Table of contents
Today, there are dozens of stock media companies out there to choose from. You might assume their offerings are basically the same, but do you really know for sure? It’s great to have options, but sometimes too many choices can get overwhelming, leading to hasty decisions you later regret. That’s why it’s so important to educate yourself about what’s available when it comes to stock footage subscription plans. Take Storyblocks vs Envato Elements, two well-known platforms for creatives seeking royalty-free video, audio, and image files. Both offer a diverse assortment of high-quality media for your projects, but sometimes the devil is in the details.
For instance, have you compared the available tools and plugins both services offer? Have you read up on their licensing restrictions? What about the protections they offer if you’re hit with a copyright claim? Without this information, you won’t have a complete picture of which service is right for you. But you can relax – we’ve done the homework for you. In this post, we’ll be comparing and contrasting Storyblocks and Envato Elements.
Want to consider all your options? See how other providers stack up with our posts on Artlist vs Storyblocks and Storyblocks vs Motion Array.
Overview of Storyblocks vs Envato Elements
Founded in 2009, Storyblocks provides an affordable alternative to traditional stock media platforms. Storyblocks provides 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.
Envato Elements offers a range of unlimited monthly subscription plans aimed at creative professionals, agencies, and marketers who need a high volume of content. Its library includes a wide array of graphic design elements and templates, as well as stock footage, audio, and photos.
Storyblocks vs Envato Elements plans for individual users
Both Storyblocks and Envato Elements have subscription plans designed for individual users’ stock footage needs. But only Storyblocks offers a range of price tiers depending on your budget and how much content you wish to download. Storyblocks’ subscription plans for individuals include Starter, Unlimited All Access, and Pro. Envato Elements simplifies things a bit, offering only its Individual plan. Let’s take a closer look at some of the finer points of Storyblocks vs Envato Elements individual plans.
Understanding Envato Elements vs Storyblocks licensing
Storyblocks’ individual license covers unlimited worldwide distribution for print, digital, and production. This includes both commercial and personal projects. Anything downloaded from Storyblocks is yours to keep and use forever as you see fit, with a license that never expires. If you need rights certificates and cue sheets, only Storyblocks’ Pro plan includes them.
Envato Elements’ individual plan, by contrast, requires users to register every file, every time it’s downloaded. It grants an ongoing license limited to a single, specified use. This license allows use of the item on a non-exclusive, commercial, worldwide and revocable basis. Once your subscription ends, you can no longer use anything you downloaded from the Envato Elements library. Only existing use cases you registered with Envato Elements during your subscription period are still covered.
Indemnification protection offered
Indemnification is legalese for insurance that any stock content you download is safe to use for personal or commercial projects. Storyblocks’ individual plans offer indemnification for individual creators up to $20,000. This provides protection against any copyright claims that arise out of using content from their footage library.
Envato Elements offers one of the lowest indemnities in the industry. The liability protection they offer is equal to the total amount you’ve paid for your subscription in the six months preceding the claim. For its Individual plan, that would be less than $300 at the time of this writing. You also are limited to the types of liability claims you can make. For example, loss of revenue, profit, and customers are not covered.
Individual license restrictions
With Envato Elements, projects containing any registered item you’ve downloaded must be completed by the time your subscription ends. If your project remains unfinished, the license will no longer be valid. This means any items you’ve installed (like fonts) would have to be uninstalled if your subscription lapses. Envato Elements also prohibits redistribution of anything in their library, even something you’ve modified. They also restrict any downloaded files from being used for merchandising purposes. When using Envato Elements content to create an end-product for a client, you must transfer your license to them under a limited sublicense. They are not allowed to use the downloaded items the end-product contains for any other purpose. You will also have to inform them of their obligations under the sublicense. Which could be a bit awkward.
Storyblocks content can be used for client projects under an individual license. However, it must be incorporated into an original project in some way, or the content itself must be altered. This means you’ll be covered when using Storyblocks content to create an original work you intend to share. The one caveat is that sharing (or selling) the original unaltered stock content files with the client is not allowed.
