Free Vertical Stock Video Footage for Every Project

Scrolling through TikTok or Instagram, you're watching vertical video whether you realize it or not. That tall, phone-shaped format has become the default for social content, and finding footage that actually fits the frame can save hours of awkward cropping.

This guide covers where to download free vertical stock video, how to evaluate quality, and what licensing terms actually mean for your projects.

TL;DR

Quick Answer: Vertical stock video is pre-recorded footage in portrait orientation (9:16 aspect ratio) that you can download and use in social media content for platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. Free options are available from CreatorStock, Pexels, Pixabay, and Mixkit, with most offering royalty-free licensing for commercial use.

Key Takeaways

Definition: Vertical stock video is portrait-oriented footage (taller than wide) formatted for mobile viewing
Primary use: Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Snapchat, and vertical ads
Licensing: Royalty-free licensing allows you to pay once or download free and reuse without additional fees
Quality markers: Look for 1080x1920 resolution minimum and authentic, social-native aesthetics
Where to find it: CreatorStock offers mobile-first UGC-style clips, while Pexels, Pixabay, and Mixkit provide large free libraries

What Is Vertical Stock Video

Vertical stock video is pre-recorded footage shot or formatted in portrait orientation, specifically the 9:16 aspect ratio where the height is greater than the width. Think about how you hold your phone when scrolling through TikTok or Instagram. That tall, narrow frame is exactly what vertical video fills.

Traditional horizontal video uses a 16:9 aspect ratio, which was designed for TVs and desktop screens. Vertical flips that relationship entirely. The "stock" part simply means the footage already exists and is available for licensing, so you can use clips in your own projects without filming anything yourself.

A few terms worth knowing:

9:16 aspect ratio: The proportional relationship between width and height, where height is 1.78 times greater than width
Royalty-free: A license type allowing repeated use after a single purchase or free download
Portrait orientation: Video that's taller than it is wide, matching how most people hold their phones

Major social platforms now prioritize vertical content in their algorithms and user experience. When someone scrolls through TikTok or Instagram Reels, they're viewing content in full-screen portrait mode. Horizontal footage simply doesn't fill the frame the same way, and that matters for engagement.

Platforms that favor or require vertical video include:

Instagram Reels and Stories
TikTok
YouTube Shorts
Snapchat
Pinterest Idea Pins

You might be tempted to crop horizontal footage to fit vertical formats. However, cropping cuts off significant visual information. Important elements get lost on the sides, and the result often looks awkward or poorly planned. Native vertical footage, on the other hand, is composed intentionally for the portrait frame from the start.

Where to Download Free Vertical Stock Video Footage

So where do you actually get vertical footage? Several platforms offer free options, though they differ in style, library size, and licensing terms. Here's a breakdown of the main sources.

CreatorStock

CreatorStock is a mobile-first marketplace featuring social-ready vertical footage shot by real creators on their phones. The content is organized into curated collections by aesthetic and theme, making it easy to find clips that match a specific vibe. The footage has an authentic, UGC-style look that blends naturally into modern social feeds rather than looking like traditional stock video.

Pexels

Pexels offers a large library of free vertical videos with a straightforward royalty-free license. No attribution is required, and you can use clips commercially. The platform is popular and well-established, though some clips appear frequently across the internet because of that popularity.

Pixabay

Pixabay provides both 4K and HD vertical options with commercial use permissions. The searchable library covers a wide range of categories, and like Pexels, it's completely free with no account required for basic downloads.

Mixkit

Mixkit stands out for its curated approach and quality control. The library is smaller than Pexels or Pixabay, but the clips tend to be more polished. It's completely free with no account needed.

iStock

iStock is a premium option with a much larger library and consistently high quality. Most content requires purchase, but if you're working on professional projects with budget, the selection and exclusivity can be worth the investment.

Platform	Cost	Library Size	Best For
CreatorStock	Free + Paid	Growing	Social-native UGC style
Pexels	Free	Large	General vertical clips
Pixabay	Free	Medium	4K footage
Mixkit	Free	Curated	High-quality clips
iStock	Paid	Very Large	Premium projects

Best Vertical Stock Footage by Platform

Different platforms have different content cultures. What performs well on TikTok might feel out of place on YouTube Shorts, and vice versa. Here's what works where.

Instagram Reels and Stories

Instagram audiences respond well to lifestyle, aesthetic, and trending content styles. The first frame matters enormously here because it's what appears in the feed grid and determines whether someone taps to watch. Look for footage with visually striking opening moments.

TikTok

Authenticity wins on TikTok. Raw-looking footage often outperforms polished content because it feels native to the platform. Fast cuts, trending formats, and content that looks like it was shot casually on a phone tend to perform well. UGC-style footage from platforms like CreatorStock fits naturally here.

YouTube Shorts

YouTube Shorts audiences expect slightly more polish than TikTok viewers. Educational and how-to content performs particularly well on Shorts, so consider footage that supports instructional narratives.

Snapchat and Vertical Ads

For paid advertising formats, you'll want footage with quick hooks and clear messaging. The first two seconds are critical for stopping the scroll, so prioritize clips with immediate visual interest.

