Manage Storyblocks

How to cancel your storyblocks subscription in south africa

Understanding storyblocks and why you might want to cancel

Storyblocks is a subscription service that gives you access to royalty-free video clips, music tracks, stock images, templates and creative assets for your projects. You pay a monthly or annual fee to download and use content under their licensing terms.

If you've decided to cancel your Storyblocks subscription, you're taking control of your spending and making space for services that better suit your needs. At Stopee, we understand that subscriptions can add up fast, and we're here to help you navigate the cancellation process with confidence and clarity.

How storyblocks licensing works

When you pay for a subscription, you receive a license to download and use content during your active billing period. The assets you download while subscribed remain yours to use under Storyblocks' licensing agreement, even after you cancel. This means your creative projects stay intact and usable.

Why cancellation timing matters

Storyblocks charges you on a recurring cycle. If you cancel too late, you'll be charged for the next billing period. Stopee recommends cancelling at least 48 hours before your renewal date to avoid unexpected charges. Check your billing date now so you can plan your cancellation window.

Your consumer rights in south africa

South Africa's Consumer Protection Act (CPA) gives you strong protections when cancelling subscriptions. You have the right to cancel service agreements within a reasonable timeframe and to receive clear information about cancellation terms.

What the CPA says about subscriptions

Under the CPA, Storyblocks must provide you with transparent cancellation information at the point of sale. They cannot hide cancellation steps or make the process deliberately difficult. If Storyblocks fails to honour the cancellation or charges you after you've cancelled, you have grounds to escalate to the National Consumer Commission.

Escalation options if storyblocks refuses to cancel

If Storyblocks doesn't process your cancellation or continues charging you after you cancel, contact the National Consumer Commission (NCC). Stopee advises keeping records of your cancellation attempts and any follow-up emails. The NCC can investigate complaints and force Storyblocks to refund you if they've violated consumer law.

How to cancel storyblocks: step-by-step methods

Your cancellation process depends entirely on where you originally subscribed. If you signed up directly on the Storyblocks website, you cancel through their account settings. If you subscribed via Apple App Store or Google Play, you cancel through that platform instead.

Cancel directly via the storyblocks website

If you paid Storyblocks directly through their website, follow these steps to cancel your subscription:

1. Go to the Storyblocks website (storyblocks.com) and log into your account using your email and password.
2. Click on your account name or profile icon in the top right corner.
3. Select Account Settings or Billing and Subscriptions from the dropdown menu.
4. Find your active subscription plan and click the Cancel Subscription button.
5. Read the cancellation details carefully. Storyblocks will confirm that your access continues until the end of your current billing cycle.
6. Click Confirm Cancellation to complete the process.
7. You should receive a cancellation confirmation email within minutes.

Pro tip: Take a screenshot of your confirmation screen and save the confirmation email. If Storyblocks charges you again, you'll have proof of cancellation.

Warning: Cancellation takes effect immediately, but you keep access until your paid period ends. Do not assume your access ends the moment you cancel, or you may download important assets during your remaining time.

Cancel via apple app store (iOS)

If you subscribed to Storyblocks through an Apple device, Apple handles your billing and you cancel through Apple's system, not Storyblocks' website:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad.
2. Tap your name at the top of the screen.
3. Select Subscriptions.
4. Find and tap Storyblocks in the list.
5. Tap Cancel Subscription.
6. Follow Apple's prompts to confirm the cancellation.
7. Apple sends you a confirmation email immediately.

Pro tip: Apple often offers a cancellation discount (like a week free or a discount to resubscribe later). Read the offer carefully, but only use it if you genuinely plan to continue. Otherwise, confirm the cancellation without the offer.

Warning: Apple controls your refund eligibility, not Storyblocks. If you believe you're entitled to a refund, contact Apple directly through Settings > [Your Name] > iTunes & App Store > [Your Apple ID] > View Apple ID > Purchase history.

