You need a licensed clip for a commercial video — or you want to sell your own footage to brands and agencies. Licensing marketplaces are the answer. But before diving in, you need to understand the types of licenses and their limits.
Important note: This article is an informational overview for creators — it does not replace professional legal advice. For questions about using clips in large commercial projects, consult a lawyer or legal professional experienced in copyright law.
Common types of video clip licenses
- Royalty-Free (RF): Pay once, use multiple times within defined limits. Not the same as free — "royalty-free" just means no per-use payments after the initial purchase
- Rights-Managed (RM): Licensed per specific project — duration, geographic territory, and intended use affect the price
- Editorial Use Only: Only for journalism, documentary, or educational purposes — NOT for commercial advertising
- Creative Commons: Free but with conditions — read each CC variant carefully (BY, SA, NC, ND)
Major international marketplaces
Pond5
One of the largest stock video marketplaces — millions of clips, including 4K. Prices range from a few dollars to hundreds per clip. Open contributor program for selling your footage. Also offers subscription plans.
Shutterstock
Full-stack stock media — video, images, music. Subscription plans work well for agencies and high-volume creators. Large editorial library. Contributor program available.
Adobe Stock
Integrates directly with Premiere Pro and After Effects — convenient if you're already on Adobe Creative Cloud. Contributor program is also open.
Artgrid / Artlist
All-you-can-use subscription — popular with YouTube creators and video marketers. Artgrid focuses on footage, Artlist on music. Clear licensing for commercial use.
Pixabay / Pexels (free)
CC0 or Pexels License clips — free including commercial use. Quality varies, 4K selection is limited. Good option for tight budgets.
The marketplace landscape in Vietnam
The domestic stock video market in Vietnam is still developing. Some Vietnamese creators sell clips on Pond5, Shutterstock, or via direct contracts with agencies and brands. As of 2026, there is no large stock video marketplace specifically focused on Vietnamese content.
If you want to sell Vietnam footage (landscapes, food, urban life), Pond5 and Shutterstock offer the best reach to international buyers.
Things to check before using a licensed clip
- Read the Terms of Use carefully — especially the "Extended License" section for TV commercials or large-scale commercial film
- Save your license purchase receipts — important evidence if a dispute arises
- Check for model releases and property releases — clips featuring people or private property require these documents
- Editorial Use Only clips cannot be used in advertising — even small social ads
Also see copyright and fair use guide for creators 2026 and music license tracking template guide for creators.
Download and save reference clips from legitimate sources via @KlypioBot. See all supported platforms at Klypio platforms.