Storyblocks is a subscription stock library for video, music, sound effects, images and templates. Instead of paying per download, it shares a percentage of its subscription revenue with contributors through its Member Library Partner Program. Each contributor’s share depends on how much of their content is downloaded compared with everyone else’s. You apply to join, and Storyblocks looks for professional, commercially useful content.
At a glance
| What it is | Subscription stock library |
| Content | Footage, music, sound effects, images, templates |
| How you earn | Share of subscription revenue by downloads |
| Payouts | Monthly, on the 15th |
| Entry | Application and review |
| Extra | Content ID earnings for exclusive music |
How it works
You apply to the Storyblocks contributor program. Once approved, you upload through your Contributor Dashboard. Customers with subscriptions download your content, and each month Storyblocks divides a revenue pool among contributors based on their downloads.
What you earn
Your earnings depend on two things: your downloads relative to other contributors, and the size of the pool, which grows with subscriptions. There is no fixed amount per download. Payments go out on the 15th of each month.
Music on Storyblocks
Musicians apply through the same program and upload tracks once approved. Exclusive music can also earn from Storyblocks’s Content ID program, where Storyblocks says artists receive 60% of Content ID revenue.
A human-made library
Storyblocks says its library grew by over 66% in 2026 and markets it as 100% human-made, which may matter to contributors worried about AI competition.
Getting started
Apply with your best commercial footage or music. Shoot in 4K where you can, and focus on content that video editors need, such as lifestyle, business and nature clips.
Common mistakes
Some applicants submit personal or artistic footage with little commercial use. Others forget releases for people and locations. A third mistake is expecting per-download pay; income depends on your share of the pool.
What sells
Video editors need clips they can drop into projects: people working, cities, nature, technology, textures and backgrounds. Clean, steady shots with room for text tend to be downloaded more than artistic ones.
Releases and rights
Get model releases for recognizable people and permission for private locations. Avoid visible logos, artwork and brands.
Keeping track
Your dashboard shows your top downloads. Watch which clips perform and shoot more of the same kind, since downloads decide your share of the pool.
Is it worth it?
For productive videographers and composers, yes. The pool model rewards large catalogs of useful content, so it fits creators who can upload regularly.
Before you apply
Pick your most commercially useful clips or tracks, check their technical quality and make sure you own every right.
Technical standards
Storyblocks looks for professionally produced content. For footage, 4K is the expected standard on premium libraries in 2026; for music, clean mixes and well-labeled tracks make review easier.
Spreading across platforms
Check your agreement for exclusivity terms on music and footage. Where allowed, many contributors also sell non-exclusive content on other platforms.
Owen’s take
Storyblocks suits video and music creators with a steady output. The pool model rewards volume and useful content more than one-off hits.
Who it suits
It suits professional videographers and production music composers. It suits less well hobbyists or photographers focused on stills.
Similar options
- Pond5 sells footage at prices you set.
- Adobe Stock pays 35% on video.
- Epidemic Sound pays musicians upfront.
- Artlist accepts footage and sound effects.
More options are in Stock Media.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Revenue grows with subscriptions
- Monthly payouts
- Content ID income for exclusive music
Cons
- No fixed pay per download
- Application required
- Income depends on other contributors’ downloads
FAQ
How do Storyblocks contributors get paid?
From a share of subscription revenue based on their downloads relative to others.
When does Storyblocks pay?
On the 15th of each month.
Can musicians sell on Storyblocks?
Yes, after applying to the contributor program.
What is Content ID income?
Earnings from YouTube Content ID; Storyblocks says exclusive music earns 60%.
Is it open to everyone?
No, you apply and are reviewed.