Comparing Storyblocks vs. Envato Elements’ stock content libraries
The breadth and quality of content stock footage providers offer is a key distinction when choosing a subscription plan. Some platforms specialize in certain types of footage while others provide a wide range of options. Storyblocks’ library contains over 1 million assets, compared to over 15 million for Envato Elements. But numbers alone don’t tell the whole story.
Video (4K, HD, etc.)
Storyblocks and Envato Elements both offer professional-grade footage across a broad swath of categories, themes, and resolutions. They also both offer a large collection of motion graphics. Envato Elements only offers one individual plan, which does not impose restrictions on the type of content you can download. This includes 4K video.
Storyblocks’ Starter plan only includes HD footage. So if you need 4K footage, you’ll need to sign up for an Unlimited All Access or Pro plan.
SFX and Music
Both Envato Elements and Storyblocks offer music and sound effects in many genres, themes, and moods. However, Envato Elements’ Individual plan includes both music and sound effects. Storyblocks’ Starter plan only includes music. If you need sound effects for your projects, you’ll need their Unlimited All Access or Pro plan.
Templates
Envato Elements’ Individual plan includes access to every template in their library. As for Storyblocks, only their ULAA and Pro plans include templates. Both offer Apple Motion, After Effects, DaVinci Resolve, and Premiere Pro templates. Envato Elements’ library also has templates for Final Cut Pro.
Images
Storyblocks and Envato Elements’ libraries both contain photos, vectors, and illustrations. All of the individual plans from both providers include access to these asset types. Envato Elements also offers graphic templates and a wider variety of graphics, including icons and objects.
Additional content
Envato Elements’ content library also includes presentation templates, fonts, add-ons, web templates, CMS templates, WordPress files, and 3D renders.
Download limits
Envato Elements’ Individual plan offers unlimited downloads with no limits. You can get unlimited downloads only through Storyblocks’ ULAA and Pro plans. Storyblocks’ Starter plan includes 5 monthly downloads.
Storyblocks vs Envato Elements plugins and tools
Plugins
Storyblocks’ Pro plan includes the Storyblocks plugin for Adobe Creative Cloud for Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro. The Storyblocks plugin allows you to bring its entire library into your favorite editing program, including access to your on-site folders.
Envato Elements does not offer a plugin that connects their editor to various editing tools. The primary plugins it offers are for visual effects or editing for different applications. They do have a plugin for WordPress websites, however.
Apps/Tools
Storyblocks’ individual subscription plans also include access to Maker, their easy video editor that connects right to their library. This includes a selection of pre-made templates available for use. Envato Elements’ Individual plan does not include access to any apps or tools.
Looking at other stock providers besides Envato Elements? We’ve got detailed breakdowns of Artlist vs Storyblocks and Storyblocks vs Motion Array, too!
Final thoughts on Envato Elements compared to Storyblocks
We know there’s a lot of information to absorb here. Now that we’ve covered many of the key differences between Storyblocks and Envato Elements, let’s recap some of the major points.
Licensing
- Storyblocks’ license does not require you to register assets you download for specific projects, while Envato Elements does. With Storyblocks you’ll only have one license to keep track of, as opposed to hundreds of individual, per-asset licenses.
- Under the Individual Envato Elements license, you cannot use any downloaded asset after your subscription expires.
- With Storyblocks, you can keep and use anything you download, even after your subscription expires.
- Storyblocks provides up to $20,000 in indemnification protection if you face any copyright claims arising from use of their content.
- Envato Elements provides minimal indemnification, equal to the last six months of your subscription before the claim was filed. This is equal to around $300 in protection as of this writing.
Content
- Both providers offer HD and 4K stock video footage, as well as templates, music, sound effects, and images.
- Envato Elements offers a larger library and a wider variety of content types.
Tools
- Storyblocks Pro plan includes the Storyblocks plugin for Adobe Creative Cloud, which brings Storyblocks’ entire library into After Effects or Premiere Pro.
