project, or the content must be modified in some way. Using Storyblocks’ stock content to create an original work which is to be shared is permitted by their license. But sharing the unedited original stock content files themselves is not.
Comparing Storyblocks vs Motion Array’s stock content libraries
Storyblocks and Motion Array’s libraries are similarly sized, each offering over 1 million assets. Both also only offer bundled content plans (no one-and-done asset downloads).
Video (4K, HD, etc.)
Both Motion Array and Storyblocks provide professional-quality video footage across a broad range of categories and themes. Both also offer motion graphics, as well. Motion Array has one individual plan, which imposes no limits on the types of content you can download, including 4K video. Storyblocks Starter plan only includes HD footage. So you’ll need to upgrade to their Unlimited All Access or Pro plan for access to 4K content.
Music and SFX
Storyblocks and Motion Array both offer music and sound effects spanning a multitude of genres and moods. However, Motion Array’s individual plan includes both music and sound effects while Storyblocks’ Starter plan only includes music. Sound effects are only available through Storyblocks’ Unlimited All Access or Pro plans.
Templates
Motion Array’s Individual plan includes access to all of the templates in their library. With Storyblocks, only their ULAA and Pro plan include templates. Both offer templates for Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro, and DaVinci Resolve, but Storyblocks also includes Apple Motion templates. Motion Array also offers templates for programs including Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Rush.
Images
Storyblocks and Motion Array both offer photos, vectors, and illustrations in all of their individual plans. Motion Array also offers some graphic templates and icons.
Additional content
Motion Array’s library also includes presets and macros for After Effects, Premiere Pro, and DaVinci Resolve.
Plan download limits
Motion Array’s Individual plan offers unlimited downloads. Storyblocks’ ULAA and Pro plan offer unlimited downloads with no restrictions, while their Starter plan includes 5 monthly downloads.
What plugins and tools are included with Storyblocks vs Motion Array’s individual plans?
Storyblocks’ Pro plan includes the Storyblocks plugin for Adobe Creative Cloud for Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro. With the plugin, you can bring Storyblocks’ entire stock library directly into your favorite editing program, including your on-site folders. Motion Array provides a marketplace extension for Adobe After Effects, Premiere Pro, and Photoshop which brings its library into those applications. Motion Array’s Individual plan also includes more than 40 professional plugins to add visual effects, color grading, and more to 7 different programs.
Apps and other tools
Storyblocks’ individual subscription plans include access to Maker, their easy-to-use video editor that directly connects to their entire library. Including a selection of pre-made templates. As for Motion Array, their Individual plan includes access to Review for easy video collaboration and seeking feedback. It also includes Portfolio, which helps users create personalized video websites.
Want to see how Storyblocks measures up to other stock media providers? Read our comparison posts of Storyblocks vs Envato Elements and Artlist vs Storyblocks.
Final thoughts on Motion Array vs Storyblocks’ individual plans
Now that we’ve gone over some of the similarities and differences between Storyblocks and Motion Array’s Individual plans, let’s recap the major points.
Licensing
- Keeping track of multiple licenses can be a headache for creators. With both Storyblocks and Motion Array, you only have one license to keep track of, both for personal and commercial projects. However Motion Array does have some exceptions, including P.R.O. music tracks and editorial-only content.
- With Motion Array and Storyblocks, any assets you use for a project are only covered while your subscription is active. Otherwise you’ll have to sign up again and renew your license.
- Storyblocks provides up to $20,000 in indemnification protection in the event of any copyright claims that arise from using their content. Motion Array offers no such protection.
Content
- Storyblocks and Motion Array both offer over 1 million HD and 4K stock video footage clips, templates, music, sound effects and images.
- Motion Array’s Individual plan includes a larger variety of templates for more applications, along with presets.
Tools
- Motion Array and Storyblocks both offer a plugin/extension for Adobe, allowing you to access their libraries within Premiere Pro and After Effects. Motion Array’s extension also includes access within Photoshop.
- Motion Array offers professional plugins to add visual effects.
- While Storyblocks offers Maker, a simple video editor that connects to their library, Motion Array offers Review, a video review tool for easy collaboration and sharing.
- Motion Array also offers a Portfolio tool for creating a simple video website.
Motion Array vs Storyblocks for Business plans for teams and enterprises
So far we’ve talked at length about Motion Array and Storyblocks’ individual plans. But if you’re part of a video production team, this next section is for you. For businesses and organizations, Storyblocks offers its Storyblocks for Business plan. Motion Array has its Team plan as well as an Enterprise plan. Let’s take a closer look to see what they have to offer.
Comparing Storyblocks and Motion Array’s team licensing options
Before we dive into comparing licenses, an important disclaimer. Storyblocks for Business has their business license viewable online, but Motion Array does not. On their website, they only state that they offer customized terms and licensing for their Enterprise plan. The license terms they’ve made publicly available only apply to their Individual and Team subscription. Because of this, we can only compare Storyblocks’ business license to the license included with Motion Array’s Team subscription, not their Enterprise plan.
What usage is permitted?
With Storyblocks for Business, users get unlimited worldwide distribution rights for any commercial or internal projects. This includes a license written directly for your company or organization. Note: This does not include a derivative work requirement. What this means is you don’t have to make substantive changes to downloaded assets in order to reproduce them.
Storyblocks for Business also allows users to keep and use any assets you download in perpetuity. Motion Array’s Team plan includes a standard, universal license covering all assets for personal and commercial use. Once your Motion Array subscription plan ends, you can no longer use any assets from their library. The only thing still covered are projects you created during the subscription period. Storyblocks for Business also offers unlimited seats for teams. Motion Array’s Teams plan accommodates anywhere from 2-20 seats. Their Enterprise plan can cover 20 or more.