How to Choose High Quality 9:16 Stock Clips

Not all vertical footage is created equal. Here's what to evaluate when browsing options.

Resolution and Aspect Ratio

The standard resolution for vertical video is 1080x1920 pixels, which is HD quality. For projects requiring higher quality, like large-screen displays or future-proofing, look for 4K vertical at 2160x3840. Always verify the aspect ratio is actually 9:16. Some clips labeled "vertical" are simply cropped from horizontal footage, and the difference shows.

Authentic Mobile Shot Look

Social audiences can spot overly produced content instantly. Footage that looks native to the platform typically performs better than cinematic stock. What does "native" look like? Natural lighting, subtle handheld movement, and real-world settings rather than studio setups.

Lighting and Composition

Well-lit footage with clear subjects makes editing easier and looks more professional in the final product. In vertical framing, pay attention to how the full height of the frame is used. Dead space at the top or bottom suggests the footage wasn't composed intentionally for portrait viewing.

Creator Attribution and Freshness

Knowing who shot the footage and when it was uploaded helps you avoid overused clips. Fresh content keeps your projects from looking like everyone else's. CreatorStock displays creator handles for each asset, so you can see exactly who made what you're downloading.

Royalty Free Licensing for Vertical Stock Video

Royalty-free licensing means you pay once, or download free, and can use the footage multiple times without ongoing fees. This is different from rights-managed licensing, where you pay based on each specific use.

Here's what royalty-free typically allows and restricts:

What you can do: Use in social posts, ads, client projects, and commercial content
What you cannot do: Resell the raw footage or claim it as your own original creation
Attribution: Varies by platform, so check each license

One important note: free doesn't always mean unrestricted. Always verify commercial use rights before publishing, especially for paid advertising or client work. The license terms are usually listed on the download page.

How to Edit Vertical Stock Footage for Reels TikTok and Shorts

Once you've downloaded your clips, here's a simple workflow for turning them into finished content.

1. Set Your Canvas to 9:16

Start your project with vertical dimensions (1080x1920) in your editing tool. CapCut, Canva, and most mobile editors have preset options for vertical video. Getting the canvas right from the start prevents awkward cropping later.

2. Trim and Stack Clips for a Strong Hook

The first two to three seconds determine whether viewers keep watching or scroll past. Open with movement, an eye-catching visual, or something that creates immediate curiosity. Stack multiple short clips rather than using one long take because variety keeps attention.

3. Add Captions Music and Effects

Most social viewers watch without sound, so captions aren't optional. Add platform-native music or trending audio to increase discoverability. Keep effects subtle unless they serve the content directly.

4. Export in 1080x1920

Confirm your export resolution matches the standard vertical format. Check platform-specific requirements for file size and video length. TikTok, Reels, and Shorts each have slightly different limits.

Free vs Paid Vertical Stock Video

When is free footage sufficient, and when is paid worth the investment? It depends on your project.

Factor	Free Vertical Stock	Paid Vertical Stock
Uniqueness	Lower, widely used	Higher, less common
Quality range	Variable	Consistently high
Selection	Limited styles	Broader variety
Best for	Personal projects, testing	Ads, client work, brand content

Free footage works well for personal projects, testing concepts, or when budget is tight. However, popular free clips appear everywhere, which can make your content feel generic. Paid options, or platforms like CreatorStock that offer affordable per-clip pricing starting at $3, provide more unique content that helps your work stand out.

Start Your Next Vertical Project With CreatorStock

Finding vertical stock video that actually looks native to social platforms can be frustrating. Most traditional stock libraries still prioritize horizontal footage, and their vertical options often feel overly polished or generic.

CreatorStock takes a different approach with mobile-first content shot by real creators, organized into curated collections that match specific aesthetics and themes. Whether you're building content for Instagram Reels, TikTok, or YouTube Shorts, you'll find footage that blends naturally into modern social feeds.

Explore CreatorStock to browse vertical footage ready for your next project.

Frequently Asked Questions about Vertical Stock Video

Can I use free vertical stock video for commercial projects and paid ads?

Yes, most royalty-free vertical stock video can be used commercially, including in paid advertisements. However, licensing terms vary by platform, so always verify the specific license before publishing. Some free sources restrict certain commercial uses or require attribution.

What resolution should I use for vertical stock footage?

The standard resolution for vertical video is 1080x1920 pixels (HD), which works well for most social platforms. For projects requiring higher quality or future-proofing, 4K vertical at 2160x3840 is available on some platforms, though file sizes are significantly larger.

How is native vertical footage different from cropped horizontal video?

Native vertical footage is shot intentionally in portrait orientation, with the full scene composed for the 9:16 frame. Cropped horizontal video loses significant portions of the original image, often cutting off important visual elements on the sides, and typically looks awkward or poorly planned.

Do I need to credit the creator when using vertical stock video?

Attribution requirements depend entirely on the platform and specific license type. Some free stock sites like Pexels and Pixabay don't require credit, while others do. Always check the license terms before publishing to ensure compliance.