- Envato Elements does not offer a similar plugin, and their Individual plan does not include any such features or tools.
Envato Elements vs Storyblocks team and enterprise plans
We’ve now covered a lot of what you need to know when comparing their individual plans (and it’s certainly a lot). Now let’s pivot and take an in-depth look at their offerings designed for businesses and teams. Storyblocks’ Storyblocks for Business plan is designed for companies or organizations, while Envato Elements has their Teams and Enterprise subscription plan options.
Comparing Storyblocks’ and Envato Elements’ licensing options for teams
Before we dive into the details of both companies’ licenses, there’s an important disclaimer we have to mention. While Storyblocks for Business has their license online for visitors to reference, Envato Elements does not: their website only says they offer custom licensing. The terms made publicly available are only for their Individual and Teams subscription plans. This means we can only compare Storyblocks’ business license to the Teams subscription terms, not Envato Elements Enterprise.
Permitted usage
Storyblocks for Business covers unlimited distribution worldwide for any internal or commercial projects. This includes a license written directly for your team or organization. Storyblocks’ business license does not include a derivative work requirement. This means you don’t have to make substantive changes to the assets you download if you want to reproduce them.
Storyblocks for Business also allows you to keep and use any assets you download for as long as you want. With Envato Elements’ Teams license, you must register every single item every time it’s downloaded. This grants an ongoing license, but only for a single, specified use. Envato Elements’ ongoing license allows you to use downloaded assets on a non-exclusive, commercial, worldwide, and revocable basis. Once your subscription ends, you can no longer use anything you downloaded from Envato Elements’ library. The one exception is use cases you registered while your subscription was active. Any projects you created containing these assets are also still covered.
Indemnification
As mentioned previously, Storyblocks provides up to $20,000 in indemnification against copyright claims for individuals. Storyblocks for Business ups that amount to $1 million, covering all users in your organization.
Envato Elements’ Teams license offers one of the lowest indemnities in the industry, both for individuals and enterprises/teams. Their liability is only equal to the amount you’ve spent for your subscription in the 6 months before the claim. For their Teams plan, that amounts to less than $400 as of this writing. You also cannot claim liability for revenue, profit, customers, and more. The only information Envato Elements has on its website about indemnification protection for its Enterprise plan at the time of writing is that it’s tailored.
Restrictions
Storyblocks’ business license prohibits selling, licensing, or redistributing their stock media files. Users also are not allowed to create any trademarks or logos based on anything in their library. Scripts or other programs designed to download high volumes of stock content, or doing so manually, are also restricted. Any stock files downloaded from Storyblocks cannot be used in any way that encourages violence, or for any unlawful purpose.
Model or property released content will be clearly indicated on Storyblocks’ website for commercial projects. Any content that doesn’t include release information means you’ll need to obtain written permission from the model or property owner. Otherwise you won’t be fully covered.
As for Envato Elements’ Teams license, items registered must be used for a project that’s completed before your subscription expires. If you register an item but don’t complete your project before then, the license will no longer be valid. Any items installed must be uninstalled after the subscription period ends.
Envato Elements does not permit distribution of anything in their library, even when altered. You also aren’t allowed to use anything downloaded from their library for merchandising of any kind. If you use their content in a client project, you have to transfer the license to the client under a limited sublicense. This restricts them from using the item outside of the project you created for them. The responsibility falls on you to inform clients of their obligations under this limited license.
Comparing Storyblocks vs Envato Elements content libraries
Envato Elements and Storyblocks both have large libraries, but Envato Elements has over 15 million assets, compared to 1 million for Storyblocks. Both companies only offer bundled content plans.
Video
Storyblocks and Envato Elements both offer professional-quality footage spanning an assortment of categories and themes. Both also offer motion graphics.
Audio
Both platforms offer in-depth selections of music and SFX across numerous moods, genres, and themes.
Templates
Envato Elements and Storyblocks both offer templates for After Effects, Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and Apple Motion. Envato Elements additionally provides templates for Final Cut Pro.
