How to cancel Storyblocks in the philippines and reclaim control of your billing
Why you should cancel Storyblocks if you are not actively downloading
Storyblocks is a subscription service operated by Footage Firm, Inc. that gives you unlimited access to a digital library of stock videos, music, sound effects, photos, vectors, and templates. The service works globally, but if you live in the Philippines, you face unique billing challenges: currency conversion, bank markup fees, and no local support infrastructure. If you are not downloading media every week, you are paying for access you do not use. At Yafee, we help thousands of Filipino users navigate cancellation and billing disputes every month, and the data is clear: the average Storyblocks subscriber downloads content for only three to four months before abandoning the account while charges continue.
Your biggest risk is automatic renewal. Storyblocks does not stop charging you simply because you stop logging in. Your payment card gets charged on your billing cycle until you actively disable auto-renewal or cancel the account. This section explains your rights, your cancellation methods, and the exact steps you must take to stop the charges permanently.
How Storyblocks charges you and why the amounts vary
The service uses recurring billing in USD. Your bank converts the USD amount to PHP on the day you are charged, then applies a 1-3% conversion markup. What Storyblocks lists as $29.99 for Essentials monthly becomes approximately PHP 1,680 in your account, but this fluctuates daily with the exchange rate. You cannot pay in PHP directly, and there is no local billing office or payment processor in the Philippines.
Most Filipino users pay through a credit card, GCash-linked card, or Maya account linked to their Storyblocks profile. The problem: your actual charge on any given day depends entirely on the US dollar rate and your bank's policies. If the peso weakens, your charge rises. If the dollar strengthens further, you pay more. This unpredictability is why many users cancel after two or three months.
Why support delays make cancellation urgent
Storyblocks support operates in English only through email ([email protected]) and web chat on their platform. There is no Philippine phone line, no local office, and no chat support outside business hours. If your cancellation request gets delayed or lost, you will be charged again on your renewal date. Yafee advises users to cancel at least 5-7 days before renewal to ensure the request is processed in time. This guide tells you exactly how to do that.
Storyblocks pricing and what each plan includes
The table below shows the standard USD pricing and approximate PHP equivalents at current exchange rates.
| Plan |
Billing cycle |
USD price |
PHP equivalent (approx.) |
Best for |
| Essentials |
Monthly |
$29.99 |
PHP 1,680 |
Casual creators, HD video downloads |
| Essentials |
Annual |
$299.99 |
PHP 16,800 |
Heavy users planning 12-month commitment |
| Small Business |
Monthly |
$59.99 |
PHP 3,360 |
Professional creators, 4K video access |
| Small Business |
Annual |
$599.99 |
PHP 33,600 |
Production studios, long-term licensing |
| Unlimited All Access |
Monthly |
$64.99 |
PHP 3,640 |
Professional studios, 8K video, all media |
| Unlimited All Access |
Annual |
$649.99 |
PHP 36,400 |
Enterprise clients, maximum access tier |
Why your statement shows a different amount than the price list
The PHP amounts above are estimates based on the exchange rate on the day the table was created. Your actual charge depends on three factors: the USD-PHP exchange rate on your billing date, your bank's conversion margin (typically 1-3%), and any local banking fees applied by your card issuer. This is legal and standard practice in the Philippines, but it means you should always assume your charge will be PHP 50-150 higher than the listed amount. You cannot dispute this variation because the fluctuation is outside Storyblocks' control and is regulated by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.
Should you cancel Storyblocks? a straightforward checklist
Cancel Storyblocks if any of these conditions apply to you.
- You have not downloaded media in the last 30 days.
- You are downloading fewer than five items per month.
- Your project is complete and you no longer need stock content.
- You found cheaper alternatives (one-time stock media purchases, free platforms like Pexels or Pixabay).
- The currency conversion and bank fees are making the service unaffordable.
- You want to test a competitor platform before deciding on a long-term provider.
- You are unhappy with the content library or search functionality.
- You want to reduce your monthly subscriptions and consolidate tools.
Do not cancel if you plan to return within 30 days. Reactivating a cancelled account can trigger additional charges or loss of your saved collections. If you are temporarily pausing work, ask Storyblocks support about account suspension instead (though this is not guaranteed to be available).
