Video Production Cost & Pricing Guide (With 10 Hacks To Reduce Costs)

You finally get the go-ahead to create video content to promote your business. That's great! But then, the internal conversations turn to video production costs. What will this project set us back? How can we make it as affordable as possible? Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer to these questions. The cost of video content creation can vary significantly based on various factors, including the type of video, the level of quality desired, the details of the project, and how the process is organized. 

This article will break down the many elements of video production costs so you can better understand what to expect before starting your next video project. 

When you partner with an experienced video marketing agency like Moonb, you can better understand what your specific project will entail. They will help you develop a plan to create engaging, high-quality video content and give you insight into the costs associated with your production before you even get started.

What’s Video Production In Marketing?

Video production refers to crafting visual media that communicates messages, tells stories, or conveys information through moving images, sound, and other multimedia elements. This process typically involves multiple stages, such as planning, filming, editing, and distributing the videos across platforms like: 

• YouTube
• Instagram
• TikTok

The type of video content can vary, from simple smartphone recordings to professionally produced animations or films, depending on the creator's goals, audience, and available resources. In today’s digital environment, video content has become a key asset for businesses, brands, and individual creators who want to engage their audiences online effectively. 

The Growing Role of Video Content in Marketing and SEO Strategies

According to a report by NogenTech, 91% of marketing departments will incorporate video content into their strategies by 2023. This massive growth in video content creation is tied to the rising demand for short-form video, popularized by platforms like:

• TikTok
• Instagram Reels
• YouTube Shorts

Video has become a key component of online searches. 62% of Google searches now include video results, and 80% of those videos originate from YouTube. This trend emphasizes the importance of video in search engine optimization (SEO) and user engagement. Whether you're an entrepreneur, marketer, or creative individual looking to share your stories with the world, mastering the art and science of video creation is essential for success in the digital age. 

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The 5 Stages Of Video Production

1. Planning & Development: The Foundation of Your Project

The first stage of video production involves defining the overall vision and goals for the video. Key questions are answered, such as the video’s purpose, the target audience, and how to convey the message best. This phase allows for creative brainstorming around style and format—whether the video will be live-action or animated, polished or raw, and which platforms it will appear on, such as Instagram or TikTok. 

Practical considerations like budget, resources, and potential challenges are also addressed. By the end of this stage, you should have a clear outline or brief, which will guide the rest of the production. 

2. Pre-Production: The Planning Phase

In pre-production, the planning becomes more concrete. This phase focuses on the logistics, including hiring talent and crew, budgeting, and scouting locations. It’s a time to finalize the technical details, such as storyboards, shot lists, and production schedules. 

At this stage, teams also start working on visualizing the shoot, often using tools like 3D software to pre-visualize the sets and lighting. Many challenges are addressed and resolved during this phase, ensuring a smoother shoot later.

3. Production: The Filming Stage

Production is the actual filming or creation of the video. With the planning done, this stage focuses on capturing all the footage according to the script and storyboard. This phase is highly controlled to ensure everything runs smoothly and stays within the set time frame, as talent and crew are typically on a tight schedule. Despite all the preparation, unforeseen challenges, like weather issues or underwhelming performances, may arise that require quick problem-solving on set.

4. Post-Production: The Magic Stage

Post-production is where the raw footage comes to life. This phase includes editing, color correction, sound design, and adding visual effects or motion graphics. Post-production also offers opportunities to repurpose footage, allowing you to create multiple versions for different platforms from a single shoot. It’s a blend of creativity and fine-tuning to ensure the final video looks and sounds professional and aligns with the project’s goals. 

5. Marketing & Distribution: The Final Stage

The final phase involves getting the video in front of the right audience. With modern tools, marketing, and distribution are data-driven, allowing for precise targeting. Platforms are chosen based on the audience’s preferences, and video content is optimized for each platform’s specific requirements. This phase also involves monitoring the campaign’s performance, tweaking the content as needed, and ensuring that key performance indicators (KPIs) are met.   

