Where Educational Video Creators Can Find Stock and Archival Media

Creating educational videos is a fantastic way to share knowledge and engage with audiences. Whether you’re producing a tutorial, a how-to guide, or a deep dive into a specific topic, high-quality media plays a key role in enhancing your content. However, not every video creator has access to the resources or the time to shoot original footage. This is where stock and archival media come in handy.

Stock and archival media can help fill the gaps in your videos, providing visuals and audio that complement your educational content. In this blog, we'll explore where educational video creators can find the best stock and archival media, and how to use them effectively in your content. Whether you're a beginner using a video creator online tool or an experienced filmmaker, these resources will give your projects a professional polish.

What is Stock and Archival Media?

Stock media includes pre-shot video footage, photos, animations, and audio that creators can purchase or download for use in their own projects. These clips can cover almost any subject, ranging from scenic landscapes to close-ups of everyday objects.

Archival media typically refers to historical footage, images, and audio recordings, often preserved in digital libraries or archives. These can include old news footage, public domain films, government videos, and much more. Archival media is especially useful for educational content that requires historical context or rare imagery.

Best Websites for Stock Media

There are plenty of platforms that offer both paid and free stock and archival content. Here are some of the best places where educational video creators can find stock and archival media for their projects.

1. Shutterstock

One of the largest stock media platforms, Shutterstock offers millions of high-quality videos, images, and music tracks. They have an extensive library of educational content, from animated explainer videos to professional-grade stock footage. Shutterstock also provides a variety of pricing plans, from pay-per-clip to subscription models, depending on your needs.

Pro Tip: Use Shutterstock’s advanced search filters to find specific clips relevant to your educational content, such as “science experiments” or “historical archives.”

2. Storyblocks

StoryBlocks is a popular platform for both video and audio content. With a vast library of royalty-free stock footage, motion graphics, and background music, it’s a go-to for creators looking to enhance their videos. Storyblocks operates on a subscription model, giving you unlimited downloads once you’re subscribed, making it cost-effective for regular content creators.

Pro Tip: If you're using a video creator online tool, Storyblocks integrates seamlessly with many platforms, allowing you to quickly download and implement stock media in your educational videos.

3. Pexels

For those looking for high-quality stock video and images at no cost, Pexels is an excellent resource. All content is free to use, even for commercial projects. Pexels has a growing collection of stock footage, including educational visuals related to science, technology, and the arts.

Pro Tip: Pexels also allows you to search by video category, such as “nature,” “business,” or “education,” making it easier to find relevant clips.

4. Pixabay

Similar to Pexels, Pixabay offers free high-quality video and image content. The platform includes a huge variety of stock media, including educational videos and tutorials on various topics. Although the range is smaller than paid platforms like Shutterstock, it’s an excellent option for creators on a budget.

Pro Tip: Use Pixabay’s search filters to refine results based on video resolution, color schemes, and content type.

5. Envato Elements

Envato Elements is another great platform for finding stock media, especially for video creators looking for high-quality assets. With a subscription to Envato, you get access to a broad range of stock footage, music, sound effects, and templates. For educators, they also offer content focused on educational themes, such as classroom environments, teaching tools, and more.

Pro Tip: Envato also offers video templates that can be used with your video creator online tools, speeding up your production process.

Where to Find Archival Media

While stock media is widely available, finding archival media (especially historical or rare footage) can be more challenging. Fortunately, there are several excellent archives dedicated to preserving and sharing historical content that’s perfect for educational videos.

1. The National Archives (UK)

The UK’s National Archives houses an impressive collection of historical videos, images, and audio recordings. They offer a wealth of material for educational video creators looking to add archival content to their videos. These resources cover a broad range of subjects, including wartime footage, political speeches, and governmental affairs. Some materials are free to use, while others may require a licensing fee.

Pro Tip: Explore the National Archives’ online catalog for videos, images, and sound files that are relevant to historical, political, or social studies topics.

2. The Library of Congress (USA)

In the United States, the Library of Congress holds one of the largest collections of archival media, including photographs, films, maps, and sound recordings. Their online collection is publicly accessible, and many materials are available for free or with minimal licensing requirements.

Pro Tip: Search the Library of Congress’ “American Memory” collection for rare historical footage and audio recordings that could enhance your educational videos.

3. Internet Archive

The Internet Archive is an enormous resource offering a wide range of public domain media, including old films, TV shows, music, and books. This is a goldmine for educational video creators, especially for those focusing on history, literature, and cultural studies.

Pro Tip: The Internet Archive allows you to search by media type (e.g., videos, audio) and time period, helping you find exactly what you need for your documentary or tutorial.

4. British Pathé

For educational video creators looking for historical news footage, British Pathé is one of the best sources. It offers over 85,000 historical newsreels and films, covering everything from the 20th century’s major events to rare footage of everyday life. Many of their films are available for licensing, making them a great resource for documentaries or educational videos on history.

Pro Tip: Check out British Pathé’s online archive to find unique footage that can set your educational video apart.

How to Use Stock and Archival Media Effectively

Finding the right media is one part of the equation, but using it effectively in your educational videos is equally important. Here are a few tips:

1. Maintain Relevance

Make sure the stock and archival media you use is directly relevant to the topic at hand. This ensures that the footage enhances your narrative rather than distracting from it. For example, if you're teaching about the history of space exploration, use archival NASA footage to add context.

2. Give Credit

Always attribute the media you use, especially if it's licensed or comes from a free platform. Some stock and archival media are licensed under Creative Commons, and it's important to follow the terms for usage.

3. Blend with Original Content

While stock and archival media can be a valuable resource, ensure your video is still unique. Use a video creator online tool to integrate custom content such as animations, personal footage, or on-screen text that complements the stock clips and helps tell your story.

4. Maintain High Quality

Ensure the footage you use is of high resolution to maintain the quality of your educational video. Poor-quality visuals can distract from your content and leave a negative impression on your audience.

Conclusion

Stock and archival media are invaluable resources for educational video creators. By using platforms like Shutterstock, Pexels, and Envato Elements for stock media, and exploring archives like the Library of Congress or British Pathé for archival footage, you can enhance your videos without breaking the bank.

Using the right media in combination with a video creator online tool can elevate your educational content and provide a richer experience for your viewers. So, whether you’re making a tutorial, a historical documentary, or an animated explainer video, these resources will give your content the professional edge it needs to stand out in the crowded online space.