Your legal position and consumer rights in the philippines
The Consumer Act of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 7394) protects your right to cancel any subscription service and establishes clear rules about recurring billing, disclosure, and refunds.
What the law guarantees you
Under the Consumer Act of the Philippines, you have the right to: (1) clear disclosure of all charges before you enter a subscription agreement, (2) the ability to cancel at any time without penalty beyond the current billing period, and (3) an immediate stop to charges once you request cancellation. If Storyblocks continues to charge you after you have submitted a valid cancellation request, they are in breach of this law. Furthermore, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) enforces these rights, and you can file a complaint with the DTI if Storyblocks refuses to honour your cancellation.
In practice, this means: (1) Storyblocks must stop charging you by the next billing cycle after you cancel, (2) they cannot charge you early if you attempt to cancel near your renewal date, and (3) they cannot require you to provide a reason for cancellation or lock your account. Yafee advises all clients to document their cancellation request (take a screenshot of your confirmation) so you have proof if a dispute arises later.
What happens if Storyblocks refuses to cancel or continues to charge
If you submit a cancellation request and Storyblocks continues to charge you after your current billing period ends, you have a clear legal basis for a refund claim. Document everything: your cancellation email, the date you sent it, and the bank statements showing unauthorised charges. Contact Storyblocks support directly and request a refund in writing. If they decline, you can escalate to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the Philippines. The DTI has the authority to investigate complaints about unfair billing practices and can order Storyblocks to issue refunds or face penalties.
You also have the right to dispute the charge with your credit card company or bank. Your bank can reverse charges if you report them as unauthorised within 60 days of the transaction. This is your last resort, but it is a powerful tool if Storyblocks ignores your cancellation request. Yafee recommends always attempting cancellation through official channels first, but do not hesitate to use your bank's dispute process if the company does not respond.
Step-by-step: how to cancel Storyblocks on the web and mobile
Storyblocks offers multiple cancellation methods depending on your device and account type. Follow the method that matches your situation.
Cancel on the Storyblocks website (desktop or mobile browser)
This is the fastest and most reliable method.
- Log in to your Storyblocks account at storyblocks.com.
- Use the email and password you set when you signed up.
- If you forgot your password, click "Forgot password?" and follow the reset email sent to your inbox.
- Click your account icon (top-right corner) or menu button (three horizontal lines on mobile).
- On desktop, look for a profile icon or "Account" link.
- On mobile, the icon is usually in the top-right or bottom-right corner.
- Select "Account settings" or "Settings".
- This opens your account dashboard where all billing and subscription options are managed.
- Navigate to "Subscription" or "Billing" (the exact label depends on Storyblocks' current interface).
- You will see your current plan, next billing date, and payment method.
- Look for a "Cancel subscription" or "Manage plan" button.
- Click this button to start the cancellation process.
- Storyblocks will ask why you are cancelling. Select the reason that best applies to you (or choose "Other").
- Your answer does not affect your cancellation; it only helps Storyblocks improve their service.
- Confirm the cancellation by clicking "Yes, cancel my subscription" or similar language.
- You will receive an immediate confirmation on screen and a confirmation email within minutes.
- Screenshot the confirmation page and save the email for your records.
- If a dispute arises later, you will need proof that you cancelled on a specific date.
Cancel via email if the website method fails
If you cannot find the cancellation button on your account or the website method does not work, you can request cancellation by email. This method is slower but legally valid.
- Open your email and compose a new message to [email protected].
- Use the email address associated with your Storyblocks account (this is important for verification).
- Write a clear cancellation request in the subject line.
- Use: "Cancellation request for [your email address] - Storyblocks subscription".
- In the email body, include the following information:
- Your full name (as it appears on your account).
- Your Storyblocks email address.
- Your current subscription plan (e.g., "Essentials Monthly").
- The date you would like the cancellation to take effect (typically the end of your current billing period).
- A simple statement: "I request immediate cancellation of my Storyblocks subscription effective [date]."
- Send the email and wait for a response within 24-48 hours.
- Storyblocks support typically replies from [email protected] or a support team address.
- Save the confirmation email in a folder labelled "Subscriptions" or "Cancellations" for your records.
- If you are ever charged after this email, you have proof of your cancellation request.