Subscription-Based Video Production: A Flexible Alternative to Traditional Models

Moonb is a video marketing agency offering unlimited video editing subscriptions. We offer seamless project management integration via:

• Trello
• Slack
• MS Teams 

We also have weekly strategy calls and a contract-free, full-service production approach. Moonb is a superior alternative to:

• Traditional video agencies
• Freelancers
• In-house production team

Our flexible, subscription-based model, combined with our expertise in creating compelling video content, positions us as the ideal partner for companies looking to elevate their marketing and educational initiatives through the power of video. Start a 3-day free trial to take your content to the next level.

Video Production Cost, How Much Does It Cost To Produce A Video?

Video production companies charge between $100 and $149 per hour for their services. This hourly rate typically covers equipment rental, labor costs for the production crew, editing, and post-production work. However, the typical costs can vary significantly depending on factors such as:

• The complexity of the video project
• Location
• Equipment needed
• The expertise of the video production company

Also, while hourly rates are familiar, many video production companies offer package deals. These packages often include a set number of hours or days of production and specific services such as:

• Scripting
• Shooting
• Editing
• Delivering the final product

How Video Production Costs Vary By Video Style

How much does video production cost, depending on production style? The options are diverse, from having a video production company film your presenter doing live demonstrations to making short slideshow presentations with professional design and narration.

Live Demos and Tutorial Videos

Whether the presenter is a professional speaker or an actor, video production rates for a live-action product demo are between $1,000 and $3,000 per minute.

Digital Demo and Tutorial Videos

Options often include doing essential screen recordings or using an AI avatar to make the information more accessible and the presentation friendlier. Digital video production pricing starts at around $18 per 10 minutes of video. 

2D Vector Animations

Options vary from simple designs to more custom animations with detailed graphics, and the technique is moderately expensive. Video production rates for an average custom 2D vector animation are $7,000 to $20,000+ per minute. 

Whiteboard Animation Videos 

Options vary from simple software-generated animations to digitized, complex artist hand drawings. While less expensive than 2D animation, whiteboard animation can cost, depending on video requirements, from $1,500 to 15,000 per minute. 

Motion Graphics

Options vary from basic motion graphics to high-quality, more complex projects, so you'll need a video budget from $500 to $10,000+ per minute. 

Slideshow Presentations

This technique is the least expensive but the most limited, whether you’re looking for introductory presentations with auto-generated narration or professionally produced video design and narration. Prices vary from $100-$500 for a 10-slide presentation design. 

Types Of Video Production And Their Pricing

Different types of video production have varying costs: 

Explainer Videos

• $500 - $2000+ per minute, depending on:some text
  • Voice-over quality
  • Animation or live-action footage
  • Scriptwriting
  • Editing

Educational Videos

• $2,000 - $10,000 per minute, including: some text
  • Research and quality content development
  • Hiring subject matter experts
  • Graphics

How-to Videos

• $300 - $3,000 per minute, depending on:some text
  • Length
  • Production quality
  • Whether you’re using existing environments and tools

Instructional Videos

• $1,500 - $10,000 per minute, covering:some text
  • Instructors
  • Scriptwriting
  • Possibly animation or graphic overlays

Tutorial Videos

•  <$100 - $5,000 per minute, depending on: some text
  • Length
  • Quality
  • Whether it’s exclusively:some text
    • Software-based (screen recording)
    • Physical tasks (live filming)

Documentaries

• $1,000 - $10,000+ per minute, including:some text
  • Research
  • Travel
  • Filming equipment
  • Licenses and fees for archival footage
  • Editing

- Training Videos

• $1,000 - $10,000 per minute, depending on:some text
  • Trainer fees
  • Subject complexity
  • Quality of visuals
  • Use of interactive elements. 

Lecture Videos

• $500 - $5,000+ per minute: some text
  • Covering the venue (if filmed in a lecture hall)
  • Possible use of multiple cameras
  • Equipment for quality recording
  • Video editing
  • Audio mixing

Marketing Videos

• $2,500 - $50,000+ per minute, including:some text
  • Story development
  • Scriptwriting
  • Actors
  • Voice-over talent
  • Location fees
  • Filming equipment
  • Post-production (editing, graphics)
  • Video marketing strategy.

What Factors Impact Video Production Cost

What type of video do you want to produce? An animated video explaining your business requires different production skills than a cinematic commercial with actors. The higher-quality video you need, the more you can expect to spend. Spend time identifying the type of video that can best tell your brand story. In this way, you are wisely investing your money to create the most engaging outcome.

