Storyblocks Revitalizes Re: Stock Initiative For The GenAI Era

Storyblocks champions authentic human storytelling through exclusive artist collaborations

ARLINGTON, Va., April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As generative AI dominates headlines, Storyblocks has reintroduced its Re: Stock initiative to show its dedication to authentic, human-crafted content. As part of this initiative, Storyblocks will feature exclusively curated footage collections from 10 filmmakers across the U.S. While others in the industry turn to alternative methods to fill content gaps, Storyblocks remains committed to investing in representative content and supporting authentic storytelling and filmmaking.

• Learn more about Storyblocks and its Re: Stock initiative at storyblocks.com/restock.

The original Re: Stock initiative, which first launched in 2020, aimed to diversify Storyblocks's contributing artist base, recognizing that effective stock footage should serve storytellers from all backgrounds. Creating truly representative content requires participation from underrepresented communities both behind and in front of the camera. Storyblocks's latest Re: Stock iteration expands on that foundation, addressing critical challenges facing the creative community today. Through this initiative, Storyblocks empowers creators to craft genuine stories with emotional depth, showcasing the distinct perspectives of talented filmmakers from geographically diverse backgrounds.

"This isn't an anti-AI stance, but rather a pro-art, pro-human and pro-storytelling stance," said TJ Leonard, CEO of Storyblocks. "AI-generated content and generative models have rapidly transformed the creative landscape and dominated headlines. At the same time, we see brands and artists gravitating toward the experiences and visual language that uniquely define the human condition. With this new Re: Stock initiative, we celebrate the irreplaceable value of authentic human emotion and the talented artists whose stories inspire that connection." 

According to a recent Storyblocks survey, consumers' biggest concern with AI-generated media is ethical issues related to how it is created or used. Younger generations, like Gen Z, are most concerned that AI-generated media does not look or feel authentic. Additionally, over half of consumers would not pay to consume or use AI-generated content.

Responding to the influx of AI-generated content, creators have sparked a movement championing authentic, human-created visual media. Both consumers and brands increasingly seek diverse, premium content produced by real artists to help them tell more genuine, compelling stories. The overwhelming volume of AI-generated media has made it harder to source authentic-looking footage in today's video and stock libraries, particularly content featuring distinctive narratives about local businesses, daily routines and underrepresented communities created by artists from within those communities. Moreover, as consumers grow increasingly wary about content authenticity, Storyblocks remains committed to only publishing human-created content and compensating original artists.

Video creators struggle to balance tight timelines with the need for authentic, diverse media. By partnering with Storyblocks, brands and creators can address both issues, directly supporting small filmmakers and accessing high-quality footage, while creating more impactful content that breaks away from traditional stock media stereotypes.

As part of the Re: Stock initiative, Storyblocks has commissioned exclusive footage collections from these 10 filmmakers:

• Christian Nolan Jones: Decatur, GA
• Johnny Nguyen: Stillwater, MN
• Eryn Gruttadauria: Boston, MA
• Mahdi Atif: Sunset Heights, WI
• Dana DePirri: Miami, FL
• Dominic Lorenzo: Los Angeles, CA
• Noah Higgins: Appalachia, PA
• Roxy Facer: Oahu, HI
• Kristofer Evered: Corral de Tierra, CA
• Josh Herum: St. Louis, MO

For more information about Storyblocks's Re: Stock initiative, visit storyblocks.com/restock.

About Storyblocks
Storyblocks is the go-to library creators and businesses trust to bring their stories to life, from concept to final cut. Our comprehensive stock media library features over 4 million high-quality video, audio and imagery assets, crafted by accomplished creators worldwide and powered by advanced AI search technology. Through a simple subscription, customers gain unlimited access to our expansive library, plus professional-grade templates and editing tools, while our inclusive content ensures diverse representation. With comprehensive licensing, unlimited downloads and exclusive music available across 150+ platforms, Storyblocks provides everything creators need to tell compelling stories at scale.

Storyblocks is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. To learn more about how Storyblocks is transforming the future of video content creation, visit www.storyblocks.com and follow Storyblocks on LinkedIn, YouTube, Twitter, and Instagram.

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SOURCE Storyblocks