Video Copilot is a popular VFX plugin and motion graphics software for motion design and visual effects created in Adobe After Effects. It offers many features that make it a solid choice for learning to create and use professional-quality visual effects and plug-ins.

However, some potential drawbacks to using Video Copilot may mean it's not the best choice for you, especially if you are looking for a varied source of high-quality VFX stock footage:

Drawbacks of Video Copilot

• Limited range of VFX elements: Video Copilot offers a robust suite of stock VFX, but its principal focus is providing effects video tutorials and plugins for use with Adobe After Effects. This means it has a more limited selection of VFX stock footage than many other competing VFX stock libraries.
• Cost: While the software itself is relatively inexpensive, the one-off cost of the additional effects plugins can add up quickly. Additionally, some of the more advanced features require a costly subscription to access them.
• Compatibility: Video Copilot's VFX assets are not always compatible with all versions of Adobe After Effects. If your version of After Effects is outdated, Video Copilot's effects may not work for you, so you'll need to invest in an update. If you're using a different video editing or compositing software, Video Copilot's effects will also not be compatible with your system.

Considering this, let's look at 5 Video Copilot alternatives that may be more suitable for users looking for a one-stop-shop for VFX stock footage, such as our own, ActionVFX, with an extensive collection of visual and special effects.

5 Video Copilot Alternatives

1. ActionVFX
2. FX Elements
3. Visual FX Pro
4. RocketStock
5. VideoHive

1. ActionVFX

The ActionVFX stock library is a great alternative to Video Copilot, offering a huge range of high-quality visual effects elements, so you can be sure you'll find the effect you need every time without having to create it from scratch. Our library includes everything from explosions and fireballs to smoke and dust elements. Like Video Copilot, we also have a library of production-quality 3D assets. All our effects can be easily modified to fit your needs and to create stunning visuals for films, television shows, video games, and other media.

Unlike some of our competitors, ActionVFX combines the skills of in-house and vetted VFX specialists with a commitment to creating exceptional HD visual effects. We focus on supplying only production-quality VFX without ever sacrificing the integrity of our library. This way, we can ensure the best quality of every asset we offer our customers, and you can guarantee that every VFX or 3D element you download has been approved by our in-house VFX artists.

Check out some of our customer testimonials about ActionVFX

Keep costs down with ActionVFX's affordable subscriptions

The ActionVFX library can be accessed through a credits-based subscription.

Through our free subscription tier, users can access our library of free FX and the Practice Footage Library. Paid subscriptions grant access to the Essentials Catalogue and credits that can be saved and spent on the 2D or 3D assets you need.

For individuals, subscriptions start at $59/month with 5 credits per month.

To view pricing and licensing information, explore our subscriptions page.

ActionVFX assets work with a full range of video editing software

ActionVFX offers a wide range of high-quality, royalty-free VFX elements that can be used and customized using a range of popular video editing software suites, including Adobe After Effects, and many more. Here's a list of software that our effects can be worked with (not exhaustive):

• The Foundry's Nuke
• Apple Final Cut Pro Motion
• Adobe After Effects
• Adobe Premiere Pro
• HitFilm and HitFilm: Express
• Apple Final Cut Pro
• Vegas Pro 15
• AVID Media Composer
• Blackmagic Design: Fusion

All of our elements are pre-keyed and ready to use with no additional work required, as they are downloaded as unprocessed video — unlike most other stock effects available on the market. This allows you to access the basic structure and layers of each visual element so you can work your own magic on them.

You can also use our stock effects as the basis for making visual effects that are uniquely yours. For example, you can use one of our explosion assets as a starting point, incorporate additional fire and smoke details, and then combine debris and color effects to create a truly original explosive effect that specifically fits the story you are telling.

Similar to what Video Copilot does for After Effects, we also provide a wide range of tutorials and how-to guides, so you can maximize the benefits of, and learn how to use our VFX elements. However, our tutorials cover how to implement and adapt VFX effects, regardless of the software package you choose to use.

Bonus: Responsive customer support and an unlimited usage license

At ActionVFX, we strive to provide the best and most responsive customer service possible. Our team provides a personalized experience for each customer, from the initial contact all the way through to post-purchase support. So if you are having difficulty accessing an element you have already downloaded, or it doesn't work exactly as you imagined, our customer support team is always here to help.

Our average net promoter score (NPS) of over 80 is evidence of our commitment to an excellent customer experience.

