Summary: This article outlines the preparation and documentation requirements for the Stock Footage category within Video.
Technical Requirements
To ensure that your file is reviewed quickly, please follow the standards outlined below:
- Stock Footage must be provided within a Quicktime MOV or MP4 container, and must use one of the following encoding formats:
- Photo JPEG
- H.264
- ProRes
The Photo JPEG and Motion JPEG codecs are not one in the same. While the OpenDML version of the Motion JPEG codec is still supported by all video editing and playback software, other versions of the Motion JPEG are not. For this reason, we have decided to not support videos encoded with any of the Motion JPEG codecs.
- Stock Footage must be one of the following resolutions:
- 1920x1080
- 2K (2048x1080 minimum resolution)
- 4K (3840x2160 minimum resolution)
- 8K (7680x4320 minimum resolution)
- Stock Footage must be a minimum of 5 seconds of usable footage in order to be accepted. If 5 usable seconds cannot be produced in any one clip, we suggest packing together a few similar clips that when combined will equal 5 seconds or more in total length.
- If your project includes footage of a recognizable private property, human face, or identifiable feature that needs a signed talent or property release, you must scan the release forms and upload in PDF or JPG format.
- If you have UHD footage and would also like to make the footage available in an HD resolution, we allow two resolution variations on any one file. For example, if you have a footage file that was recorded in 4K, you can submit two versions of the same file, one in 4K and the other in 1920x1080. In this case, you need to consider the following:
- The two items that are created should have matching titles.
- The two resolution variation rule only applies to source footage that is 2K or greater. If your source footage is 1920x1080, we do not allow a second variation to be supplied in 1280x720 or lower.
- Multiclip Videos - When submitting a file that contains more than one video file, the preview video should show all included videos in full, one after another. However, the main files should be provided as individual Quicktime MOV or MP4 files within the final zip folder. For more information on Multiclip video requirements, see: Multiclip Submission Requirements.
Please note any single Quicktime MOV or MP4 file containing multiple videos will not be accepted. - Before submitting your video, please test the video by opening and playing it back in the latest version of Apple Quicktime player. All of the codecs supported at Envato will work in the native Quicktime player and testing your video here first ensures your item will not be rejected for codec issues.
Visual Requirements
All Stock Footage submissions should be curated and carefully prepared prior to submitting any files to VideoHive.
Any files which do not meet the criteria listed below will not be accepted.
DO submit:
- Footage with a strong composition that has been well lit and properly exposed.
- Footage with obvious and useful subject matter that can appeal to a wide range of potential users.
- Footage that employs standard techniques such as smooth pans, tilts, dollies, tracks, and zooms.
- Footage that includes moving subjects.
- Footage that is as close to original as possible. When necessary, you can perform basic color correction and image adjustment.
- Footage that has been edited removing abrupt camera moves at the start or end of the shot.
DO NOT submit:
- Footage that has unclear or odd subject matter.
- Footage that is poorly composed or not set up in a professional manner (lighting, lens selection, depth of field, exposure, etc.,).
- Handheld footage that has unstable camera movement, vibrations, or shaking that does not add value to the shot.
- Footage that contains little to no subject movement. When shooting a static environment, techniques such as pans, tilts, dollies, and tracks can be used to add movement. Please note, shots containing zooming in or out on static subjects will not be accepted.
- Footage that has been overly stylized or had effects applied. While some color correction is allowed, footage should not be tinted or graded to match a specific look or feel as this limits how it can be used by customers. Footage with effects will not be accepted.
- Footage containing audio that does not add value to the file. For example, footage taken in a park can contain general background audio, but if two people happen to be close and their conversation is audible, the audio is not useful and that should be removed from the file.
- Footage shot using a low-quality camera such as an action camera or mobile phone.
- Footage that has visible compression artifacts such as noise/grain, pixelization, blocking, or banding.
Attribute Requirements
You should provide accurate and relevant information when uploading Stock Footage which will help customers find your items and in their buying decision.
This section provides all the attributes information required for Stock Footage submission to Envato.
Category
The Category field determines where your file will be located within the Stock Footage parent category and is also used during search requests. You must always select the most descriptive sub-category to help your customers easily locate your item. Please note that leaving your item located within the parent category (Stock Footage) is strictly prohibited.
Alpha Channel
This field allows you to indicate if your file includes an alpha channel. We accept videos with embedded alpha channels as well as alpha or luma mattes. If your file includes an alpha channel or matte to make an area in the video transparent, you should select Yes. Otherwise, select No or N/A (when an alpha channel is not applicable).
