70+ FREE Video Overlays [Download]

Free video overlays

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Want to add some depth and atmosphere to your video? then you should be using free video overlays.

Firstly, they can save loads of time when building your edit or composition. Secondly, they allow you to go past your own animation talents and create something truly amazing. So why not give them a go and push your skills even further!

There are a lot of free video overlays out there but first of all, let’s refresh ourselves with what they actually are…

What is a Video Overlay?

.MOV File video overlay

Video or film overlays are motion graphics that can be laid over your clips to add a variety of looks, such as light leaks, film noise, and smoke.

Video Overlays often come as .mov files with a transparent background (also known as an Alpha Channel), making them super easy to add to your sequence.

Alpha channel ball animation

Since each overlay is a video clip itself, additional effects, grading, and transitions can be added to them. Also, they can be layered up to create new looks for your videos.

Premiere pro timeline video layers

We’re going to look at several different types of video overlays, as well as show you where you can download them for free. So let’s get stuck in…

Light Leak Overlays

Light Leaks are probably the most common form of video overlay. They can be used as transitions between clips to create a stunning vintage film effect. Also, they can give your footage extra layers of light providing even more depth.

They are perfect for music videos, promos, and showreels to add a bit of style and flair.

24 Free 4K Light Leaks

Light Leaks is a free pack from Motion Array that contains a variety of vintage-style light effects. The pack includes both colder blue/white effects and warmer orange/gold glows. That means you’ll always find something that will match the color of your footage.

Film Grain & Noise Overlays

Film grain and noise are almost always associated with older film formats, like 16mm and 8mm. These free video overlays can give your movie that real cinematic quality.

They are also used in ‘found footage’ films to give the impression the footage was shot on a camera of lesser quality.

10 Free Film Grains

This free Film Grains Overlays pack from Shutterstock covers a range of formats including 8mm, 16mm, and 35mm film, allowing you to give any footage that film look.

Dust Video Overlays

Similar to film grain, dust video overlays can create atmosphere and depth to your footage. Next time you want to soften the edges of a clip, try using some dust overlays and test different blend modes. You’ll be surprised to see what you can create.

16 Free Light and Dust Overlays

This free overlays pack from RokcetStock includes a mix of dust and light leak effects and a Super 8 video overlay. Use this pack for more emotive projects like wedding videos and highlight reels. 😲

Smoke & Fog Overlays

Smoke and fog overlays are underused in video projects. They can be used over the top of your clip to create a spooky or atmospheric feel. Also, they are ideal for use in logo stings and text animations.

Since you can layer them up you can also add additional effects to the layers to better match them to your composition. For instance, try using color grading tools and tints to change the tone of the fog.

10 Free Smoke Stock Videos

This smoke stock footage pack from PremiumBeat contains 10 free video overlays, including big explosions, screen-filling fog, and even more subtle cigar smoke style clips. This is an excellent starter pack for smoke effects.

21 Free 4K Video Fog Overlays

This set of 21 different fog based video overlays from PremiumBeat gives you so many choices and combinations, you might not need to look elsewhere. Add them to your footage and use the opacity and blend modes to create a seamless visual effect.

Camera Video Overlays

Camera overlays make it super simple to turn your footage into a fake camera display. It shows the on-screen graphics you would see through CCTV or the monitor of a TV camera.

These effects are used in found footage films like Paranormal Activity (2007), to reinforce the home video camera style shot. They are perfect for short films!

5 Free Camera Overlays

This pack of 5 free camera overlays from PremiumBeat has a range of graphics like camcorders, drones, CCTV, DSLRs, and video chat graphics. These high-quality video overlays are a great pack to keep on hand. You never know when you might need them for a project. 😉

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