Cancel via google play store (Android)

If you subscribed to Storyblocks on an Android phone or tablet, Google handles your subscription and you cancel through Google Play, not Storyblocks:

1. Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.
2. Tap your profile icon in the top right corner.
3. Select Payments and subscriptions.
4. Tap Subscriptions.
5. Find and tap Storyblocks.
6. Select Cancel subscription.
7. Confirm your cancellation when prompted.
8. Google sends a confirmation email to your account.

Pro tip: Google Play often shows you your cancellation date and remaining access period. Screenshot this screen to confirm your access timeline.

Warning: Google controls your refund, not Storyblocks. App Store refunds are typically only available within 48 hours of purchase and only if no content has been downloaded. Act quickly if you think you qualify.

What happens immediately after you cancel

Cancelling Storyblocks stops future charges, but your access continues until your current billing period ends. This is the most important thing to understand: you do not lose access the moment you click cancel.

Your access during the notice period

You can continue downloading content, using Storyblocks tools like the Maker, and accessing your account until your billing cycle expires. Use this remaining time wisely-download any assets you might need later, because access ends completely after the final day of your paid period.

What happens to content you've already downloaded

Every asset you downloaded while your subscription was active remains yours to use under Storyblocks' license terms. You don't lose access to downloaded files or projects you created. Storyblocks cannot revoke your license to content you've already downloaded, even after cancellation.

Your account and saved projects

Your Storyblocks account stays active (unless you explicitly delete it) and you can view your download history and past projects. If you ever resubscribe, your account will be ready with all your history intact. Consider keeping your account open for 30 days after cancellation so you can retrieve any files or confirm all your projects are saved.

Storyblocks refunds and billing: what you should know

Refunds are the most misunderstood part of cancelling subscriptions. Storyblocks has a strict refund policy, but your location (South Africa) and refund laws give you some leverage.

Storyblocks' standard refund policy

Storyblocks does not offer prorated refunds for unused time. If you cancel on day 5 of a 30-day cycle, you do not receive a refund for the remaining 25 days. This is their official stance. However, Storyblocks may make exceptions if you have not downloaded any content since paying.

Contact Storyblocks support directly and ask: "I've cancelled my subscription and downloaded no content. Can you process a refund for my unused days?" Frame it as a courtesy request, not a demand. You may be surprised by their response.

Refunds for app store and google play purchases

If you subscribed through Apple or Google, their refund policies override Storyblocks' policy. Apple typically grants refunds within 48 hours of purchase if you request it immediately and have not downloaded content. Google Play has similar rules but may be stricter.

To request a refund from Apple, go to Settings > [Your Name] > iTunes & Account > Purchase History, find Storyblocks, tap it, and select Report a Problem. For Google Play, open the app, go to your profile, tap Payments and subscriptions > Subscriptions > Storyblocks > Manage > Report an issue, and explain your request.

Refunds under south african law

South Africa's Consumer Protection Act gives you the right to cancel service agreements and demand a refund if the service has not been delivered fairly. While Storyblocks' policy says no refunds, the CPA may override this if you can argue that the subscription did not deliver its intended value.

This is rare and requires evidence, but Stopee recommends keeping detailed records of your usage and any technical issues. If Storyblocks crashed, did not allow downloads, or performed poorly during your billing period, you have grounds for a refund complaint with the National Consumer Commission.

Storyblocks pricing and subscription plans

Understanding Storyblocks' pricing helps you decide if cancellation is the right choice and when to cancel to minimize costs.

Note: Pricing in South Africa may vary. Check storyblocks.com for current ZAR rates. Many users find the Creator (Unlimited) plan offers the best value if they download regularly, but the Starter plan works fine if you only need a few assets per month.

Common mistakes people make when cancelling storyblocks

Cancellation sounds simple, but many users stumble because they don't match their cancellation method to their original subscription source.

Mistake 1: cancelling in the wrong place

The most common error is trying to cancel on the Storyblocks website when you actually subscribed through Apple or Google. If you subscribed via App Store, cancelling on Storyblocks' website does nothing. Your subscription keeps renewing because Apple still has your payment method. You must cancel where you subscribed.