Duration: How Long Will Your Video Be?

The crew and equipment will be the same whether you are creating a one or five-minute video. The cost will only significantly affect this factor if you compare a feature film with short, branded content.

Pre-Production: Get Organized to Save

The pre-production process includes scriptwriting, location scouting, and scheduling shoots, and it can take up time and money. Many production companies offer script-writing services. But, if you’re looking to trim costs, opt for writing the script in-house. You can potentially receive script guidance from the production company you’ve hired. 

If your shoot requires you to scout a location, you must adjust your budget to include travel expenses for a scout. You can avoid this cost by hiring a local production company with options on where to film. In short, the more intense your pre-production, the more it will cost you. 

Crew: Who Will You Hire?

Production crew rates depend on the scope of your project, the type of equipment, the creator's experience, and the region. You can also hire a production company to handle the project from start to finish, costing you upwards of $3,000.

Time: How Many Days Will You Spend Shooting?

Time and day rates are linked. Day rates are high because they generally account for pre-production and the cost of gear. Most videographers charge by the day, so your video production costs will naturally increase with more shooting days. 

If you hire a videographer for half a day, they will charge you more than half their day rate to make up for lost time and money, as they could not schedule a second gig that day.

Travel Expenses: Will You Shoot Locally or Remotely?

You may spend as much money flying a production crew to the shoot location as on the production itself. Travel expenses include hotels and meals. The pandemic has also changed video production workflows. We’re moving toward a more hybrid future: a limited number of people will be on set (perhaps hired locally), and the director can manage the shoot remotely from the comfort of a home office.

Equipment: What Do You Need to Capture Great Footage?

A videographer will charge you for equipment costs even if they don’t need to rent any. But this is usually part of their daily rate. It helps protect their expensive equipment and covers the gear’s original cost. For bigger productions, a crew may need to rent film gear. Some companies will add this extra cost, while others may incorporate it in their flat-rate fee. Save money by being more flexible about your camera and gear requirements.

Post-Production: How Much Editing Will Your Video Need? 

Budget well for post-production because this is where the magic happens. Post-production includes editing, the feedback process, coloring, and grading. Editors specialize in one or the other, so you may need to hire someone for editing and another for color correction. You must budget for a motion graphics designer to elevate your story with design elements.

Save with Moonb: How Can You Reduce Costs? 

Subscribing to a creative service platform like Moonb can save you money. Moonb uses animation and storytelling to craft compelling videos, which can be just as effective and help you save on the cost of video production. 

Moonb smoothly manages your project from the initial idea to the final publication. We care for: 

• Writing
• Visuals
• Animation
• Voiceover
• Editing
• Sound
• Branding

You can participate as much as you like or let us handle everything. We'll ensure your content is perfect for any platform supporting videos.

Services That Video Production Companies Offer

Animation Services: Eye-Catching Visuals That Tell a Story

Animation services involve creating sequences or graphics to enhance the video’s visual appeal. Video production companies offer animation services, including 2D and 3D animation, to create dynamic and engaging visuals that captivate the audience on social media platforms. 

Motion Graphics: Bringing Your Video to Life 

Motion graphics services involve adding animated elements such as:

• Text
• Logos
• Visual effects to the video

Video production companies use motion graphics to convey information, highlight key points, and create visually stunning graphics that enhance the video’s overall production value. 

Scripting: Crafting Your Video’s Narrative 

Video production companies often provide scripting services to help clients develop compelling narratives and dialogue for their videos. This involves crafting a cohesive storyline and scripting dialogue that effectively communicates the intended message to the audience. 

Storyboarding: Visualizing Your Video Before Filming 

Storyboarding involves creating a visual video blueprint detailing each scene and shot sequence. Video production companies offer storyboarding services to help clients visualize the final product and ensure the creative vision is accurately translated onto the screen. 

Casting: Finding the Right Talent for Your Video 

Video production companies assist clients in casting professional actors or presenters to bring their scripts to life. This involves holding auditions, selecting suitable talent, and negotiating contracts to ensure the cast meets the project’s requirements and budget. 

