Photutorial’s take
While MotionElements succeeds in its core focus of providing royalty-free video, audio and basic templates, the overall service lacks the refinement and extras I’d expect for $200 per year. For creatives mainly needing video and audio, it’s a cost-effective option. But if you want a premium, polished experience across the board, competitors do it better.
Pros
- Huge library with diverse, frequently updated content
- Unlimited downloads with subscription
- Affordable pricing compared to à la carte sites
- Decent quality on core offerings like video and audio
Cons
- Interface lacks polish and can be slow/buggy
- Quality inconsistent across less popular asset types
- Weak complementary features like tutorials and prompts
There are no major flaws with MotionElements, but it just doesn’t beat the best stock footage subscription right now, Envato Elements. A few more images and a tad better pricing, and we’d be looking at possibly the next best thing.
First, let’s clear up something—what’s the difference between MotionElements and motion elements? The former is a major provider in the stock media industry I am writing about, and the former is a category of media that can include any kind of moving graphic, from kinetic text to shape animations to transitions and animated illustrations.
Opening the doors of MotionElements reveals an aggressive subscription play. At $16.50 monthly ($198 billed annually), it does seem initially enticing. But it comes with a catch; this is a 12-month commitment. No dipping in for just a month or two. While this approach can, in theory, ensure that users get the maximum value from their library, it could be a double-edged sword. What if you end up needing just a handful of assets during the year? That’s why I prefer Envato Elements, which lets you subscribe for only one month but at a hefty $39 monthly fee. Yet, Photutorial readers can now get a 70% discount on their first month, paying $11.70.
The counterpoint to the unlimited deal is purchasing assets individually. But with price tags ranging from $30 to a whopping $199, the scales seem tipped in favor of the subscription model. One could argue that single purchases are for those few instances where you require a piece or two, especially if the combined price falls below the $100 mark. But with assets costing up to $199, the same as the annual subscription fee, you might as well dive into the subscription pool.
Given the vast array of assets offered, the unlimited model does look rather fetching. Boasting a selection of 4 million royalty-free 4K/HD clips, 700,000 BGM tracks, and a plethora of templates across various platforms, there’s no denying the depth of the offering.
But it isn’t all gold. While videos, audio, and video templates shine as the platform’s standout offerings, areas like 3D and some templates leave a lot to be desired. So, while the quantity is undoubtedly there, the quality seems to be hit or miss. This then brings one to ponder, “Am I paying for quantity over quality?”
MotionElements’ licensing is standard for a stock footage site. Their worldwide royalty-free license encompasses virtually all personal and commercial projects. Platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and even TikTok fall within this ambit. Such extensive coverage offers considerable peace of mind for creators. Like with all unlimited download sites, the maximum indemnity equals your total subscription fees paid to MotionElements. There’s not much more to be said about licensing—it doesn’t fall behind nor excel in any aspect. And there’s no extended license (because you don’t need one).
Turning our attention to the interface, it’s evident that MotionElements strives for a modern look. But sometimes, less is more. The excess animations may offer initial amusement, but they quickly turn into a dizzying ordeal. Couple this with asset thumbnails that take a long to load despite speedy internet connections, and the browsing experience feels a tad marred.
That said, the platform’s filters offer a glimmer of redemption. Categorizing by style, orientation, color, and even price brings back a semblance of control. Yet, it isn’t flawless. Mixing filters like ‘Aerial’ with ‘Red’ inexplicably throws in close-ups of roses and butterflies. While these anomalies might bring occasional chuckles, they could become frustrating in the long run. It feels a bit like going to a restaurant and ordering pasta only to get a side of sushi.
Beyond its primary stock media offerings, MotionElements does sprinkle in some complimentary tools. A GPT-powered AI video scriptwriter, free downloads, and a banner generator all make appearances.
While the AI integration is a nod to modern tech trends, the banner generator feels like a relic from a bygone era. It seems MotionElements is playing a game of catch-up here, trying to offer users additional value while possibly spreading itself too thin. The Midjourney prompts generator seems puzzlingly out of place, adding to the sentiment that not every additional tool is a step in the right direction.
Comments