How to cancel Storyblocks in Malaysia: legal rights and step-by-step guide
How to cancel Storyblocks in malaysia: your legal rights and step-by-step cancellation guide
What is Storyblocks and why malaysians use it
Storyblocks is a subscription platform that grants you unlimited access to stock videos, photographs, music, sound effects, vector graphics, and creative templates. The service operates from Arlington, Virginia in the United States, and for Malaysian users, this means all support and cancellation requests flow through email and online account management rather than a local telephone line or physical office.
How Storyblocks works as a subscription service
You pay a recurring monthly or annual fee to download unlimited media assets for your projects, whether you edit videos for YouTube, create social media content, produce client work, or develop digital marketing campaigns. The platform offers access to 8K, 4K, and HD footage, video templates, stock photography, AI Toolkit features, and premium music libraries depending on your chosen plan. Storyblocks does not offer a free trial period, so your subscription begins immediately upon payment.
The critical detail for Malaysian subscribers is that Storyblocks charges in USD by default. Your bank may convert this to Malaysian Ringgit (RM) and may apply foreign-exchange fees depending on your card issuer. Consequently, your actual cost in RM will vary slightly with currency fluctuations.
The automatic renewal model and why cancellation matters
Your Storyblocks subscription renews automatically unless you cancel before your next billing date. This is the point where many users encounter unexpected charges: they assume cancellation happens automatically or overlook the renewal date entirely. In Malaysia, the Consumer Protection Act 1999 protects you by requiring that any recurring subscription must be easy to cancel and that you receive clear notice before any renewal charge is debited.
You subscribe through one of three channels: the Storyblocks website directly, Apple App Store, or Google Play Store. The cancellation method depends entirely on which channel you used, so you must cancel in the same place you subscribed or the renewal will continue regardless of your website account status.
Your consumer rights under malaysian law
Malaysian consumer protection law establishes your baseline rights when you purchase a subscription service like Storyblocks.
Consumer protection act 1999 and your cancellation rights
Under the Consumer Protection Act 1999, you have the right to receive clear information about the terms of a recurring subscription before you are charged. The law requires that cancellation be as simple as the process to sign up, and that you are not trapped by hidden fees or complex procedures. Furthermore, if a business fails to provide clear cancellation information at the point of sale, this constitutes an unfair contract term and is unenforceable.
Storyblocks must also provide you with a valid way to contact them to request cancellation assistance. In Malaysia, the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (MDTCA) enforces these rights. If Storyblocks refuses to cancel your subscription after a valid written request, or if charges continue after you cancel, you may lodge a complaint with the MDTCA.
Your legal position before you cancel
You have the right to cancel your Storyblocks subscription at any time before the next billing cycle begins, with no penalty or explanation required. You do not need to provide a reason. Storyblocks is required to process your cancellation promptly and confirm it in writing (via email). If you are charged after you cancel, you may request a refund of that charge as it was made without your ongoing consent. Nevertheless, if you allow the subscription to renew and then cancel, you may not be entitled to a refund of the renewal charge unless you can demonstrate that the cancellation process was unclear or that you were charged without proper notice.
How to cancel Storyblocks step by step
Your cancellation method depends on where you originally subscribed; follow the correct path to ensure the subscription actually terminates.
Preparation: checks to complete before you cancel
Before you press the cancel button, take these protective steps to document your account status and protect yourself against billing disputes later.
- Log into your Storyblocks account and navigate to your account settings or profile page.
- Take a screenshot showing your current plan name, renewal date, and the amount you pay.
- Note the exact billing date so you know when the next charge will occur.
- Check whether your plan is monthly or annual, as this affects the renewal timing.
- Verify which subscription channel you used when you originally signed up.
- If you remember paying with a credit or debit card and logging into Storyblocks directly, you subscribed via their website.
- If you downloaded Storyblocks from Apple App Store and authorized the payment there, that is your subscription channel.
- If you downloaded Storyblocks from Google Play Store, Google Play is your subscription channel.
- Download or save any media assets you still need from the platform before the cancellation date, as your access will end immediately upon cancellation.
- Export any custom templates or projects you have created.
- Save URLs or notes of any assets you intend to use after cancellation.
- Keep your registered email address and last known password handy for the cancellation process.
Cancel through the Storyblocks website account
This is the primary cancellation method if you subscribed directly on the Storyblocks website using a credit card or debit card (not through an app store).
- Open a web browser and go to storyblocks.com, then log in with your email and password.
- If you have not logged in for several months, you may need to use the "Forgot Password" link to reset your access.
- Click the account icon or user menu (usually in the top right corner) and select Account Settings or Account Management.
