Envato Elements vs Shutterstock: Which Is Better for Motion Designers?
Motion designers need both stock footage and ready-made templates. We compare Envato Elements and Shutterstock to help you decide which platform fits your workflow.
Who Needs This Guide
If you're a motion designer, video editor, or content creator who works with After Effects or Premiere Pro, this comparison is for you. Both Envato Elements and Shutterstock offer assets relevant to video production — but they serve different needs.
Envato Elements: The Template Platform
Envato Elements is built around templates and creative kits:
- After Effects project files (.aepx)
- Premiere Pro project files (.prproj)
- Motion graphics presets
- LUTs (color grading presets)
- Music and sound effects
- Fonts, icons, and graphic elements
- WordPress themes and website templates
Best for: Designers who need ready-to-customize templates, intros, lower thirds, and motion graphics kits.
Shutterstock: The Stock Footage Platform
Shutterstock specializes in raw stock content:
- Millions of HD and 4K video clips
- Aerial footage and drone shots
- Time-lapses and slow-motion videos
- Music tracks and SFX
- Animated GIFs and motion backgrounds
Best for: Editors who need authentic stock footage to fill sequences, not pre-built templates.
Price Comparison
- Envato Elements direct: $16.50/month (unlimited downloads)
- Shutterstock video direct: $79–$199/month for video packs
- Via Wetrn: Both accessible at significantly lower per-download costs
The Best Approach
Professional motion designers typically need both — Envato for templates and Shutterstock for authentic footage. Through Wetrn, you can download from both platforms without paying two separate subscriptions, making your workflow more efficient and your budget more manageable.
Verdict
- Use Envato Elements when you need polished templates fast
- Use Shutterstock when you need real footage to tell a story
- Use Wetrn to access both at the lowest possible cost
