Stock footage can come in very handy especially when you do not have the time and manpower to make a video yourself or when you do not have the resources to hire a professional videographer.
There are numerous websites and platforms with a wide range of stock footage that are of good quality. The most important thing is to find the videos suitable for your purpose and make good use of them.
Moreover, since stock footage is becoming one of the popular tools used in marketing, here are few things to understand when using stock footage to create videos.
1. Understand your topic
If you are using stock footage for individual or business purposes, one of the important things to keep at the back of your mind is the theme or topic you want to use the footage for. Understanding what you want to talk about and how to talk about it will guide you in choosing the proper stock footage.
2. Choose the right video
The significance of understanding your topic is that it would help narrow down the choices of stock footage to use. To choose the right video, it’s best to check out websites that offer videos that resonate closely with your topic. You can leverage the assistance offered by some of these stock footage websites to help you find the right footage.
3. Mix with an original video
In most cases, stock footage are usually very short and straight to the point, and who said you cannot also add a touch of your brand to the footage to personalize it? Adding an original video to stock footage can make the difference because it makes the video more authentic. Additionally, always try as much as possible to use stock footage that looks real.
4. Work with a professional videographer or colorist
A professional videographer can contribute significantly to this kind of project because of their experience and expertise. Additionally, a professional colorist will help make the necessary adjustments to balance the colors, exposure and contrast. You can also ask for their expert opinion on the stock footage you intend to use.
5. Consider Target Audience
If you are a business owner or have a personal brand, you must understand your target audience and the kind of content they consume. Suppose your audiences are of different backgrounds. One mistake you do not want to make is using the same stock footage that is not diverse or inclusive. Understanding your audience will help you produce content that caters to their needs.
Stock footage can make or break the image of your business or personal brand. Therefore, always ensure you use the best stock footage resources to create the right video and pass across the message that you intend to in the right way.