Scouting Locations: Finding the Perfect Spots for Your Video 

Video production companies help clients identify and secure suitable filming locations for their video production projects. This involves: 

• Scouting potential locations
• Obtaining permits
• Coordinating logistics to ensure a smooth filming process

Filming: Capturing Dynamic Footage for Your Video 

Filming is the process of capturing video footage according to the script and storyboard. Video production companies offer filming services using professional-grade equipment and experienced crews to ensure high-quality results. 

Sound Design & Editing: Creating an Immersive Audio Experience 

Sound design and editing services enhance the video’s audio quality. The video production company will record and edit dialogue, add sound effects, and mix audio tracks to create a cohesive and immersive sound experience. The cost should include royalty-free music and voiceover talent (in-person or AI). 

Video Editing: Polishing Your Video to Perfection 

Video production companies provide editing services to assemble raw and original footage into a polished final video. This involves cutting and arranging clips, adding transitions, video style, visual effects, and text overlays, and ensuring the video flows smoothly from beginning to end. 

Professional vs. DIY Video Production Cost

Professional Video Production Costs: What to Expect

When you hire a video production company, you're paying for the expertise of professionals in different areas, including: 

• Scripting
• Shooting
• Directing
• Post-production

Using high-end cameras, lighting, sound equipment, and advanced editing tools contributes to the overall cost. A professional video production team ensures top-quality results, delivering polished and visually appealing content. These services often come with a higher price tag, especially if you require custom animations, multiple location shoots, or specific video formats tailored for platforms like television or YouTube.

DIY Video Production Costs: A More Affordable Option

On the other hand, DIY video production presents a more budget-friendly option. With high-quality cameras on smartphones and free or low-cost editing software, it’s easier than ever for individuals to produce their videos. 

This approach significantly reduces production costs, as you're not paying for specialized equipment or the expertise of a professional team. However, DIY projects can be time-consuming, as you’re responsible for all process aspects—from planning and filming to editing and sound design. The trade-off often lies in the quality of the final product. Without professional expertise, DIY videos may lack the polish and impact needed for high-level marketing or brand-building purposes.

How To Choose The Right Video Production Service

Define Your Goals: What Do You Want to Achieve with Your Video? 

Before you start researching video production services, it is crucial to define what you want to achieve with your video. Clarifying your goals will help you find a production company with the right experience to meet your needs. 

For example, are you creating a video to increase brand awareness, drive sales, or educate your audience? Each of these objectives requires a different approach, and knowing your goal will help you narrow your focus when choosing a video production service.

Research: Find the Right Fit for Your Video Project 

After defining your goals, start researching video production services. Look for companies or freelancers with a portfolio of work that aligns with your vision and objectives. Consider factors such as their expertise, experience, style, and reputation in the industry. For instance, if you're creating a corporate training video, finding a service with expertise in producing similar projects would be helpful.

Review Samples: Assess Video Quality and Production Value 

Once you have a shortlist of potential video production services, request samples of their work. Pay attention to the production quality, storytelling ability, and overall creativity. Don’t hesitate to ask for different types of projects so you can get a better sense of their range and capabilities. 

Consider Your Budget: Plan for Video Production Costs 

What’s your budget for this project? Video production costs can vary widely depending on several factors, including the type of video you’re creating, its length, and the production services you choose. Once you understand your budget, contact different video production services to inquire about their pricing and package options. 

Higher prices don’t always guarantee better quality, so choose a service that offers value within your budget. 

Communication and Collaboration: Don’t Underestimate Their Importance 

When choosing a video production service, consider how they communicate and collaborate. Do they listen to your ideas and provide valuable input? Are they responsive when you have questions? You want to work with a team that will keep you informed every step of the way and make the process as seamless as possible. 

Check References: Gauge Customer Satisfaction 

Before you sign a contract, ask for references or testimonial videos from past clients to gauge their satisfaction with the video production service. A reputable service should have positive reviews and a track record of delivering excellent results. 

Evaluate Capabilities: Ensure the Video Production Service Can Deliver on Your Vision 

Video production companies can vary widely in terms of capabilities and resources. Before making your final choice, consider their equipment, talent, and production facilities. Ensure they have the expertise and tools to effectively bring your vision to life. 

Review Contracts and Agreements: Understand the Terms Before You Commit 

Before committing to a video production service, review contracts or agreements carefully to understand the terms, deliverables, timelines, and any additional costs involved.