Cancel through web chat (fastest immediate response)
Storyblocks offers live chat support on their website during business hours. This method gives you an immediate response.
- Visit storyblocks.com and log in to your account.
- Look for a chat icon (usually a speech bubble) in the bottom-right corner of the page.
- Click the chat icon to open the support window.
- If the icon is greyed out, chat support is temporarily unavailable; use email instead.
- Type: "I would like to cancel my subscription" and provide your email address when prompted.
- Be direct and clear; support agents are trained to process cancellations quickly.
- Follow the agent's instructions to confirm your cancellation.
- They may ask which plan you are on and when you want cancellation to take effect.
- Screenshot the chat transcript before closing the window.
- Chat sessions sometimes disappear from your account history, so a screenshot is your backup proof.
What to do immediately after you cancel Storyblocks
Cancellation does not happen instantly in all cases, and there are important steps you must take to protect yourself.
Verify that your cancellation was processed
Within 2-3 hours of cancelling, log back into your Storyblocks account and check your subscription status. You should see one of the following messages: "Your subscription is cancelled" or "Your access ends on [date]." If your account still shows an active subscription or your status is unclear, email [email protected] again with your confirmation number and ask for written confirmation that your account is flagged for cancellation.
Monitor your bank statement for 30 days
Even after cancellation, you may be charged once more if your renewal date falls before the system fully processes your request. Check your credit card or bank statement for 5-7 days after your scheduled billing date. If you see a charge from Storyblocks, take a screenshot and contact your bank immediately to report an unauthorised charge. Yafee clients report that 1-2% of cancellations result in a surprise charge, so do not assume you are safe until 30 days have passed without a new transaction.
Update your payment method records
Remove Storyblocks from your list of active subscriptions in your bank's app or your payment card provider's dashboard. If your card issuer offers a "subscription management" feature, use it to mark Storyblocks as cancelled. This adds a layer of protection and gives your bank visibility into your cancellation date.
Delete the Storyblocks app from your phone (optional but recommended)
If you have the Storyblocks app installed on your iPhone or Android phone, delete it to avoid accidental re-signup. The app sometimes prompts returning users to reactivate their account, which can lead to confusion or unwanted charges. Deleting the app eliminates this risk.
Refunds: what you can claim and what you cannot
Storyblocks does not offer refunds for partial months or unused plan time. This is standard in the software-as-a-service industry and is disclosed in their terms of service. However, there are specific situations where you can claim a refund under Philippine law.
Situations where you can request a refund
You are entitled to a refund if: (1) you were charged after you submitted a valid cancellation request, (2) a charge was made without your authorisation (e.g., fraud, stolen card), (3) you were not clearly informed of the subscription cost before signing up, or (4) the service has been unavailable or broken for an extended period (more than 30 days without access to the library).
Contact Storyblocks support with a clear refund request. Include the date you cancelled, the date you were charged, and the amount. If Storyblocks refuses, you can escalate to your bank and request a chargeback. The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) can also investigate if you file a formal complaint, though this process takes 30-90 days.
What you cannot claim
You cannot claim a refund simply because you changed your mind, downloaded only a few items, or found a cheaper service. You also cannot claim a refund for the full month if you cancel mid-cycle; your access continues until the end of the billing period, and the charge is already earned by Storyblocks. These limitations are fair and reflect how subscription services work globally.
Common mistakes to avoid when cancelling
Most cancellation problems are preventable. Cancelling a subscription is straightforward, but a few small errors can leave you vulnerable to surprise charges or locked accounts.
Mistake 1: assuming the account deactivates automatically after you stop logging in
This is the most common error. Storyblocks does not automatically cancel inactive accounts. Your subscription renews on schedule regardless of whether you log in or download anything. The only way to stop charges is to cancel through the methods described above. Do not rely on inactivity to end the service.
Mistake 2: cancelling close to your renewal date and not confirming
If you cancel one or two days before your renewal date, the system may process your cancellation after the charge goes through. Always cancel at least 5-7 days before your next billing date, and wait for written confirmation before assuming you are safe. Check your email for the confirmation message, and screenshot it.
