Motion Array as opposed to Envato Elements? That is the query. Both businesses provide amazing content and tools for film artists, and I have used them. Elements are the more affordable choice, but since Artlist purchased Motion Array a year ago, its popularity in the video community has increased. You've undoubtedly also seen several catchy advertisements for both products on YouTube.
They are both attempting to establish a one-stop shop where video producers can access and download all the materials they need, including templates, stock footage, pictures, music, and SFX, for use in their videos.
Our goal in this blog is to compare similarities, differences, searchability, and usability to answer the question: is it worthwhile to spend extra for Motion Array? Or is Envato the superior option?
Interesting parallels
Envato Elements and Motion Array provide the same fundamental all-in-one solution for video makers, including Video Templates, Stock Video, Music & SFX, and Photos. Both platforms are non-exclusive, meaning the same writers may post the same templates and stock footage to both sites.
And their licensing models for limitless downloads are identical: download anything you want and use the materials in whatever way you see fit. In addition, even if you discontinue your subscription, your past downloads remain future-proof. Additionally, each offer dedicated learn sections where you can view lessons and courses to enhance your video editing and motion design abilities.
Price Variations
Both markets are accessible without charge. Envato Elements offers a 7-day free trial in addition to a free monthly assets page, whereas Motion Array's free plan provides access to simply the restricted number of free library items. You may remain on a Motion Array free plan; however, with Elements, you can download as much as possible during the 7-day trial period (including premium materials). However, after the 7-day trial, you must either upgrade or cancel.
First, we will compare the pricing differences between the two services:
Envato Elements (Annual Plan): $16.50 monthly = $198 annually
Envato Elements (Monthly Plan) is $33 per month
Motion Array (Annual Plan): $249.99 per year x $20.98 per month
Motion Array (Monthly Plan) is $29.99 per month
By selecting the Envato Elements yearly subscription, you will save $51.99 every year. There is a difference, but not a substantial one. Motion Array may be the better alternative if you intend to pay for one to two months, but you won't get all the additional visual materials, which takes us to the next distinction: design assets.
Design Resources
Access to graphic templates, unique typefaces, icons, graphics, and textures is likely necessary if you are an editor or video developer. I am positive that I use visuals while designing for the Premiere Gal brand. In addition, I extensively use Envato's texture assets in my movies. Envato Elements includes hundreds of creative assets, such as Photoshop add-ons, Lightroom presets, Product Mockups, Presentation Templates, 3D objects, and much more, a major advantage of subscribing.
Motion Array, on the other hand, exclusively offers video assets. Thus Envato is the superior option if you also want Design Assets.
Library Collection
Based on search queries, Envato Elements has a substantially bigger collection. I searched for "aerial" photos, and both Elements and Motion Array returned more than 465 thousand hits. Now, these are both enormous quantities, and I'm certain you'd be able to locate the desired image in either archive. Quantitatively, Envato offers more options than Motion Array since it has been for a longer time.
However, if you use Davinci Resolve, Motion Array has a greater collection of themes for Resolve. Here, everything relies on your software selection.
Materials
One advantage of Motion Array is that it includes four more tools:
A panel extension for Adobe.
A platform for video review and cooperation.
A website portfolio creation tool.
A Premiere Pro presets plugin.
Suppose you're an Adobe Creative Cloud subscriber. In that case, the panel is a major advantage. You can view all of Motion Array's assets straight from inside Ae or Pr, eliminating the additional steps of going to the web, downloading, and importing into the project panel. The review and collaboration tool is not required if you are a Creative Cloud user since Frame.io is now integrated into Ae and Pr with 100GB of free storage for client comments and approval.
Browse
Regarding searchability, both solutions offer benefits and drawbacks. Envato Elements features more music-related filters than its competitors. It features distinct filters for Genre, Mood, Instruments, Vocals vs. No Vocals, Male vs. Female Vocals, Length, BPM, and looping music. Motion Array is limited to BPM, duration, and a list of broad classifications.
On the other side, Motion Array has more templates when looking for them. For instance, if you often import and utilize Motion Graphics Templates (.mogrt) in Premiere Pro's Essential Graphics panel, Motion Array contains a category dedicated to Motion Graphics or migrants. Envato Elements only offers a Premiere Pro category, so you won't know if you're downloading a Premiere Pro Project Template or an a.mogrt file until you download it. Motion Array's search also allows you to search by program version, so if you only have After Effects CS6, you may locate templates compatible with that version.
Accessibility
What occurs when assets are downloaded? Motion Array's downloads for templates are neatly divided into Project Files, Help Files, and Fonts - the site is quite structured, and all files are uniform. Depending on the author, you may get a different file on Envato Elements sans fonts or complete instructions.
What then should you decide?
So, it doesn't point which option you choose. Envato is the most cost-effective option, in my view; if you are just interested in the basic offering, you will find the design materials beneficial. But suppose you need the ability to download assets from inside the Premiere Pro Motion Array Panel, and you never utilize design assets. In that case, a Motion Array may be the superior option. If you're still undecided, you can always join for a 7-day free trial for Elements and the Motion Array free plan and explore both until you decide.