Mistake 2: missing the 48-hour cancellation window

Storyblocks charges you on a specific date each month. If you cancel less than 48 hours before that date, you will be charged for the next cycle. Set a phone reminder for 3 days before your renewal date so you have a safety buffer.

Mistake 3: assuming cancellation means immediate access loss

Many people panic after cancelling because they think their access ends immediately. It doesn't. You keep full access until the end of your paid period. Download any remaining assets you need during this grace period.

Mistake 4: deleting your account instead of cancelling

Cancelling your subscription is not the same as deleting your account. If you delete your account before cancelling, you might not be able to process the cancellation or retrieve your download history. Always cancel first, then (optionally) delete your account 30 days later.

Mistake 5: not keeping cancellation proof

If Storyblocks charges you after you cancel (which happens to some users), you need proof of cancellation. Save your confirmation email and take screenshots of your account settings showing no active subscription.

Your cancellation checklist

Use this checklist to ensure you cancel correctly and protect yourself:

• Identify where you subscribed (Storyblocks website, Apple App Store, or Google Play).
• Note your billing date and cancel at least 48 hours before renewal.
• Log in to the correct platform (Storyblocks, Apple, or Google) to cancel.
• Follow the cancellation steps carefully and confirm each step.
• Save your cancellation confirmation email and take a screenshot of the confirmation.
• Download any remaining assets you need before your access expires.
• Check your bank or payment method 10 days after cancellation to confirm no charge appears.
• If you're charged again, contact Storyblocks support immediately with your cancellation proof.
• If Storyblocks refuses to refund, file a complaint with the National Consumer Commission.
• Consider deleting your account 30 days after cancellation if you don't plan to resubscribe.

When to keep storyblocks and when to cancel

Cancellation is right for you if you rarely download assets, can find free alternatives, or have moved to a different creative platform. But Stopee also believes in helping you make an informed choice, so here's an honest comparison:

Contacting storyblocks support and escalation

If you run into problems during cancellation or believe you deserve a refund, Storyblocks has a support team. However, Stopee recommends trying the self-service cancellation first, as it's faster and clearer.

How to contact storyblocks

Visit the Storyblocks help centre at help.storyblocks.com and search for "cancel subscription." You can also email support through your account dashboard. Be specific about your issue: whether you've cancelled but been charged, or you need help with the cancellation process itself.

Escalation to the national consumer commission

If Storyblocks refuses to honour your cancellation or process a refund you believe you're entitled to under South African law, file a complaint with the National Consumer Commission (NCC). The NCC investigates subscription disputes and can compel Storyblocks to refund you and pay penalties. Visit ncc.org.za to lodge a complaint online.

Stopping unauthorized charges

If Storyblocks charges you after cancellation, contact your bank or payment provider immediately and dispute the charge. Most South African banks can reverse unauthorized subscription charges within 30 days if you can prove you cancelled. Stopee advises acting fast-the sooner you dispute, the faster your money returns.

Why stopee helps you cancel with confidence

Cancelling subscriptions shouldn't feel stressful or confusing. At Stopee, we've helped thousands of consumers navigate cancellation processes across dozens of services, and we know the traps companies hide and the rights you actually have.

This guide gives you the exact steps to cancel Storyblocks, the laws that protect you, and the proof you need if something goes wrong. Stopee believes every consumer deserves to cancel quickly, keep their money, and move on without frustration.

Next steps: cancel confidently with stopee

You now have all the information you need. Choose your cancellation method based on where you subscribed, follow the steps carefully, and save your confirmation. If you face any resistance, Stopee's guides on consumer rights and escalation will back you up.

Cancellation is your right. Stopee is here to help you exercise it.

Storyblocks corporate contact information

If you need to send formal cancellation correspondence or lodge a complaint by mail, use this address:

Storyblocks (Footage Firm Inc.)
[Corporate headquarters address]
[City, Country]

For immediate cancellation, use the methods above (web, Apple, or Google). For escalation complaints, contact the National Consumer Commission or your bank first, then use this address if formal written correspondence is needed.