Mistake 3: submitting multiple cancellation requests
If you email support and also try to cancel via the website, you may end up with conflicting requests that confuse the system. Stick to one method. If you cancel on the website, do not email support unless the website method fails. If you email support, wait for a response before trying the website method.
Mistake 4: forgetting to check your statement for 30 days after cancelling
A surprising number of cancelled accounts generate one final charge after the cancellation is processed. If you do not monitor your statement, you may miss a disputable charge and lose the right to claim it back. Set a phone reminder to check your statement two weeks and four weeks after cancelling.
Mistake 5: not saving your cancellation confirmation
Proof is everything. If you ever dispute a charge or file a complaint with the DTI, you will need evidence that you cancelled. Screenshots, emails, and chat transcripts are all valid proof. Store these files in a safe location (Google Drive, OneDrive, or a backup email folder) for at least one year after cancellation.
Quick comparison: cancel vs. keep Storyblocks
This table helps you decide whether cancellation is right for your situation.
| Situation |
Annual cost (PHP) |
Recommendation |
Action |
| Using Essentials, downloading 1-2 items per month |
PHP 20,160 |
Cancel |
One-time purchases are cheaper |
| Using Small Business, downloading 10+ items per month |
PHP 40,320 |
Keep |
Subscription pays for itself |
| Using Essentials, cancelled 3 months in |
PHP 5,040 (3 months) |
Cancel |
No ongoing commitment |
| Using annual plan, 6 months remaining |
PHP 8,400 (6 months) |
Keep until expiry |
Cancelling mid-cycle gives no refund |
| Using Unlimited All Access, active studio |
PHP 43,680 |
Keep |
Professional use justifies cost |
| Using Essentials, project ended, no future plans |
PHP 1,680 (monthly) |
Cancel |
No reason to continue |
How to contact Storyblocks support if cancellation fails
If your cancellation is not processed within 48 hours or if you encounter any errors, contact Storyblocks directly using the methods below.
Official Storyblocks contact information
The primary and only publicly available contact method for Storyblocks (operated by Footage Firm, Inc.) is email support. Send your enquiry to: [email protected]. Include your full name, account email address, and a clear description of your issue. Support typically responds within 24 hours during US business hours (Monday to Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM Eastern Time). Yafee strongly recommends using the web chat feature on the Storyblocks website if you need a faster response, as chat agents can process cancellations immediately.
Note: Storyblocks does not publish a physical mailing address for customer service in the Philippines or elsewhere. All support is handled through email and web chat. If you need to escalate a billing dispute, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) can investigate complaints against Storyblocks on your behalf, though this is a slower process than direct contact with the company.
Final checklist before you assume you are cancelled
Use this checklist to confirm your cancellation is complete and safe.
- You have received a confirmation email or screenshot from Storyblocks confirming your cancellation request.
- Your Storyblocks account dashboard shows "Subscription cancelled" or "Access ends on [date]".
- You have saved the confirmation email and any cancellation screenshots in a secure location (Google Drive, OneDrive, or external hard drive).
- You have checked your credit card or bank statement 5-7 days after your scheduled renewal date and confirmed no charge appeared.
- You have waited 30 days from the cancellation date without seeing any new charges from Storyblocks.
- If you requested a refund, you have a copy of the refund request email and Storyblocks' response.
- You have marked Storyblocks as "cancelled" in your bank's subscription management tool (if available).
What yafee can do for you if Storyblocks refuses to cancel
If you have followed all the steps above and Storyblocks continues to charge you without processing your cancellation, Yafee can help you navigate the dispute process. Yafee specializes in subscription cancellation disputes and has helped thousands of consumers in the Philippines recover unauthorised charges from digital services. Yafee can assist you in drafting a formal complaint to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), guide you through a bank chargeback process, and ensure you have all the documentation needed to win a dispute. Visit Yafee.com to learn more about how Yafee can advocate on your behalf if a company fails to honour your cancellation request.
Cancelling Storyblocks is a straightforward process when you follow the official methods and keep careful records. Do not let inaction result in unwanted charges. Yafee has helped thousands of consumers cancel subscriptions and recover refunds from companies that tried to delay or deny their requests. Take action today, confirm your cancellation within 48 hours, and monitor your statement for 30 days. If anything goes wrong, Yafee is here to help you enforce your legal rights under the Consumer Act of the Philippines.