Finding the right media assets for your videos, presentations, graphics, and other projects can be a huge time suck. You know how it goes – you search a huge stock media site for “video” and get overwhelmed with thousands of clips. Then you waste ages scrolling and scrolling to find that perfect shot.
There’s got to be a better way, right? That’s why I’ve created this ultimate list of media keywords to revolutionize how you search. Consider it your new secret weapon for efficient and successful media finding!
This list covers all the essential media categories – video, audio, images, graphics, animation, and more. Under each category I’ve included very specific descriptive keywords like:
- Cinematic footage
- Vocal recording
- Vector graphics
- Ambient sounds
- Infographics
So why are these kinds of keywords so useful? Well, they help you search like a pro by using industry terms that zero in on exactly what you need.
Let’s say you’re looking for an upbeat backing track for your motivational video. Instead of combing through a gazillion random audio files, you can search for “royalty free music” or “uplifting instrumental.” Boom – just like that you see relevant results.
The keyword list is especially handy for stock media sites like:
- Shutterstock
- Storyblocks
- Adobe Stock
- AudioJungle
- Videvo
But it works for regular Google image or video search too.
These sites have enormous libraries, which is great but also overwhelming. The keywords help you go right to the corner that has what you want. Think about how much time and frustration this saves!
I’ve written explanations for each keyword so you understand when to use “cinematic footage” vs “slow motion video” for example. This ensures you not only find assets quicker but also get ones tailored to your project.
The list covers all the essentials like:
- Shot types – cinematic, drone, close-up
- Graphics – icons, infographics, textures
- Animation – motion graphics, stop motion
- Audio – ambient, sound effects, vocals
- Editing terms – B-roll, montage, vignette
And tons more! I’m a filmmaker and content creator myself, so I included all the keywords I constantly use.
Bookmark this ultimate list and keep it handy whenever you need to stock up on media files. It will level up your search skills and slice your finding time by up to half. That means more time for the fun creative stuff and less tedious searching!
Let me know if you have any other go-to media keywords I should add. I want this to be a comprehensive resource we can all use to find awesome assets faster. Happy smart searching!
Video Keywords
Cinematic footage – Epic shots, film-like videos, dramatic angles
Slow motion – Slo-mo, high frame rate, smooth slow-down
Aerial footage – Drone shots, bird’s eye view, high angle
Close-up shots – Tight framing, macro, zoomed in
Wide shots – Panoramic, broad view, sweeping landscape
POV shots – First person view, point-of-view
Tracking shots – Dolly shot, camera follows subject
Time lapse – Accelerated time, hyperlapse, fast motion
Green screen – Chroma key, transparent background, isolation
B-roll – Cutaway shots, alternate angles, supplemental footage
Stock footage – Pre-made clips, generic video, library footage
Audio Keywords
Background music – Royalty free music, no copyright music
Upbeat – Energetic, lively, fast tempo
Ambient – Atmospheric, environmental, room tone
Sound effects – Foley sounds, impacts, technology sounds
Voiceover – Narration, vocal recording, voice acting
Loopable – Seamless repeat, perpetual audio
Nature sounds – Ocean, rain, birds, weather
Solo instrument – Piano, guitar, orchestral instruments
Image Keywords
Vector graphics – Logos, illustrations, icons, scalable images
Infographics – Data visualizations, charts, diagrams
Textures – Wood, metal, fabric, natural textures
Mockups – Visual representations, product demos
Concept art – Illustrations, paintings, drawings
Composite – Blended images, collages, double exposures
Animation Keywords
2D animation – Motion graphics, infographics, kinetic text
3D animation – Pixar-style, CGI, After Effects
Stop motion – Claymation, frame-by-frame, posable armature
Character animation – Cartoons, animated figures, illustrated people
Physics simulation – Motion, collisions, falling, trajectile
Graphic Design Keywords
Fonts – Typography, typefaces, downloadable fonts
Icons – Symbols, buttons, simple graphics
Patterns – Repeating designs, backgrounds, filler
Shapes – Circles, squares, triangles, polygons
Grids – Columns, rows, matrix, coordinates
Lines – Curves, zig zags, diagonals, silhouettes