Is indemnification included with a team or enterprise license?
Storyblocks provides up to $1 million in indemnification protection covering users in your organization. This shields you from any costs associated with a third-party copyright claim resulting from any asset downloaded from Storyblocks’ library. Motion Array’s Teams license does not offer indemnification. We couldn’t locate any information about whether their Enterprise license offers it, so be sure to inquire for yourself.
What are the license restrictions with Motion Array vs Storyblocks for Business?
Both Storyblocks’ business license and Motion Array’s Team license forbids selling, licensing, or redistributing any downloaded stock files. Users also aren’t allowed to create a trademark logo based on anything in either library.
You can’t use scripts or programs to download large volumes of stock content, or do so manually. Motion Array caps daily downloads at 150. Stock files downloaded from Storyblocks cannot be used in a way that encourages violence, or for unlawful purposes.
Any model or property released content available through Storyblocks for Business will be clearly indicated as approved for commercial use. Content that doesn’t have a release indicated means you’ll need to obtain written permission from the model or property owner. It’s the only way to ensure you’re fully covered.
Content in Motion Array’s library labeled “Editorial Use Only” cannot be used for commercial projects. Their P.R.O. music tracks also require additional steps for reporting.
Comparing Storyblocks vs Motion Array’s content libraries
In general, Storyblocks and Motion Array’s libraries are fairly similar in size and scope. Both have more than 1 million stock assets available, and both only offer bundled content plans so you have access to all of their content.
Video
Both Storyblocks and Motion Array offer professional-quality video footage in a diverse number of categories and themes. They also both also offer motion graphics as well. Motion Array and Storyblocks offer HD and 4K resolution.
Audio
Motion Array and Storyblocks’ teams and business plans offer SFX and music with options spanning a large assortment of moods, themes, and genres.
Templates
Motion Array’s Team and Enterprise plans, as well as Storyblocks for Business, include templates for After Effects, Premiere Pro, and DaVinci Resolve. Storyblocks also offers Apple Motion templates, while Motion Array includes templates for Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Rush.
Images
Storyblocks and Motion Array both offer photos, illustrations, and vectors in all of their team/business plans. Motion Array also offers graphic templates and icons.
Additional content
Motion Array’s library includes presets and macros for programs including After Effects, Premiere Pro, and DaVinci Resolve.
Download limits
Storyblocks for Business and both Motion Array’s Team and Enterprise plans offer unlimited downloads with no limits.
Motion Array vs Storyblocks tools for enterprises and teams
Both stock media providers include numerous tools, plug-ins, and integrations to give your video projects an extra lift. However their offerings are not quite the same.
Plugins
Motion Array and Storyblocks’ teams and business plans both offer a plugin/extension for Adobe. This allows you to bring their respective libraries into Premiere Pro and After Effects. Motion Array also includes Photoshop, along with professional plugins to add visual effects.
Apps and tools
Storyblocks for Business includes Maker for Teams. The simple video editor directly connects to their entire stock content library, with some exclusive features for businesses including:
- Custom branding settings that can be applied in one click.
- Create custom templates with pre-set fonts, colors, timing, and logos to speed up video creation.
- Collaboration tools that make it easy to share anything created in Maker for Teams.
Storyblocks for Business also includes a client billing tool, shared folders, SSO, administrative tools, and download to cloud functionality.
Motion Array’s Teams and Enterprise plans offer Review, a video review tool for easy collaboration with clients. Their Portfolio tool also helps users create simple video websites.
Looking at other stock media companies for your team? Read our comparisons on Artlist vs Storyblocks and Storyblocks vs Envato Elements.
Recap of key points to consider for Motion Array vs Storyblocks for Business
Following this crash course on Storyblocks vs Motion Array, you should have a better understanding of their similarities and differences. So let’s close things out with a final recap of the important things to consider.
Licensing
- If you’re eyeing Motion Array’s Enterprise plan for your organization of 100+ people, you should know they only do custom licensing. This means you’re unable to see the license prior to contacting Motion Array.
- Storyblocks for Business, on the other hand, has always had their business license online for visitors to read and reference.
- Under Motion Array’s license for their Team plan, you cannot use any assets you’ve downloaded after your subscription expires.
- Storyblocks allows you to keep and use anything you’ve ever downloaded, even after your subscription has ended.
- Storyblocks for Business provides up to $1 million in indemnification for your business. This protects you in case of any legal claims that arise using Storyblocks content.
Content
- Storyblocks and Motion Array both provide HD and 4K stock video footage, templates, sound effects and images.
- Motion Array offers presets and a larger assortment of templates for more applications.
Tools
- Storyblocks for Business and Motion Array’s Team and Enterprise plans offer a plugin/extension for Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro. Motion Array’s plugin also works for Photoshop.
- Both plugins enable users to bring the platforms’ libraries into their editing program, including access to off-site folders.
- Storyblocks’ Maker for Teams provides collaboration tools that streamline video creation for production teams.
- Motion Array’s Teams and Enterprise plans include Review, a simple video editor to help share your work with clients as you iterate.
Motion Array vs Storyblocks: Which is the better choice for you?
With budgets getting tighter, every dollar you spend on video production has to be put to good use. This includes any stock footage subscription plans you sign up for. That’s why it’s so important to educate yourself of the available options, and really understand their strengths and weaknesses. One plan or another may seem perfect at first, but that may change once you peer beneath the surface.
To ensure you get the most bang for your buck, first determine yours or your team’s needs. You don’t want to overpay for features or tools you’ll never use. But at the same time, you don’t want to skimp on essential functions just to save a few dollars.
