Stockbeelden

Stockbeelden, or stock footage, refers to pre-shot video clips that can be licensed for use in film, television, advertising, corporate video and online media. These clips are produced by stock agencies, production companies, or independent videographers and distributed through online libraries and marketplaces. They cover a wide range of subjects—from nature, landscapes and cityscapes to people at work, crowd scenes, and specialized effects—and are often used as establishing shots, b-roll, or cutaways to complement original footage.

Licensing and rights: Stockbeelden are offered under specific licensing terms that determine how the clip may be used. Common models include royalty-free licenses, which require a one-time payment for broad but non-exclusive use, and rights-managed licenses, which restrict use by factors such as duration, geography, media, and exclusivity. Some platforms mix models and offer subscriptions or credit-based access. Rights to individuals, brands, or locations depicted in a clip may require location or talent releases.

Access and formats: Clips are indexed with metadata and keywords to facilitate searching. They are delivered as digital files in various resolutions—commonly HD and 4K—with different frame rates. Licensing terms may specify attribution requirements or restrictions on reselling or redistributing the raw footage.

History and industry: Stock footage libraries developed during the 20th century and expanded rapidly with digital distribution in the 2000s, enabling filmmakers to assemble scenes quickly and cost-effectively. Today, a global market includes large agencies and many independent contributors, with a wide range of genres and production values.