Blog > Design > Video Production > Top 20 Video & Animation Resources for Creatives

The Best Video & Animation Resources for Creatives

April 7, 2022
·
5
min read
Thumbnail for the Designity blog

We’ve all seen boring videos–background music that doesn’t quite fit, stock footage that definitely looks stocky, or scripts that instantly make you yawn. The last thing you want to have is that all be in your video. 

Having technical and creative knowledge is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to video creation. As a video or animation artist, having all of the right tools to help you execute your best production is essential. After all, cutting corners is often where video quality begins to lack.

There’s also nothing worse than having great ideas and not being able to execute them. Luckily for you, you no longer have to “make do” or store your ideas for that later time that never comes. With these helpful design resources, you can combat bad music, lousy footage, and boring scripts any day.

An illustration of a video editor's view of their editing software screen.

Creator Tools

Every video requires different tools, but nothing can beat powerful creator suites. The right software can make all the difference in the outcome, no matter your project. Here are some of the life-changing options that are bound to make your life easier. 

Vyond

Creating professional animated videos doesn’t have to be a challenge. Vyond’s cloud-based all-in-one studio offers everything you need. It has a full animation studio without the steep learning curve.

Ideal for business uses like training videos, marketing content, and explainer videos.

A little more about Vyond:

  • Ease of use: No animation experience needed
  • Royalty-free assets: Yes, includes a library of characters, props, and soundtracks
  • Pricing: No free plan, but you can try it out with a 14-day free trial. Paid plans start at $25/month
  • Doodly

    Specializing in doodle whiteboard animation, Doodly’s creator suite does it all. The best part? You don’t have to doodle a thing yourself.

    Doodly makes it simple to create engaging, doodle-style videos with an easy-to-use drag-and-drop functionality. It's a great tool for education, internal comms, and creating explainer content.

    A little more about Doodly:

  • Cool Specialty: Easily create whiteboard, chalkboard, glassboard, and greenboard animations
  • Royalty-free assets: Gives you access to thousands of custom-drawn images and soundtracks
  • Pricing: No free plan; The standard subscription plans start at $49/month
  • Animaker

    There’s nothing like a drag-and-drop tool – we all love them for obvious reasons.

    Animaker is no different, delivering you an all-in-one video suite designed for easy storyboarding.  With its full suite of animation and live-action video editing features, it's an all-in-one solution that's a great choice for beginners and marketing teams alike.

    A little more about Animaker:

  • Standout features: Animated characters, auto lip-sync, text-to-speech, and vertical video support
  • Royalty-free resources: Yes, includes stock footage, music, and characters
  • Pricing: Free plan available with limited features; paid plans start at $15/month
  • Powtoon

    Videos come in all shapes and sizes, and Powtoon acknowledges this.

    Specializing in just about any style you’re looking for, this customized creator suite has your back, letting you create all kinds of video content, from animated explainer videos to modern presentation videos. With templates made for marketing, HR, education, and more, it's one of the most convenient and versatile tools out there!

    A little more about Powtoon:

  • Use cases: Business presentations, social media videos, internal comms
  • Royalty-free content: Yes, plus integrations with Shutterstock and Adobe Stock (depending on plan)
  • Pricing: Free plan with limited export quality and branding; paid plans start at $15/month (billed yearly)
  • Moovly

    There's not just one single part of the video creation process we all wish could speed up. We wish we could speed up all of it.

    Luckily, Moovly exists to do just that, helping automate and easily scale all of your content. With customizable templates and powerful automation features, Moovly makes a great choice for businesses that don't have the extra help but still need to produce a high volume of content.

    A little more about Moovly:

  • Top feature: Video automation via data integration (like generating videos from spreadsheets)
  • Royalty-free assets: Gives you access to millions of stock images, videos, and sounds
  • Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $20/month
  • Stock Video Resources

    With how fast digital content is pumped out on a daily basis, it makes sense why videos aren’t always filmed from scratch anymore.

    But having access to high-quality stock footage isn’t always easy. These resources might be just what you had been hoping for.

     

    Storyblocks

    With millions of royalty-free stock videos, animations, and After Effects templates to choose from, you might not need another resource.

    Storyblocks is a go-to resource in 2025. You'll everything everything you need there, from business b-roll footage to cinematic drone footage, and all without having to worry about usage rights. Pretty sweet deal, if we have to say so ourselves.

    A little more about Storyblocks:

  • Royalty-free: Unlimited downloads available with a subscription
  • Pricing: No free plan; paid plans start around $15/month
  • Best for: Professional creators, marketers, and agencies needing volume
  • Videvo

    Curated collections are fun to sift through, especially ones that are relevant to the zeitgeist.