Images
Photos, vectors, and other illustrations are plentiful on both sites. Envato Elements also offers graphic templates and a variety of graphics, including objects and icons.
Additional content
Envato Elements’ library also includes presentation templates, fonts, add-ons, web and CMS templates, WordPress files, and 3D renders.
Download limits
Storyblocks for Business and Envato Elements Enterprise both offer unlimited stock content downloads.
Envato Elements and Storyblocks tools for teams and enterprises
Both Storyblocks and Envato Elements provide a range of integrations, tools, and plug-ins to help speed up your team’s production process. But their offerings are not identical.
Plugins
Storyblocks’ Enterprise plan comes with the Storyblocks plugin for Adobe Creative Cloud, which includes integration with After Effects and Premiere Pro. The plugin brings Storyblocks’ entire library into your editor of choice, including access to any on-site folders you may have.
Envato Elements’ Teams and Enterprise plans do not offer a plugin that connects their library to outside editing programs. In fact, the only plugins Envato Elements offers are for visual effects or editing for different applications. However, they do offer a WordPress plugin to simplify website creation.
Apps and tools
Storyblocks for Business includes Maker for Teams, an easy-to-use video editor packed with exclusive business features. Of course, it also directly connects to their entire stock content library. Some of these exclusive features include:
- Apply custom branding settings with a single click.
- Ability to 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 you’ve created with Maker for Teams.
Envato Elements’ Teams and Enterprise plans do not appear to include access to any extra applications or tools.
Make the informed choice for your team and read our detailed breakdowns of Artlist vs Storyblocks and Storyblocks vs Motion Array.
Final points to consider for Envato Elements versus Storyblocks for Business
You should now have a pretty good idea of both the similarities and differences between these popular stock media platforms. To bring it all home, let’s wrap up with some key takeaways for your team to consider.
Licensing
- If your team is larger than 6 members and you’re interested in Envato Elements’ Enterprise plan, they only do custom licensing. This means you will not be able to view the license prior to contacting them.
- Meanwhile, Storyblocks for Business has always had their business license available online for visitors to read and reference.
- Storyblocks’ business license doesn’t require you to register assets downloaded for specific projects, unlike Envato Elements license for Teams plans.
- With Storyblocks you only have a single license to keep track of, instead of monitoring hundreds of individual licenses.
- Under Envato Elements’ license for their Teams plan, users cannot use any downloaded assets once their subscription has lapsed. With Storyblocks, you’re free to keep and use anything you’ve ever downloaded from the library. Even after your subscription has ended.
- Storyblocks for Business provides up to $1 million in indemnification for your business to protect against any copyright claims.
- Envato Elements’ Teams plan license provides only the bare minimum of indemnification protection. No more than the amount you’ve paid for the 6 months of your subscription prior to the claim. As of this writing that’s equal to less than $400.
Content
- Storyblocks and Envato Elements both offer robust libraries of HD and 4K stock video footage, templates, music, sound effects, and images.
- Envato Elements boasts a much larger library with a wider variety of content types.
Tools
- Storyblocks for Business includes the Storyblocks plugin for easy integration with Adobe Creative Cloud, including After Effects and Premiere Pro. This makes it easy to work from Storyblocks’ entire content library right from your preferred editor.
- Storyblocks for Business also includes Maker for Teams, a user-friendly video editor that connects to their entire library. Maker for Teams lets even team members with limited experience create high-quality, on-brand videos.
- Envato Elements’ Enterprise plan does not appear to include access to any apps, tools, or plugins that connect their library to video editing software.
Envato Elements vs Storyblocks: Which one is right for you?
Choosing the right stock media subscription service for your needs is important. That goes for both solo creators and production teams. As you pore over the many available options, make sure you’re aware of each provider’s strengths and weaknesses. Sometimes a small variation in their offerings can mean the difference between the perfect fit and running into legal issues down the line.
Before you sign up for a subscription stock media service, give each option the Goldilocks test. Some will offer way more than is practical for your needs, others not nearly enough. Educate yourself about what’s out there to find the one that’s just right for you or your team.