- The exact menu name may vary slightly depending on updates to the Storyblocks interface.
- Locate the Billing, Subscription, or Plans section within Account Settings.
- Look for a link or button labeled "Manage Subscription", "View Plan", or "Billing Information".
- Select the option to Cancel Subscription or Remove Plan.
- Storyblocks may ask you a feedback question about why you are cancelling; answer it or select "Prefer not to say".
- Do not close the page immediately after clicking cancel.
- Wait for a confirmation message to appear on screen.
- The confirmation should state your cancellation is effective and provide a cancellation date.
- Note this date in case you need to refer to it later.
- Check your registered email inbox (and spam folder) for a cancellation confirmation email from Storyblocks within 24 hours.
- If you do not receive an email, take another screenshot of the cancellation confirmation shown on the website.
Cancel through apple app store (iOS)
If you originally subscribed via Apple App Store on an iPhone or iPad, you must cancel through Apple, not through the Storyblocks website.
- Open the Settings app on your iOS device.
- Do not open Storyblocks itself.
- Tap your name or Apple ID at the top of the Settings menu.
- This opens your Apple account page.
- Select Subscriptions (you may see it listed as "Media & Purchases" on older iOS versions).
- You will see all active subscriptions linked to your Apple ID.
- Find Storyblocks in the list and tap it.
- The entry shows your plan name, renewal date, and price.
- Tap Cancel Subscription or Remove Subscription.
- Apple will ask if you want to keep using the service until the end of the current billing period; select your preference.
- Confirm the cancellation when prompted.
- Apple sends a confirmation email to your Apple ID email address.
Cancel through google play store (Android)
If you subscribed via Google Play Store on an Android device, cancellation must occur through Google Play, not through Storyblocks directly.
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
- Alternatively, go to play.google.com in a web browser and log in with your Google account.
- Tap the profile icon (usually in the top right corner) and select Payments and Subscriptions or Account.
- In the web version, click your profile icon and select "Manage subscriptions".
- Select Subscriptions or Manage Subscriptions from the menu.
- You will see all active subscription apps.
- Find Storyblocks and tap it.
- The screen shows your plan, renewal date, and the amount you pay.
- Tap Cancel Subscription.
- Google Play may ask why you are cancelling; you can skip this or provide feedback.
- Confirm the cancellation.
- Google sends a confirmation email to your Google account email address.
Request cancellation by email if the portal does not work
If you cannot access your account, the cancellation option does not appear, or you encounter a technical error, contact Storyblocks support directly.
- Send an email to [email protected] with the subject line "Cancellation Request" or "Cancel My Storyblocks Subscription".
- Include your full name and the email address registered with your Storyblocks account.
- State clearly: "I request cancellation of my Storyblocks subscription effective immediately" or "effective on [your next billing date]".
- Include your current plan name and your last known billing date if possible.
- Keep a copy of your cancellation email for your records.
- This serves as proof of your cancellation request if a dispute arises later.
- Expect a reply from Storyblocks within 2 to 5 business days.
- They should confirm your cancellation date and any remaining access period.
- If Storyblocks does not reply within a week, send a follow-up email with "FOLLOW-UP: Cancellation Request" in the subject line.
- Reference your original email date.
Storyblocks pricing and plan details
Understanding your plan and renewal cost helps you assess whether cancellation or plan downgrade is the right choice.
| Plan type |
Typical monthly cost (USD) |
Typical annual cost (USD) |
Media access |
Best for |
| Starter (Video) |
$9.99 |
$89.99 |
Video footage only; no music or SFX |
Video editors on a tight budget |
| Creator (Video + Music) |
$14.99 |
$119.99 |
Video footage, music tracks, sound effects |
Most Malaysian content creators |
| Full (All media + Templates) |
$19.99 |
$169.99 |
Video, music, SFX, photos, templates, vectors, AI Toolkit |
Agencies and full-time producers |
| Educational or team plans |
Varies |
Varies |
Depends on agreement |
Schools and production companies |
Note: These prices are converted from USD; your actual cost in Malaysian Ringgit will depend on the current exchange rate and your bank's conversion fees. Storyblocks bills in USD by default and does not publish local Malaysian pricing.
What happens after you cancel
Knowing what to expect after cancellation removes anxiety and helps you plan your next steps.
Timeline of access and charges after cancellation
When you cancel Storyblocks, the timing of your access loss depends on when you request cancellation relative to your billing date.
- If you cancel before your next billing date, your access ends on the date of your next scheduled renewal.
- For example, if your plan renews on the 20th and you cancel on the 15th, you keep access until the 20th, then access stops at midnight.
