About
Storyblocks was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, USA. It is a pioneer of the subscription-based stock media platform, co-founded by Dave Rubin, Seth Rubenstein, and TJ Leonard. Storyblocks revolutionized the stock media industry with its "Unlimited Download" model, moving away from traditional pay-per-track or pay-per-item purchasing to offer video creators, audio producers, and designers a cost-effective subscription plan.
Core Products
| Product | Description |
|---|---|
| Storyblocks Subscription | Core subscription service with unlimited downloads of video, audio, and images |
| Storyblocks Video | Stock video library including 4K and HD clips, motion graphics and templates |
| Storyblocks Audio | Audio library including royalty-free background music, sound effects and loops |
| Storyblocks Images | Stock image library including photos, illustrations and vectors |
| Storyblocks API | Developer API for enterprises and platforms to integrate the Storyblocks library |
| Storyblocks Pro | Premium subscription tier for professional creators with advanced features |
Key Strengths
- Unlimited Download Model: Industry-first subscription-based unlimited downloads — no quota concerns
- Multi-Category Coverage: Video, audio and images all under one subscription for diverse creative needs
- Enterprise API: APIs available for media companies and platforms to integrate the library at scale
- Flexible Plans: Multiple tiers from individual to pro, catering to different creator levels
Milestones
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2009 | Storyblocks was founded in Arlington, VA by Dave Rubin, Seth Rubenstein, and TJ Leonard |
| 2012 | Launched the "Unlimited Download" subscription model, disrupting traditional stock media purchasing |
| 2015 | Expanded into audio and image libraries, achieving multi-category coverage |
| 2018 | Launched Storyblocks API, serving enterprise and developer markets |
| 2020 | Surpassed one million users, becoming a benchmark in subscription stock media |
| 2024 | Continued library expansion and deepened Pro tier premium features |
Market Position
Storyblocks is one of the pioneers of the subscription-based stock media model and an industry benchmark for "unlimited download" services. It competes with the following platforms:
| Competitor | Notes |
|---|---|
| Envato Elements | Similar subscription-based asset platform covering video, audio, design and more |
| Motion Array | All-in-one video editing asset platform with templates and online editor |
| Artgrid | Subscription platform focused on royalty-free video footage |
| Artlist | Subscription platform focused on royalty-free music and sound effects |
| Pond5 | One of the largest stock media marketplaces, offering both pay-per-item and subscriptions |
| Shutterstock Footage | Shutterstock's stock video library with both pay-per-item and subscription options |
Related provider: Design Assets