    Videvo not only has free stock video clips but also offers both free and premium stock video clips, motion graphics, and sound effects. Attribution is required for some of the free clips, but many are royalty-free and you can use them however you like.

    A little more about Videvo:

  • Royalty-free: Many clips are royalty-free, though some aren't. Be sure to check each clip’s license
  • Pricing: Free and premium options; paid plans from $7.99/month
  • Best for: Budget-conscious creators who still want variety
  • Videezy

    There are many types of video quality, but HD and 4K have become the bare minimum. Videezy’s free library is filled with high-res content, everything from time lapses to green screen elements.

    Some assets are royalty-free, while others require you to attribute their creator. Or you can opt to get Pro downloads and not have to worry about it.

    A little more about Videezy:

  • Royalty-free: Yes, with attribution for some free clips
  • Pricing: Free and Pro options; credits or subscriptions available (1 credit is $19, but 5 is $39. The more you buy, the more you save.)
  • Best for: Creators looking for HD/4K on a budget
  • Coverr

    Coverr isn’t called Coverr for no reason.

    Covering all styles of stock video and animation, their powerful library is stocked with most likely every asset you’re looking for, easy to use and completely royalty-free, even for commercial projects. You'll find everything from moody ambiance shots to crisp office clips!

    A little more about Coverr:

  • Royalty-free: Yes, no attribution required
  • Pricing: Free, with a Coverr+ upgrade available at $7/month
  • Best for: Web designers, social media content creators, small businesses
  • Life of Vids

    We all wish we could have an agency handcraft all of our visuals.

    For us creatives, it’s not that simple. However, Life of Vids is home to agency-quality stock video loops and clips that are completey free and perfect for getting you the polished content you need!

    A little more about Life of Vids:

  • Royalty-free: Yes, with light restrictions on redistribution
  • Pricing: Totally Free!
  • Best for: Designers and creatives looking for cinematic, curated footage
  • Editing Tools

    Most videos aren’t finalized until their edited. For collaborating teams, this could mean struggling to find a tool that makes tying up loose ends easier. With advanced editing resources designed for videos, these could become you and your team’s best friends. 

    Frame.io

    Delivering feedback on videos is no easy task, but Frame.io solves it all. With tools like timed comment/deliver functions, collaborating on video projects is a breeze.

    The 2025 update (Version 4), in fact, brings in features like real-time annotations and AI-powered transcriptions and integrates seamlessly with Adobe Premiere Pro.

    A little more about Frame.io:

  • Collaboration: Real-time feedback, annotations, and version tracking
  • Integrations: Adobe Creative Cloud, Apple TV, and more
  • Pricing: Free plan available for basic use; paid plans start at $15/month
  • Lightworks

    Whether you’re crafting a short 30-second video or the next box office hit, Lightworks was made to edit any project.

    The 2025.1 update also introduces a reworked video playback engine, which boosts performance across macOS, Windows, and Linux platforms. It also comes with a free version for those looking for simpler, more basic editing.

    A little more about Lightworks:

  • Features: Multicam editing, real-time effects, and advanced trimming
  • Export Options: Support for AVID DNxHR, customizable uncompressed formats, and UltraHD formats (5k to 8k) with certified Apple ProRes export capabilities
  • Pricing: Free version available with basic features; paid plans start at $13.99/month​
  • DaVinci Resolve

    DaVinci Resolve is a professional-grade video editor that combines editing, color correction, visual effects, motion graphics, and audio post-production all in one software tool.

    It's widely used in the film and television industry, yet accessible enough for beginners and enthusiasts alike!

    A little more about DaVinci Resolve:

    • Features: Advanced color grading, Fairlight audio tools, and Fusion VFX integration
    • Platform: Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux
    • Pricing: Free version available for download; Studio version priced at a one-time fee of $295​

    Adobe Premiere Pro

    Adobe Premiere Pro remains one of the most powerful and widely used video editing tools in the industry.

    Known for its flexibility and comprehensive set of features, it allows you to work with multiple video and audio tracks, apply advanced effects, and export in a wide variety of formats.​

    A little more about Adobe Premiere Pro:

    • Features: Advanced editing tools, seamless integration with other Adobe products, and support for various formats
    • Platform: Available on Windows and macOS
    • Pricing: Subscription-based; plans start at $22.99/month for Premiere Pro separately, or $59.99/month for the entire Creative Cloud. Both plans are billed annually.

