Data as of Aug 25, 2026 · Based on 953 AI responses · See how Parse measures this
Stock Media & Video Tools
Parse
https://parse.gl
Pexels remains the dominant brand recommended by AI assistants for stock media, solidifying its number one position between October 2025 and March 2026. While free resources like and lead overall, AI models are increasingly recommending paid platforms such as and for professional use cases.
| # | Brand | What AI says | Mention rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The top-ranked resource for free stock videos, praised for its generous license. | 63% | |
| 2 | Consistently ranked #2 as a reliable source for free photos and videos. | 59% | |
| 3 | A fast-gaining premium platform, recommended for professional content and large libraries. | 57% | |
| 4 | 54% | ||
| 5 | 51% | ||
| 6 | Frequently suggested for its unlimited download plans ideal for video-heavy content creation. | 43% | |
| 7 | 41% | ||
| 8 | 40% | ||
| 9 | 20% | ||
| 10 | A go-to specialist site for both free and paid aerial drone footage. | 18% | |
| 11 | 16% | ||
| 12 | 15% | ||
| 13 | 15% | ||
| 14 | 15% | ||
| 15 | 13% | ||
| 16 | 13% | ||
| 17 | 9% | ||
| 18 | 9% | ||
| 19 | 8% | ||
| 20 | 8% | ||
| 21 | 8% | ||
| 22 | 8% | ||
| 23 | 8% | ||
| 24 | 8% | ||
| 25 | 8% |
Who wins on each AI
The same market, seen by two models.
Sources AI cited
reddit.com is the page AI reaches for most here, cited in 39% of analyzed answers.
Jumped from rank #11 to #5 between Oct 2025 and Mar 2026.
Became the dominant recommendation for social media managers since Nov 2025.
“Refusing to recommend third-party download tools due to terms of service violations.” → “Listing third-party tools like 4K Download while including disclaimers about legality.”
| Brand | ChatGPT Search | Google AI Mode | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85% | 45% | ||
| 49% | 57% | ||
| 76% | 43% | ||
| 47% | 51% | ||
| 59% | 49% |
The two models disagree most about HOsiHO (ChatGPT #22, Google #8) and Artlist (ChatGPT #10, Google #23).
Pexels remains the dominant brand recommended by AI assistants for stock media, solidifying its number one position between October 2025 and March 2026. While free resources like Pexels and Pixabay lead overall, AI models are increasingly recommending paid platforms such as Shutterstock and Adobe Stock for professional use cases.
Across 953 AI responses, Pexels is mentioned most, named in 63% of them, followed by Pixabay (59%) and Shutterstock (57%).
Parse measures each brand's mention rate — the share of answers naming it — across 953 AI responses to this market's buyer questions. Answers are collected daily and the ranking is published weekly.
Brands enter the ranking when AI answers mention them. Parse collects answers daily and publishes the re-measured set weekly, so new brands appear as AI starts recommending them.
AI assistants consistently recommend a blend of top free sites like Pexels and
Pixabay alongside paid platforms such as
Shutterstock and
Storyblocks. Across the observed period, responses have become better structured, often separating recommendations into distinct 'Free' and 'Paid' categories.
Where can I find stock videos?
AI assistants consistently recommend a blend of top free sites like Pexels and
Pixabay alongside paid platforms such as
Shutterstock and
. Across the observed period, responses have become better structured, often separating recommendations into distinct 'Free' and 'Paid' categories.
Pexels, , and are the undisputed top three recommendations for free stock videos across the entire window on both ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews. The recommended sites and the framing of their generous licensing policies have remained remarkably consistent over time.
Where can I find free stock videos?
Pexels,
Pixabay, and
Mixkit are the undisputed top three recommendations for free stock videos across the entire window on both ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews. The recommended sites and the framing of their generous licensing policies have remained remarkably consistent over time.
The market map
Recommended by need