Sell Stock Video
Sell Stock Video
START SELLING STOCK VIDEO
STEP BY STEP GUIDE
#1
YOU NEED VIDEO CONTENT
To begin selling stock video, you need video to sell.
Do you already have hard drives full of video content that you can begin uploading? Great! Click below to get right to the agency part. Don't worry, When you've finished uploading your existing content you can still come back for some tips on how to shoot new content optimized for selling as stock video
I HAVE VIDEO FOOTAGE ALREADY
Even if you don't have a hard drive full of existing video footage, you can still get started selling stock. Head to Step #2 to learn about the gear you need to start capturing footage to sell as stock video.
#2
YOU NEED A CAMERA TO CAPTURE VIDEO
Makes sense, In order to being selling stock video, you first need to capture some stock video.
In general, you will want to start with a camera that is capable of capturing 1920x1080 video minimum at a frame rate of 24fps minimum.
Don't be scared, this doesn't mean you'll need to go out and purchase a high end studio camera to get started, In fact even the camera on your phone can start capturing video for you to sell.
Comon phones that offer great cameras for capturing stock video:
iPhone 5 and newer
Samsung Galaxy S5 and newer
LG G3 and newer
If you are wanting to invest in a dedicate camera to capture stock video, we also have some recommendations on what to look for.
Visit our gear page to learn more about cameras and other gear that will help you create quality stock video.
Visit Gear Page
#3
FIND A THEME - WHAT TO CAPTURE
You have your camera and you're ready to start capturing video. What should you point the camera at?
In general, everything sells. That may seem broad, but I have literally sold clips of myself assembling ikea furniture.
With this in mind, You may want to focus your attention on some themes that sell better than others.
Here are some recoemendations to get you started:
People doing common tasks - Cleaning, partying, drinking coffee.
Animals - Wild or Domestic
Objects being used - Around the house, In the office and everything in between
Nature - Scenic views and the unique environments around you
Industry - Heavy manufacturing all the way to pharmaceutical
When filming, there are a few things you should keep in mind, such as:
What do I have access to that is unique?
What is trending in society?
How large is the audience that could use this?
These questions will help you narrow down what you should begin capturing for stock video footage, and may even help you start developing a niche.
For instance...
1. I ride BMX bikes.
2. Extreme sports are trendy among today's youth
3. A large audience can use this stock footage to show excitement, healthy activity, youth, and adventure.
If you have run out of new things to capture, or just want some more resources, check out our what to shoot page
What To Capture
#4
HOW TO FILM FOR STOCK VIDEO
If you're an experienced videographer, you already have an idea technical settings and aesthetic principles for capturing great footage.
Even if you don't know all the rules (and how to break them) you can still start capturing stock video.
Aspect Ratios- The most common aspect ratio for stock video is 16:9. This would be the aspect ratio for 1920x1080 video as well as 3840x2160. As this is the most common aspect ratio, we recommend starting here.
Frame Rate- There are many common frame rates, and stock video is a world marketplace. North America uses 23,98, 24, 30, and 60fps, While Europe uses 25 and 50fps. Shooting stock video with any of these frame rates is okay. As it is easier to remove frames (i.e make 30fps into 24 or 25fps) we recommend shooting in 30fps. If you want to shoot slow motion, shoot at 60fps and slow it down in a video editing software.
Format - The less compressed the better. If your camera can shoot in a .MOV format it will be able to retain more quality. .MP4 is a standard format that phones and other entry level cameras used and can still be suitable for stock video.
Technical Video Specs
If you were looking to learn more about the aesthetic best pacticies
Aesthetic Principles