    A video editor working on a laptop with a large screen floating in front of him.t

    Music Resources

    As mentioned early on, bad music is noticeable–sometimes even more noticeable than visuals. But what’s a video without sound? Whether instrumental or a well-known soundtrack, having access to the right tracks can save you from losing views.

    Fugue Music

    If you’re looking for music no one has used before, then Fugue Music might be your go-to.

    This royalty-free music platform was created for videos and is highly selective. It offers a large collection of high-quality tracks from a variety of different genres and moods, making it a great choice for both personal and commercial projects.

    A little more about Fugue Music:

  • Royalty-free: Yes, free for personal and commercial use
  • Pricing: Free, though attribution may be required for some tracks
  • Best for: Creators seeking unique, high-quality music without licensing hassles
  • Premium Beat

    It’s time to lose the outdated, low-quality music!

    Premium Beat’s curated library of exclusive and premium music offers loops and full tracks. Their tracks are also 100% exclusive and copyright clear, making them safe for YouTube and other platforms that have copyright restrictions.

    A little more about Premium Beat:

  • Royalty-free: Yes, with a one-time license fee!
  • Pricing: Pay-per-track licensing; subscription plans available starting at $9.99 (billed annually).
  • Best for: Professionals needing polished, exclusive tracks for various projects​
  • Music for Makers

    Why pay for individual tracks when you can have them all?

    Music for Makers offers lifetime subscriptions with access to all of their royalty-free music. They provide songs suitable for a variety of different projects, like videos, podcasts, video games, and more. All without having to worry about copyright strikes or royalties.

    A little more about Music for Makers:

  • Royalty-free: Yes!
  • Pricing: Totally free for personal and commercial use. If you like their services, you can always "buy them a coffee" to donate to their platform.
  • Best for: Content creators seeking a diverse music library for various media
  • Animation Resources

     

    Not all video creators are equipped with the skills to craft custom animations–and that’s okay. That’s why resources like this exist to help expedite your production process. Who wouldn’t want pre-created animation files at their fingertips?

    Lottie Files

    Looking for animation help, but also the ability to customize them?

    Lottie Files offers the ability to plug in animations via After Effects or simply embed them into your website. It also provides a huge library of lightweight and scalable animations that are compatible with various platforms.

    A little more about Lottie Files:

  • Formats: JSON-based Lottie animations
  • Customization: Online editor and integrations with design tools
  • Pricing: Free access; premium plans available for additional features​ starting at $19.99/month.
  • Biteable

    When it comes to animation, it’s not a one-size-fits-all type of art.

    Biteable offers a simplified, custom animation suite suitable for all industries. With a user-friendly interface and tons of pre-made templates, creating your own animations on their platform is simple and straightforward.

    A little more about Biteable:

  • Templates: Business, marketing, education, and more
  • Features: Drag-and-drop editor, stock footage, and music library
  • Pricing: Free plan with limited features; paid plans start at $15/month​
  • Renderforest

    Renderforest is an all-in-one branding platform that offers tools for creating videos, logos, websites, and mockups. It's particularly useful for creating promotional animations and explainer videos with ease.​

    A little more about Renderforest:

    • Features: AI-powered video creation, customizable templates, and branding tools
    • Assets: Extensive library of scenes, music, and voiceovers
    • Pricing: Free plan available; paid plans start at $14/month (discounts available with yearly plans)

    Moho (formerly Anime Studio)

    Moho is a professional 2D animation software that combines traditional animation tools with modern features like smart bones and physics. It's ideal for creating character animations and complex scenes.​

    A little more about Moho:

    • Features: Vector-based drawing tools, bone rigging system, and motion tracking
    • Use Cases: TV shows, films, and web animations
    • Pricing: Free trial available; full version pricing starts at $59.99 for Moho Debut 14.

    Inspiration Resources

    Videos are complex projects requiring even more complex ideas. But finding a source of inspiration to fuel your creativity doesn’t have to be a challenge. With so many outlets to explore video projects, you'll find all that you need right here.

    Inspiration Grid

    If you need reputable inspiration, you might want to give Inspiration Grid a chance.

    Specializing in high-end projects, this resource covers all things video and motion graphics, offering a curated collection of creative works from around the world!

    A little more about Inspiration Grid:

  • Focus: High-end creative work across video, animation, and design
  • Best for: Motion graphics inspiration, stylish and conceptual video ideas
  • Pricing: Totally Free
  • Vimeo

    As an alternative to YouTube, Vimeo is easily one of the greatest sources of video inspiration.