ActionVFX customers with subscriptions are granted a Lifetime License for unlimited use of their downloaded effects. This means you can use and customize every element you have downloaded from our platform in any of your media projects, forever, even if you decide to cancel your subscription.

Each customer's access to these assets within the ActionVFX platform is removed when their subscription is canceled though, so if you plan to use any of them in the future, please ensure you download them onto a secure external drive.

Get all the stock VFX elements you need for your projects with one of ActionVFX's monthly or yearly plans. Subscribe now to use our stock elements.

2. FX Elements: Great for buying single VFX clips

FX Elements can provide you with impressive stock visual and special effects, including explosions, fire, debris, and more for cinema, games, and other media. Additionally, they supply practical composite elements such as green screen backgrounds and matte paintings to create an effective fusion of images.

Where FX Elements works well

FX Elements is an attractive alternative for people who want to buy single VFX clips at more reasonable prices than Video Copilot offers. FX Elements does not require users to pay for a subscription or buy bundles of effects, making it perfect for those who only need single clips.

Some disadvantages of FX Elements

Despite numerous categories of VFX effects in FX Elements' library, the selection within each one is much more limited than those provided by ActionVFX, for example.

Additionally, the FX Elements library lacks substantial pyrotechnical effects/explosions and some elements can go beyond the frame's boundaries, thus requiring cleanup for wider shots.

3. Visual FX Pro: Good for free effects bundles

Visual FX Pro is a recent addition to the VFX market, established in 2020 by a former visual effects freelancer. It specializes in providing special effects assets at competitive prices.

Where Visual FX Pro works well

VisualFX Pro offers great value since it provides a collection of free effects bundles.

Some disadvantages of Visual FX Pro

Visual FX Pro is still somewhat limited due to its lack of library options.

4. RocketStock: Useful for Adobe VFX templates

RocketStock, a part of the renowned Shutterstock group and an innovator in the stock photography industry, provides various templates to create visual effects with Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects.

Where RocketStock works well

RocketStock offers a wide range of professionally designed video effects, including transitions, overlays, light leaks, and more for use with Adobe video editing and compositing software. The effects are easy to customize, the platform offers lots of free resources as it releases free templates every month, and it doesn't require a subscription to access its library.

Some disadvantages of RocketStock

You can purchase individual VFX assets from RocketStock, as well as packs ranging in price from $39 to over $300. These bundles come with dozens or even hundreds of effects—such as 100+ fireworks effects. Given the huge range, unless your project is heavily focused on one type of visual effect, you will probably pay for a lot of unused elements.

5. VideoHive: Best for one-time VFX requirements

VideoHive is a part of Envato Market, which is not your typical stock visual effects library, but rather an open-source marketplace for users to both buy and sell royalty-free video footage, motion graphics, and After Effects templates and project files. The platform's pricing is based on the complexity of each asset offered for sale, the quality of the file, and what it will be used for, with an added buyer's fee on top.

Where VideoHive works well

At VideoHive, you can purchase individual elements at an affordable cost - just a few dollars. For those who don't need continuous access to VFX elements, the monthly payment plan starts at $16.50/month with unlimited downloads and it doesn't require an ongoing subscription, so it's a great way to keep expenses low.

Some disadvantages of VideoHive

The range of VFX elements on VideoHive is broad since users both upload and download them. However, since it depends on the skills of many different creators, the level of quality can be variable. If you need consistently high-quality VFX elements which have been verified by experienced professionals, then VideoHive may not be the right choice for you.

Finding the Right VFX Assets

Each of these Video Copilot alternatives has its strengths and weaknesses, but all offer unique solutions for VFX stock footage, depending on your specific needs and preferences. Whether you need a comprehensive library like ActionVFX, affordable single clips from FX Elements, or a platform that supports user-generated content like VideoHive, there is an option available to cater to your requirements.

If you're a VFX artist on the hunt for first-rate assets, you can be sure to get outstanding quality with ActionVFX! Our extensive collection boasts professional-quality assets, and by becoming a subscriber, you'll get access to the world's largest library of VFX assets. Take a moment to explore our offerings and subscribe to simplify your VFX journey!

At ActionVFX, we stand by the superior quality of our assets and would like you to witness it for yourself. To help with this, we would love for you to check out our outstanding selection of free VFX elements by subscribing to our Free Forever Plan! That plan also gives you access to our Practice Footage Library - the world's largest library of professionally-shot practice footage for compositors.

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