Storyblocks vs Vexels
Storyblocks and Vexels both provide creative assets, but their focus differs completely. Storyblocks is the stock media giant, offering unlimited video, audio, and images. Vexels targets Print on Demand sellers with specialized templates and AI design tools. We break down which platform is the right creative powerhouse for you.
Unlimited stock media with exceptional support.
We find Storyblocks excels by offering true unlimited access to a massive and constantly updated library of high-quality assets. The company combines flexible pricing with exceptionally praised customer support, making it a reliable resource for professional creators.
Pros
- Offers true unlimited downloads in top subscription tiers.
- Massive library includes 4K video, audio, sound effects, and templates.
- Customer support is highly responsive and praised for efficiency.
- Licensing rules are straightforward and royalty-free.
Cons
- Individual plans must be billed annually, not monthly.
- Some users initially reported difficulty contacting live support.
- Clarity on the initial refund process can be inconsistent.
Excellent tools, support is unreliable.
We found Vexels excellent for accessing high-quality, readily available POD designs and specialized creation tools. We must note, however, that the platform suffers from alarming reports of poor customer service and billing irregularities, especially for high-tier users. Overall, Vexels provides strong design assets but must seriously improve its administrative reliability.
Pros
- Access to a massive, exclusive library of over 500,000 POD templates.
- Cost-effective plans that offer strong value for money.
- Tools are constantly updated, including new AI design features.
- Easy-to-use online T-Shirt Design Maker and instant Mockup Generator.
Cons
- Frequent, serious complaints regarding unresponsive customer service and technical support.
- Reports of critical billing errors, including multiple unauthorized payments upon sign-up.
- High-tier custom design service often fails to deliver accurate results or accept feedback.
- The platform currently lacks an explicit free trial option.
AboutStoryblocks
Storyblocks is recognized as the most-loved stock media platform currently available for creators. It is a comprehensive service designed to streamline your production process. Instead of managing individual purchases, you pay for a subscription that grants wide access to millions of assets. Whether you work with video, audio, or images, the system is built to support your creative vision efficiently. ✅
AboutVexels
Vexels is the ultimate Print on Demand (POD) merch design tool. It offers an extensive library of high-quality designs and powerful online resources. This platform makes merch creation simple for everyone, whether you are tweaking text or transforming templates. You can use it to upgrade your merch strategy with professional designs and AI-enhanced graphics.
It’s built for immediate use with major POD companies, including Etsy, Shopify, Printful, Printify, and Amazon Merch. 💡
Highlights
Feature Comparison
Features Overview
We highlight the main differences and pick a winner for each feature.
Core Content Library
Storyblocks offers diverse stock media; Vexels is laser-focused on POD graphics.
Storyblocks delivers over four million diverse assets including 4K video footage and music. If you need a comprehensive library for video production, Storyblocks is excellent. Vexels offers over 500,000 exclusive Print on Demand (POD) design templates. Vexels is the choice if your need is specialized graphics for merch sellers. Storyblocks provides quantity and variety across all media types. Vexels provides specialized quality for a specific business model.
Unlimited Access
Storyblocks provides true unlimited downloads; Vexels restricts assets with monthly quotas.
Higher tiers of Storyblocks (Unlimited All Access) offer true unlimited downloads. This lets creators experiment freely without worrying about download caps. The Unlimited Pro plan from Storyblocks maintains this crucial downloading freedom. Vexels utilizes monthly limits on Stock Downloads, like 200 per month on the Expert plan. Vexels still requires measured usage, while Storyblocks encourages high volume creation. Storyblocks is the better option for creators who need to download assets heavily.
AI Design Tools
Vexels has dedicated AI for merch generation; Storyblocks currently provides no AI design features.
Vexels incorporates specialized AI tools for generating printable T-shirt designs instantly. The Expert plan gives Vexels users 1000 AI Credits monthly for fast creation. Vexels also offers over 20 new AI styles, keeping designs fresh. Storyblocks focuses entirely on curating human-created stock media assets. Storyblocks currently does not offer any AI asset generation capabilities. If AI assistance accelerates your workflow, Vexels is the exclusive option here.
Niche Specialization
Storyblocks dominates general video media; Vexels dominates the Print on Demand niche.
Storyblocks is the go-to platform for video editors needing high-quality footage and sound effects. It offers templates for Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve. Vexels is specifically optimized for merch creation and selling. Vexels users get a Mockup Generator and integration compatibility with Amazon Merch and Etsy. Storyblocks is designed for broad creative use. Vexels is designed for the specific needs of commercial product sellers.
Professional Workflow
Storyblocks offers integral Adobe CC integration; Vexels provides efficient online design editors.
