How to Use the AI Video Cost Calculator
This free tool helps you compare AI video generation costs across all major platforms in three simple steps:
- Enter Your Video Requirements: Specify duration (5-120 seconds), resolution (480p/720p/1080p), and quantity
- Choose Calculation Mode: Select single project, batch production, or monthly budget planning
- View Results: See instant cost comparisons, visual charts, and personalized recommendations
Pro Tip: Enable "Include Iteration Cost" to see real-world project costs, accounting for the 3-5 generations typically needed per usable video. This reveals the true cost difference between platforms - especially important when comparing image-to-video vs text-to-video approaches.
AI Video Generation Platform Comparison
Cost Overview (10-Second 720p Video)
Our calculator compares pricing across these platforms:
- Framepack: $1.36 - Best for brand consistency and I2V projects
- Pika Labs: $0.14-0.50 - Most affordable for experimentation
- HeyGen: $0.30 - Specialized for avatar/talking head videos
- Kling AI: $0.90 - High-quality T2V alternative to Sora
- Runway Gen-3: $0.50 - Professional cinematic quality
- VEED.IO: Subscription-based - Offers Sora access workaround
- Sora 2: $1.00-5.00 (est.) - Invite-only, pricing undisclosed
Key Finding: Platform choice depends more on your use case than raw cost. Image-to-video (Framepack) vs. text-to-video (Runway/Kling) fundamentally changes project workflows. Read our Framepack vs Sora comparison to understand the accessibility vs. quality tradeoff.
How AI Video Pricing Works
Credit Systems vs. Subscriptions
Credit-Based Pricing (Framepack, Runway, Kling AI)
- Pay per video generated
- Costs scale with video duration and resolution
- Best for irregular or project-based usage
- Advantage: No monthly commitment
- Disadvantage: Can be expensive at high volumes
Subscription Pricing (HeyGen, VEED.IO)
- Fixed monthly fee
- Included generation quota
- Best for regular, predictable usage
- Advantage: Predictable costs
- Disadvantage: Wasted quota if underused
Hidden Costs to Watch For
1. Iteration Tax (Biggest Hidden Cost): Users typically need 3-5 generations per usable video. Effective cost = Advertised cost × 3-5. Our calculator includes an "iteration tax" toggle to show real costs.
2. Credit Expiration: Some platforms expire unused credits (90 days common). Framepack credits never expire (major advantage).
3. Resolution Upgrade Fees: Moving from 720p to 1080p can cost 1.5-2x more. Not all platforms support all resolutions.
Cost Optimization Strategies for AI Video Generation
1. Choosing the Right Resolution
- 480p: 33% cheaper than 720p. Use for social media shorts, rapid prototyping, low-res thumbnails
- 720p: Sweet spot for most use cases. Balance of quality and cost
- 1080p: 33% more expensive than 720p. Worth it for final versions only, not iterative drafts
Strategy: Prototype in 480p, finalize in 720p/1080p
2. Platform-Specific Tips
- Framepack: Use image-to-video for brand consistency (avoids iteration tax). Buy larger packs for bulk projects (credits never expire)
- Runway: Subscribe for regular use (better than credits). Use Gen-3 Turbo for faster, cheaper generations
- Kling AI: Take advantage of recent 30% price drop. Use for high-quality T2V where Sora unavailable
- Pika Labs: Best for experimentation and iteration. Use free tier to test, upgrade for serious projects
Real-World AI Video Cost Examples
Scenario 1: E-commerce Product Demo Series
Project: 100 product videos, 10 seconds each, 720p
Requirement: Consistent branding, product rotation/zoom
Best Choice: Framepack ($136.00 total)
- Why: Image-to-video ensures visual consistency
- Workflow: Product photo → Framepack animation
- Iteration tax: Low (input image controls output)
- Time estimate: 2-3 hours for 100 videos
ROI: If each video drives 5 conversions @ $50 average order = $25,000 revenue vs. $136 cost = 18,382% ROI
Scenario 2: Social Media Content Series
Project: 500 short clips, 5 seconds each, 720p
Requirement: Creative variety, trending styles
Best Choice: Pika Labs Unlimited ($35/month)
- Why: Unlimited generations for experimentation
- Workflow: Text prompts → rapid iteration
- Cost per video: $0.07 (amortized)
- Time estimate: 10-15 hours for 500 videos (with iteration)
Scenario 3: Marketing Campaign
Project: 50 high-quality ads, 20 seconds each, 1080p
Requirement: Professional quality, specific shot sequences
Best Choice: Runway Gen-3 Alpha ($50 total)
- Why: Professional cinematic quality
- Workflow: Detailed text prompts + shot composition
- Iteration tax: Medium (3-4 generations per final)
- Time estimate: 15-20 hours for 50 videos
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which AI video generator has the lowest cost per second?
Pika Labs offers the lowest cost at $0.01-0.02/second with their subscription plans. However, "cheapest" depends on your usage:
- Occasional use (1-10 videos/month): Framepack ($0.09-0.14/sec) - No subscription, credits never expire
- Regular use (50-100 videos/month): Pika Unlimited ($35/mo) - Effectively $0.007-0.014/sec
- High volume (500+ videos/month): HeyGen Business ($89/mo) - Best for avatar content
2. Is Framepack cheaper than Runway for batch generation?
It depends on the resolution and volume. For 720p (100 videos, 30s each):
- Framepack: $136.00 (pay-as-you-go, no expiration)
- Runway: $50.00 (with subscription or bulk credits)
However, Framepack advantages:
- Credits never expire (Runway credits expire after 90 days)
- Image-to-video = lower iteration tax (3-5x cost multiplier avoided)
- No subscription lock-in
Verdict: Runway cheaper for pure T2V bulk generation, Framepack better for I2V and irregular usage.
3. Do AI video credits expire?
Expiration policies vary by platform:
- ✓ Never Expire: Framepack - Credits valid indefinitely
- ⚠️ Expiration Policies: Kling AI - 90 days after purchase; Pika Labs - Monthly quota resets (subscription model)
Recommendation: For irregular usage, prioritize platforms with no expiration. For regular usage, subscription models offer better value despite monthly resets.
4. How accurate is this cost calculator?
Our calculator uses:
- ✓ Official pricing from vendor websites (verified monthly)
- ✓ Real-world cost data from user reports
- ✓ Dynamic Framepack pricing from Creem API
- ✓ Transparent calculation formulas
Accuracy: ±5% for credit-based platforms, ±10% for subscription estimates
Last Updated: October 13, 2025
Disclaimer: Platform prices subject to change. Always verify on official vendor sites before purchasing.
5. Which platform offers the best value for money?
"Best value" depends on your use case:
- Brand Consistency Projects: Framepack (I2V reduces iteration waste)
- Creative Experimentation: Pika Labs (low cost enables iteration)
- Professional Campaigns: Runway (quality justifies premium)
- Avatar Content: HeyGen (specialized tooling)
Overall Value Leader: Framepack for transparent pricing, no expiration, and I2V workflow efficiency
6. Does Sora 2 have transparent pricing yet?
No. As of October 2025:
- Status: Invite-only, US/Canada iOS users only
- Pricing: Undisclosed (estimated $0.10-0.50/second)
- Timeline: No public roadmap for broader access
Alternatives while waiting: VEED.IO (offers Sora access through subscription), Kling AI (top Sora alternative with transparent pricing), Runway (professional quality with clear costs)
Learn more about why Framepack is available today while Sora remains waitlisted.
