Big Discovery Deal For Video Blocks
Reston-based Video Blocks is quickly becoming the largest library of HD and 4K video footage and clips. And today the company’s repertoire got even larger.
The company, launched by Joel Holland in 2009, struck a deal with Discovery Communications' Discovery Access to get unlimited access to unused content from its various channels. Think volcano eruptions, aerial footage of a hurricane, the world’s endangered wildlife and sweeping scenic landscapes.
The addition of Discovery’s content, which includes 15 terabytes of data (equal to about 100,000 clips) pushes Video Blocks’ library to 1 million clips, says Greta Pittard (above), who heads up the company’s content and contributor relationships.
The company has about 120,000 customers, from smaller creators of videos and movies to major media networks and universities. Greta says the company is competing closely with Shutterstock and Pond5 by offering 50% lower prices.
The company also launched a marketplace in April that allows content creators to upload their own video clips and sell directly to Video Blocks subscribers. The creator gets to keep 100% of the proceeds and so far the system has cut $1M worth of payouts.
Greta says Video Blocks has had a major growth spurt the last two quarters of 2015—growing its head count to over 45.