Storyblocks' Unlimited Pro plan includes a critical Adobe Creative Cloud plugin. This allows professionals to browse and place assets directly within their editing software seamlessly. Vexels provides powerful browser-based tools like the T-Shirt Design Maker and the Image Vectorizer. Vexels keeps the design workflow accessible and entirely online. The Storyblocks integration saves significant time for anyone heavily reliant on the Adobe ecosystem. Storyblocks wins for deeply integrated professional software users.
Customer Support
Storyblocks support is highly efficient and praised; Vexels receives frequent complaints about poor service.
Storyblocks reviews consistently praise their support team professionalism and responsiveness. Issues like copyright claims are reported to be resolved efficiently, often within the hour. Vexels suffers from serious, recurring complaints about unresponsive support and unresolved critical billing errors. Users report frustration dealing with Vexels' minimal administrative reliability. This disparity makes Storyblocks the clear winner for peace of mind. Vexels users must weigh tool benefits against support risks.
Legal Coverage
Storyblocks offers high indemnification for businesses; Vexels does not specify similar large-scale coverage.
The Business plan from Storyblocks includes a business license and up to $1 million in indemnification. This provides critical legal safety for large enterprises and commercial clients. Storyblocks ensures legal security for high-risk, broadcast-level projects. Vexels offers commercial licenses for POD designs suitable for sale. However, Vexels does not detail massive legal indemnification coverage for enterprises. Storyblocks is much safer for organizations needing maximum protection.
Pricing Structure
Storyblocks requires annual billing; Vexels offers monthly, annual, and unique lifetime purchase options.
Storyblocks individual plans must be billed annually upfront, requiring a larger commitment. The pricing is advertised monthly but paid entirely at purchase. Vexels offers monthly subscriptions and discounted annual rates. Vexels' unique, one-time Lifetime Expert options provide max resources for long-term users. Vexels offers significantly more payment flexibility than Storyblocks.
Our Verdict
The choice between Storyblocks and Vexels clarifies instantly: what are you creating? Storyblocks is the clear professional choice for comprehensive stock video and audio media. Vexels is the niche king, dominating the specific Print on Demand (POD) graphic design space. You absolutely need to pick the platform built for your exact creative workflow. Storyblocks excels with its massive, high-quality, and diverse library inventory. Opt for Storyblocks if you need true unlimited downloads of 4K footage and licensed music. Its customer support is highly praised and reliable, resolving issues quickly. The integrated Adobe CC plugin makes Storyblocks workflow priceless for video professionals. Vexels is your specialized asset resource for merchandising, not general stock media. It shines with its 500,000 ready-made POD designs and powerful AI tools. If you sell on Amazon Merch or Etsy, Vexels provides instant mockups and vectorizing utilities. Vexels also offers unique one-time lifetime pricing that Storyblocks requires annual commitment. The primary trade-off is specialized capability versus reliability and volume. Vexels offers tailored AI tools, but users report poor support and alarming billing issues. Storyblocks boasts world-class support and $1M in legal coverage for peace of mind. Storyblocks minimizes risk and maximizes creative freedom with unlimited access. Pick Storyblocks for professional video, comprehensive media, and stellar customer service dependability. Choose Vexels only if you run a serious Print on Demand business and are willing to risk poor customer support for highly specialized design tools.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which platform is better for professional video production: Storyblocks or Vexels?
Storyblocks is engineered for video production with millions of 4K footage clips and audio tracks. Vexels focuses on static graphics and templates for print-on-demand merchandise. Choose Storyblocks if your outputs are primarily video content.
Does Storyblocks or Vexels offer true unlimited asset downloads?
Storyblocks offers true unlimited downloads on its higher Unlimited All Access and Pro plans. Vexels uses a strict monthly quota system for stock downloads and AI credits. For high-volume usage, Storyblocks is significantly better.
Which tool is cheaper for a beginner designer?
Vexels' Merch Starter plan is slightly cheaper at $10.50 per month, billed annually. Storyblocks’ Starter plan costs $15 per month, billed annually. Note that Storyblocks limits you to just 5 monthly downloads.
Can I integrate Storyblocks or Vexels assets directly into Adobe Premiere Pro?
Storyblocks offers a dedicated Adobe Creative Cloud plugin with its Unlimited Pro plan. This streamlines access within Premiere Pro or After Effects. Vexels operates primarily using browser-based online design tools.
Why are Vexels' customer reviews lower than Storyblocks' reviews?
Storyblocks maintains a nearly perfect 4.7/5 rating due to reliability and support. Vexels' rating suffers from frequent user complaints about unresponsive customer service. Vexels users praise the tools but denounce the administrative aspect.
Can I pay monthly instead of annually with Storyblocks?
No, all individual Storyblocks subscriptions require an annual payment upfront. The price is advertised monthly, but you must commit to the full year. Vexels offers actual monthly payment options.
Ready to Choose?
Both tools have their strengths. Choose based on your specific needs.