Alternatives · 2026 Guide
The Best Storyblocks Alternative: Generate Your Footage
The best alternative to a stock-footage library in 2026 is not another library. It is generating the exact clip you need with AI. Instead of searching Storyblocks for a close-enough match, describe the shot and create it with 100+ AI video, image and voice models on Percify: unique b-roll, product shots, talking presenters and vertical-native clips, free to try.
Stock libraries were built for a world where footage had to be filmed in advance. AI video generation removes that constraint, and it changes what "finding a clip" means.
Stock library vs generating with AI
| Dimension | Stock library (Storyblocks etc.) | Generating with Percify |
|---|---|---|
| How you get a clip | Search a library, settle for the closest match | Describe the exact shot, generate it |
| Uniqueness | Same clips appear in other brands’ videos | Every generation is unique to you |
| Specific products or people | Not available, generic actors only | Generate with your product, mascot or cloned presenter |
| Vertical and custom formats | Limited vertical inventory | Native 9:16, 4:5, 1:1 or 16:9 output |
| Voiceover | Separate tool or hire | Built-in text-to-speech and voice cloning |
| Pricing model | Library subscription | Free to try, credits or plans from $7/mo |
| Commercial license | Per-license terms | Included on paid plans |
When a stock library is still the right call
Real documentary footage of actual places, historical events or authentic street scenes is still the domain of stock libraries and real filming. If your video depends on verifiably real imagery, use stock. For everything else, marketing b-roll, concept shots, product scenes, presenters and social clips, generation gives you a better-fitting, unique result.
How to replace a stock search with a generation
- Write the shot as a prompt: subject, setting, camera movement, mood.
- Pick a video model from the catalog, or start from a proven flow template.
- Generate in the aspect ratio you actually publish in (9:16, 4:5, 16:9).
- Add a voiceover with text-to-speech or your cloned voice, all in the same place.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best Storyblocks alternative in 2026?
The strongest alternative to stock-footage libraries like Storyblocks in 2026 is generating custom footage with AI. Percify gives you 100+ AI video, image and voice models in one place: describe the exact shot you need and generate it, instead of searching a library for a close-enough clip. It is free to try, with commercial licensing on paid plans.
Is AI-generated video a real replacement for stock footage?
For most marketing, social and explainer use cases, yes. AI video models now produce cinematic b-roll, product shots and talking presenters on demand, in any aspect ratio. Stock libraries still win for authentic documentary footage of real places and events.
Can I use AI-generated footage commercially?
Yes. On Percify, paid plans include commercial usage rights for the videos you generate, so they can run in ads, client work and monetized content.
How much does it cost compared to a stock subscription?
Percify is free to try and paid plans start at $7 per month, with credit packs for heavier use. Instead of paying for library access you pay for the footage you actually generate.
Which AI models are best for stock-style b-roll?
Text-to-video models like Seedance, Kling and Sora-class models produce the most cinematic b-roll. Percify hosts them side by side, so you can compare outputs from the same prompt and pick the best take.
Generate your next clip instead of searching for it
Try the newest AI video models free, no credit card needed. Commercial license on paid plans.
Open the video playground