Where to Find Free Videos You Can Legally Download
Not every video is locked down. Millions of clips are released for anyone to use, either because the copyright has expired or because the creator chose an open licence. Knowing where to look, and what the rules are, lets you save and reuse video without any legal worry.
This guide explains the main licence types, where to find free videos, and how to check that a clip really is free to use.
Public domain and Creative Commons: what they mean
Public domain
A work in the public domain is not protected by copyright, so anyone can copy and reuse it. Copyright can expire after a long period, and some governments release their own works to the public. The rules differ by country, so it is worth checking the source.
Creative Commons (CC)
Creative Commons licences let creators share their work while keeping some conditions. The most common ones are:
| Licence | What it usually allows | What you must do |
|---|---|---|
| CC BY | Reuse, edit and share, even commercially | Give credit to the creator |
| CC BY-SA | Reuse and edit | Give credit and share your version under the same licence |
| CC BY-NC | Reuse and edit for non-commercial use | Give credit and do not use it commercially |
| CC BY-ND | Share the work unchanged | Give credit and do not edit it |
| CC0 | Use for any purpose | Nothing required |
Always read the exact licence attached to a video. The details matter.
Where to find free videos
These sources are well known for openly licensed or public-domain footage. The licence can differ from one clip to the next, so check each one.
| Source | What you can find | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Internet Archive | Old films, news reels, educational films | Many items are public domain, but not all, so read the item page |
| Wikimedia Commons | Short clips, diagrams, historical footage | Every file shows its licence and author |
| Pexels and Pixabay | Free stock video clips | They use their own licences with some limits, such as not reselling clips unchanged |
| NASA media library | Space and science footage | Most is free to use, but check the guidelines for logos and people |
| YouTube Creative Commons filter | Videos marked with a CC BY licence | Use the Features filter in search, and confirm the licence in the description |
How to check that a video is really free to use
- Find the licence on the video page, in the description or in the file details.
- Confirm that the person who uploaded it is the creator or has the right to share it. Re-uploads of other people's work are a warning sign.
- Read the conditions: credit, commercial use, edits and sharing.
- Check any extra elements. Music, logos, artwork and people who appear in the video may have their own rights.
- Keep a note of the source link, the licence and the date you saved it.
How to give credit
When a licence asks for credit, include the title, the creator, the source and the licence. For example:
"City Skyline at Dusk" by Jane Doe, licensed under CC BY 4.0, source: example.org
Put the credit where people will see it, such as the video description or the end of the video.
Saving the video
Many free video sites offer a download button. If a clip is public and you are allowed to keep it, you can also save it with the Any Video Downloader. Choose a sensible quality, and see our guide to video quality and video formats to pick the right settings.
Remember that being able to download a file is not the same as having the right to use it. The licence decides what you can do. Read our Copyright Policy for our rules.
Frequently asked questions
Is a video free to use just because it is on YouTube?
No. Most YouTube videos are protected by copyright. Only clips marked with a Creative Commons licence, or released by the creator for reuse, can be used under those terms.
Can I use Creative Commons videos in my own project?
Usually yes, if you follow the licence. That normally means giving credit, and some licences also limit commercial use or editing.
What is the difference between public domain and CC0?
Both let you use the work for any purpose. Public domain describes works with no copyright protection, while CC0 is a tool creators use to give up their rights on purpose.
Do I need to give credit for public domain videos?
Not legally, but naming the source is good practice and helps others find it.
Can I sell a video I made from free clips?
It depends on the licence of each clip. Choose CC BY, CC0 or public domain footage for commercial projects, and avoid non-commercial licences.
Only save videos, audio and images that you own or have permission to use. Read our Copyright Policy for what is allowed, and see the DMCA page if you are a rights holder.