- No new charge is applied on that date.
- If you cancel after being charged for a renewal you did not want, that charge may not be refundable.
- However, if you can show that the renewal happened without clear notice or that the cancellation process was hidden, you may have grounds for a refund under the Consumer Protection Act 1999.
- If you cancel an annual plan partway through, Storyblocks does not offer pro-rata refunds for unused months unless the contract or special offer states otherwise.
- Check your original purchase confirmation or Storyblocks' terms; some promotional offers do include partial refund guarantees.
- Your account remains visible in your Storyblocks login for a period, but all download functionality is disabled.
- You cannot download new assets, but you may be able to view your download history.
- Verify your bank or card statement 5 to 10 days after the cancellation date to confirm no new charge appears.
- If a charge does appear after cancellation, take a screenshot and contact Storyblocks support immediately.
Handling unexpected charges after cancellation
If you are charged after you have cancelled, you have the right to a refund under Malaysian consumer law.
- Retrieve your cancellation confirmation email or screenshot.
- This proves you cancelled before the charge occurred.
- Contact Storyblocks support at [email protected] within 7 days of the unauthorized charge.
- State clearly: "I cancelled my subscription on [date] and received confirmation [attach screenshot or email]. A charge of [amount] appeared on [charge date], which should not have occurred. I request a full refund."
- If Storyblocks does not respond within 10 business days, escalate to your bank or card issuer.
- Contact your bank's dispute team and request a chargeback or reversal for the unauthorized transaction.
- Provide them with your cancellation email and the charge date as evidence.
- If the bank declines your dispute, file a complaint with the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (MDTCA).
- The MDTCA has authority to investigate unfair billing practices by foreign companies operating in Malaysia and can compel refunds on your behalf.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling Storyblocks
Most cancellation problems are preventable with a little care; here are the traps that trip up Malaysian users repeatedly.
Mistake 1: cancelling in the wrong place
You subscribe through a specific channel (website, Apple App Store, or Google Play), and you must cancel through the same channel or the subscription will continue to renew. Cancelling on the Storyblocks website does not cancel an App Store subscription, and vice versa. If you are unsure which channel you used, check your bank statement or email receipts for clues about where the charge originated.
Mistake 2: closing the page before confirmation appears
When you click the cancel button, wait for a confirmation message or screen to appear before you close the browser or app. If you click cancel and immediately navigate away, the system may not register your request. Always wait at least 10 seconds for the page to respond, then take a screenshot of any confirmation text that appears.
Mistake 3: not checking the next billing date
Your cancellation is effective on your next renewal date, not immediately. If your plan renews on the 10th and you cancel on the 5th, you will lose access on the 10th, not the 5th. Plan your download of final assets around this date to avoid losing access to something you need.
Mistake 4: ignoring the cancellation email confirmation
After you cancel, Storyblocks sends a confirmation email to your registered address. Do not assume cancellation is complete without reading this email. Keep it as proof. If you do not receive an email within 24 hours, log back into your account and verify the subscription status, or contact support to confirm the cancellation went through.
Mistake 5: not following up if charged again
Set a calendar reminder for one day after your cancellation date to check your bank statement. If a charge appears, respond within 7 days. Delays in disputing unauthorized charges weaken your legal position and may allow the company to claim the dispute is stale.
When to cancel versus when to downgrade
Cancellation is not always the best option; sometimes a plan downgrade saves you money if you still need some Storyblocks functionality.
| Situation |
Cancel entirely |
Downgrade to cheaper plan |
| You no longer create video content or need stock media |
Yes, cancel |
Not applicable |
| You only need video occasionally and do not need music or SFX |
No |
Downgrade to Starter plan |
| You use Storyblocks weekly but find the full cost too high |
No |
Switch to Creator or Starter |
| You have downloaded everything you need and no longer access the platform |
Yes, cancel |
Not needed |
| You are waiting for a specific project to finish, then will not need access |
Cancel after project ends |
Downgrade now, cancel later |
To downgrade your plan on the Storyblocks website, log in, go to Account Settings, select your subscription, and choose Manage or Change Plan. You will see options to upgrade or downgrade; select a lower-cost plan. The change usually takes effect at your next billing cycle.
Refund rights and what you can recover
Not every charge is refundable; understanding your eligibility prevents disappointment and helps you know when to escalate a claim.
When Storyblocks will refund you
Storyblocks will typically refund you in these scenarios:
- You were charged after you successfully cancelled, provided you have proof of cancellation.
- You were charged twice for the same month (duplicate charge).
- You were charged in error due to a system fault.
