Stock footage libraries house previously recorded film and video that news organizations, television and film producers reuse to save time and money. Modern libraries include commercial platforms (Getty Images, Shutterstock, Pond5), agency archives (AP, BBC), and public collections (NASA, National Archives, Internet Archive). Clips are licensed under royalty-free or rights-managed terms; many U.S. federal works are public domain but may still carry usage caveats. Contemporary services add high-resolution files, searchable metadata, and digital asset management integration to streamline discovery and licensing.
What stock footage libraries are
Stock footage libraries are organized collections of previously shot film and video that producers, editors, and journalists can license and reuse. They let teams avoid reshooting routine or hard-to-capture material by inserting existing clips into new projects.
How newsrooms and production companies use them
Newsrooms rely on stock footage to illustrate follow-up stories, background pieces, or historical context without sending crews back into the field. Editors search libraries for verified imagery, then edit those clips into a report with an on-screen credit (commonly labeled "archive" or "library footage").
Television and film makers also use stock clips to fill gaps in coverage or to show repeated actions (crowd shots, aerials, time-lapse cityscapes) without reenacting them.
Using existing footage saves time and reduces production cost, while preserving continuity between related reports or episodes.
Where to find footage today
Commercial platforms such as Getty Images, Shutterstock, Pond5, and archival services offered by news agencies (e.g., AP Archive, BBC Motion Gallery) host millions of searchable clips. Public archives also provide material: for example, U.S. federal agencies (NASA, National Archives, NOAA) publish large collections, many of which are public domain under U.S. law. Community archives such as the Internet Archive and the Prelinger Archives contain historical and ephemeral footage useful for documentaries.
Search tools now surface keywords, shot types, locations, and metadata, making it easier to find the right clip quickly.
Licensing, rights, and costs
Footage comes under different licensing models. "Royalty-free" licenses let buyers use a clip multiple times after a one-time fee, within the license terms. "Rights-managed" licenses specify usage limits (territory, duration, platform) and price accordingly. Always check the license terms and attribution requirements.
Material produced by U.S. federal agencies is typically public domain, but third-party content, identifiable people, trademarks, or contractor restrictions can limit reuse - verify rights before publishing.
Modern features and technical considerations
Today's libraries provide high-resolution options (4K and higher), multiple file codecs, proxy workflows, and advanced metadata for fast searching. Many organizations use digital asset management (DAM) systems to catalog, track usage rights, and integrate with editing software.
Best practices
Confirm licensing and any release or trademark issues before using a clip. When in doubt, contact the footage provider or legal counsel. Properly credit archive material when required and maintain records of licenses and payments for future clearance.