    This endless library is a living directory of the best examples, featuring Staff Picks, curated channels, and community groups dedicated to high-quality video content.

    A little more about Vimeo:

  • Focus: High-quality, curated videos across genres
  • Best for: Filmmaking, animation, branded content, experimental formats
  • Pricing: Free plan available with limited features; paid plans for creators start at $20/month (discounts available for yearly plans).
  • Ads of the World

    Need video inspiration specifically for ads?

    Ads of the World was created to share the world’s top-performing video ads in history. It showcases a huge collection of creative advertisements from around the globe to get the creative juices flowing and give you inspiration when you need it most.

    A little more about Ads of the World:

  • Focus: Commercials, brand campaigns, and promotional videos
  • Best for: Creative advertising inspiration from global markets
  • Pricing: Free!
  • <div class="c-blog_comp-cta cc-component-2"><div class="c-blog_comp-cta-left"><div class="c-blog_comp-cta-left-wrap"><img src="https://global-uploads.webflow.com/61cdf3c5e0b8155f19e0105b/63695243d096983691046ac3_Potential-Creative.png" loading="lazy" alt="" class="c-blog_comp-cta-left-img"></div></div><div class="c-blog_comp-cta-right cc-dark"><div class="c-blog_comp-content"><div class="c-text-wrapper cc-mb-32"><div class="c-title-4 cc-bold"><strong>Like to work as a freelancer with consistent income?</strong></div></div><div class="c-text-wrapper"><div class="c-text-2">Designity's collaborative model is designed to give you all of the perks of being a freelancer without the income instability.<br></div></div></div><div class="c-blog_comp-wrapper"><a href="http://designity.com/creatives" target="_blank" class="c-button w-button"><strong>Join Our Creative Community</strong></a></div></div></div>

    After hours of storyboarding and drafting ideas, you’d hope that the majority of the work is finished. Unfortunately, for most video and animation artists, projects aren’t finished until final edits are made. But with the help of these powerful design resources, you can sit back and watch your production thrive effortlessly.

    Share this post:

    More in Design

    Mobile App Design

    No items found.

    Marketing Advice

    No items found.

    Customer Marketing

    No items found.

    Demand Generation

    No items found.

    Corporate Marketing

    No items found.

    Creative Agency

    No items found.

    Augmented Reality

    No items found.

    ecommerce Design

    No items found.

    Social Media Marketing

    No items found.

    Industry Design

    No items found.

    Content Marketing

    No items found.

    Video Marketing

    No items found.

    Industry Marketing

    No items found.

    Design Services

    No items found.

    Jacob Cass

    No items found.

    eCommerce

    No items found.

    Financial Services

    No items found.

    Video Production

    No items found.

    Package Design

    No items found.

    OpenAI

    No items found.

    Web3

    No items found.

    Logo Design

    No items found.

    ChatGPT

    No items found.

    Digital Marketing

    No items found.

    Artificial Intelligence

    No items found.

    Creative Directors

    No items found.

    Trade Show

    No items found.

    Designity

    No items found.

    Recession

    No items found.

    Law Firm

    No items found.

    Freelance

    No items found.

    Motion Graphics

    No items found.

    Comparison

    No items found.

    In-House Teams

    No items found.

    Website Design

    No items found.

    Branding

    No items found.

    99Designs

    No items found.

    Staffing Agency

    No items found.

    Cryptocurrency

    No items found.

    Healthcare Design

    No items found.

    SaaS Design

    No items found.

    Blockchain

    No items found.

    Business Collateral Design

    No items found.

    Creative Teams

    No items found.

    Freelance Marketplace

    No items found.

    Creative Advice

    No items found.

    NFTs

    No items found.

    Graphic Design

    No items found.

    Copywriting

    No items found.

    Virtual Reality

    No items found.

    Team Building

    No items found.

    Design

    Stay Inspired by Upgrading Your Inbox
    Sara, a Designity content writer.
    About the author:
    Lianne Almeida
    Lianne is an artist behind the keyboard who can be found flipping through Vogue or sketching haute couture.
    Interested in content collaboration? Email at press@designity.com
    Your Designity creative team, against a yellow blog background.
    About Designity
    Designity is your on-demand, virtual creative team with a designated creative director to manage projects and guarantee 5-star quality. A diverse network of vetted, US-based creatives are in their hands to collaborate with and support you in 80+ areas of expertise like website & app design, logo & branding, video production, digital advertising, and more.
    Try Our
    2-Week Trial
    No up-front payment required.

    Share this post:

    Back to top