Looped Video
This field indicates your customer if your video is structured in a way where it will loop seamlessly when the video reaches the last frame. The option “Yes” should only be used when the loop is seamless and no discernible break in the action can be observed.
The following will NOT be accepted as a seamless loop:
- Videos that contain too many frames at the end results in a loop that does not restart seamlessly.
- Videos that reach the end of the animation and immediately reverse the playback to simulate a loop.
- Videos that contain a noticeable crossfade during playback to transition back to the beginning of the original video clip.
Frame Rate
Specifies the frames per second that the video is set to. Please select the frame rate that applies to your video. Examples include but are not limited to:
- 24 fps
- 29.97 fps
- 48 fps
Resolution
Specifies the full-resolution of your main file in pixels, width by height (WxH). Examples include but are not limited to:
- 1920x1080
- 4096x2160
Our search filters allow customers to filter results based on 720p, 1080p, 2K and 4K resolution. The resolution you provide during upload will be grouped into one of these options within the search filters.
Preview Resolution
Specifies the resolution of your preview video in pixels, width by height (WxH). Video previews can be provided in full HD (1920x1080), but will be scaled down on the page to the resolution below:
- 960x540
Video Encoding
Specifies the encoding method used to render the full-resolution main file.
You must use one of the following encoding methods:
- Photo JPEG
- Photo PNG + Alpha
- Apple ProRes 422
- Apple ProRes 422 HQ
- Apple ProRes 4444
- H.264
Please Note: Regardless of the encoding method you select, your main file must be provided within a Quicktime MOV container.
File Size
Specifies the final file size of your item (final zip file). For example, you can mention the file size as 1.5MB or 2GB.
Please Note: The maximum file size of your .ZIP file must not exceed 3GB.
Number of Clips
Specifies the number of unique, individual shots included in your item.
Please Note: When uploading a submission that contains two or more clips, each clip must be provided as an individual video file within the zip file. We do not accept multiple clips, cut together in a single video file.
Total Clip(s) Length
Specifies the total combined duration of all included clips in your item (Minutes and seconds, for example, “2:43” for 2 minutes and 43 seconds).
Individual Clip Lengths
Specifies the duration (in minutes and seconds) of each individual clip in your item, listing each duration one at a time separated by commas and spaces, eg. 0:15, 0:30, 1:15.
You must include all the distinct clip durations in this list as these values are used by the Length search filter when customers are trying to find clips of a certain length.
Source Audio
Specifies if the video contains audio captured at the time it was shot.
Please Note: Audio should only be included if it adds value or is relevant to the video. If your source audio includes unnecessary elements like a conversation between people off-camera, the audio should be removed before submitting your video.
Color
Specifies the color tone of your video, for example - Full Color, Black & White, Monochrome.
Setting
Specifies a moment in time or the environment in which your video takes place eg. Indoors, Outdoors, Studio. The Setting field allows for multiple selections. It’s important to include ALL applicable settings featured in your item.
Pace
Specifies the shooting speed of your video. Now that cameras are capable of shooting in much higher frame rates than normal, this field will let you describe the pace of your video. Examples include but are not limited to:
- Stop Motion
- Slow Motion
- Real Time
- Time Lapse
Composition
Specifies the composition of your video. The Composition field allows multiple selections. Examples include but are not limited to:
- Wide Shot
- Close Up
- Macro
Please Note: You must include ALL applicable compositions featured in your item.
Movement
Specifies the camera movement technique used in the video eg. tilt, pan, zoom, pedestal, dolly, etc. The Movement field allows multiple selections.
Please Note: You must include ALL applicable camera movements featured in your item.
No. of People
Specifies the number of people featured in your video.
Gender
Specifies the gender of the people featured in your video. The Gender field allows multiple selections
Please Note: You must include ALL applicable genders featured in your item.
Age
Specifies the age range of the people featured in your video. The Age attribute allows multiple selections.
Please Note: You must include ALL applicable ages of the people featured in your item.
Ethnicity
Specifies the ethnicity groups for people featured in your video. The Ethnicity attribute allows multiple selections.
Please Note: You must include ALL applicable ethnicities of the people featured in your item.
Tags
Quality tags are the most important tool to help potential customers find your item when searching Envato Market. Tags should accurately describe your item, its specifications, subject matter, context, and style. A Maximum of 15 tags per item can be used.