- A promotional code or discount was not applied correctly.
When Storyblocks will refuse a refund
Storyblocks will typically refuse refunds in these scenarios:
- You allowed the subscription to renew and then cancelled; the renewal charge is usually non-refundable unless you can prove the renewal notice was not provided.
- You downloaded assets and then cancelled the same day; the service was delivered and the cancellation was within your control.
- You cancelled a paid annual plan partway through the year; annual plans do not offer pro-rata refunds unless a special promotion stated otherwise.
- Your cancellation request was unclear or lacked required information (such as the email address on file).
How to request a refund from Storyblocks
- Email [email protected] with the subject "Refund Request".
- Include your full name, registered email address, and the amount charged.
- State the reason for the refund clearly: "I was charged [amount] on [date] after I cancelled on [date]" or "I was charged twice for [month]".
- Attach screenshots of your cancellation confirmation email and your bank statement showing the charge.
- Expect a reply within 5 to 10 business days.
- Storyblocks will either approve the refund or explain why it is not eligible.
- If Storyblocks refuses the refund and you believe the charge was unfair, escalate to the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (MDTCA).
- File a formal complaint with details of your cancellation request, the unauthorized charge, and Storyblocks' refusal to refund.
- The MDTCA can investigate and compel Storyblocks to issue a refund if the charge violated the Consumer Protection Act 1999.
Checklist for a successful cancellation
Use this checklist to ensure nothing is missed when you cancel Storyblocks.
- Take a screenshot of your current Storyblocks plan, renewal date, and billing amount.
- Identify which channel you subscribed through: website, Apple App Store, or Google Play Store.
- Download or save any media assets you still need before the cancellation date.
- Log into your account or the relevant app store (Apple/Google) and locate the cancellation option.
- Submit the cancellation request and wait for an on-screen confirmation message to appear.
- Take a screenshot of the confirmation message.
- Check your registered email for a cancellation confirmation from Storyblocks within 24 hours.
- Save the cancellation confirmation email or print it.
- Set a calendar reminder for your next scheduled billing date.
- Check your bank or card statement 5 days after the cancellation date to confirm no new charge was applied.
- If a charge appears, contact Storyblocks support within 7 days with proof of cancellation.
Contact information for Storyblocks support and escalation
Use these contact details if you need help cancelling, have a billing dispute, or need to escalate a complaint.
Storyblocks direct support channel
| Support method |
Details |
Expected response time |
| Email support |
[email protected] |
2 to 5 business days |
| Online help centre |
help.storyblocks.com (articles on cancellation and billing) |
Self-service (no wait) |
| Registered mailing address |
Storyblocks LLC, 1625 North Fort Myer Drive, Suite 700, Arlington, Virginia 22209, USA |
Paper mail (slow; email preferred) |
Malaysian consumer authority for escalation
If Storyblocks fails to respond to your cancellation or refund request within 10 business days, or if they refuse a refund you believe you are entitled to under the Consumer Protection Act 1999, file a formal complaint with:
Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs (MDTCA)
Complaints Division
Block B, Level 3, Pusat Bandar Damansara, Jalan Semantan, 50460 Kuala Lumpur
Phone: +603-2287 4422 / Email: [email protected]
Website: www.mdtca.gov.my
The MDTCA investigates complaints about unfair contract terms, hidden charges, and refusal to cancel. They have the power to compel Storyblocks to refund money or cease unfair practices in Malaysia.
Why you should cancel now if Storyblocks is not serving your needs
Every month you delay cancellation is another charge. The Consumer Protection Act 1999 protects your right to cancel immediately, so there is no benefit to waiting. Yafee has helped thousands of Malaysian consumers cancel unwanted subscriptions quickly and securely, preserving their rights and recovering lost funds.
If you are paying for Storyblocks and no longer use it, the cost is real money leaving your bank account each month. Even a plan that costs RM 50 per month amounts to RM 600 per year if forgotten. The cancellation process takes fewer than 10 minutes if you follow the correct channel for your subscription.
Your legal right to cancel is absolute under Malaysian consumer law. Storyblocks cannot charge you for access you do not use, and they cannot make cancellation unreasonably difficult. If they do, the MDTCA stands ready to enforce your rights.
Yafee specializes in helping consumers like you navigate cancellation procedures with clarity and confidence. Whether your issue is a technical barrier to cancellation, a dispute over billing, or uncertainty about your legal standing, Yafee's contract-law guidance ensures you understand your rights and take the right action. Visit Yafee today to confirm your cancellation approach, and join the thousands of Malaysians who have successfully reclaimed control of their subscriptions through Yafee's step-by-step legal framework.