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Why Use Videos In Marketing

Video content has become an indispensable element of marketing campaigns, transforming how brands communicate with audiences and driving significant business growth. Since the rise of YouTube in 2005 and its acquisition by Google in 2006, video marketing has evolved rapidly. With the accessibility of video creation tools and the ubiquity of smartphones, video is now the dominant form of communication for brands aiming to engage with modern consumers. 

The pandemic further accelerated online media consumption, with video viewing surging by 215% in the U.S. Audiences in 2024 now spend an average of 17 hours per week watching videos online, underscoring the importance of incorporating video into marketing strategies. 

Video Marketing's Biggest Benefits

Encourages Social Shares

Video content is one of the most shared forms of media on social platforms. Platforms like YouTube and TikTok have thrived on video, but even platforms traditionally dominated by images and text now emphasize video, such as:

• Instagram
• X (formerly Twitter)
• Pinterest

Tweets featuring videos receive ten times more engagement, and marketers increasingly use LinkedIn videos to capture attention.

Improves SEO, Boosts Conversions and Sales

Video is an effective SEO tool, helping websites rank higher on search engines. By adding video to a webpage, marketers can enhance page quality and increase visitors’ time. This is crucial, as engagement time is a significant ranking factor for Google. Video is proven to increase conversions, with 83% of marketers reporting that it helps them generate leads. Video has also become essential throughout the sales funnel, helping sales teams connect more personally with prospects and nurture them into customers.
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Appeals to Mobile Users

With 77% of people using smartphones or tablets to watch videos, mobile users are a critical audience for marketers. Mobile video consumption is more frequent, with users 1.5 times more likely to watch video on their smartphones daily than desktops. This shift to mobile has opened new opportunities for businesses to reach consumers on the go, creating content that’s easily digestible and optimized for smaller screens.

Builds Trust and Educates Consumers

Beyond entertainment, video is a powerful tool for education and trust-building. Users increasingly prefer how-to and educational videos, which help them make informed decisions about products or services. Brands can leverage videos that humanize the brand and offer:

• Tutorials
• Product demonstrations
• Customer testimonials
• Behind-the-scenes looks

Authenticity is key here, as consumers, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, prefer real, unpolished videos over highly produced content.

Influencer Marketing and Personal Connections

The growth of influencer marketing, from $9.7 billion in 2020 to an estimated $24 billion in 2024, showcases how video has revolutionized peer-to-peer influence. Brands partner with influencers to create authentic, relatable content that resonates with target audiences. In addition, video allows sales teams to form personal connections with prospects by sending tailored messages or creating videos that directly address customer concerns.  

10 Tips To Save On Video Production Costs

1. Consider Animation to Lower Video Production Costs

Exploring animation as an alternative to traditional video production can save on costs. It eliminates the need for costly locations, actors, and equipment while offering a creative and engaging approach to storytelling.

2. Plan Ahead to Save on Video Production Costs

By planning your video production, you can avoid last-minute decisions that often incur extra costs. Well-organized schedules and pre-production plans minimize the risk of unexpected expenses.

3. Be Clear About Goals to Lower Video Production Expenses

Defining your video’s purpose and objectives upfront ensures efficient use of your budget. Clear goals help guide production, preventing unnecessary changes that can add to costs.

4. Optimize Pre-Production to Save Money on Video Production

Investing time in detailed pre-production planning can save money in the long run. A solid plan minimizes mistakes during filming and editing, which helps avoid costly revisions.

5. Use Existing Resources to Reduce Video Production Costs

Leverage what you already have—such as company locations, staff, or equipment—to reduce the need for external rentals or hires. Using in-house resources helps keep costs down.

6. DIY Where Appropriate

Consider handling more straightforward tasks internally, like writing scripts or basic editing. This can reduce outsourcing expenses while allowing professional input for more complex production elements.

7. Negotiate Video Production Rates

Always negotiate with vendors, suppliers, and freelancers. Many are open to offering discounts or adjusting rates, especially if you can build a long-term relationship.

8. Bundle Services to Save on Video Production Costs

Look for companies offering service packages that include filming, editing, and post-production at a bundled rate. This is often cheaper than paying for each service individually.

9. Limit Revisions to Lower Video Production Costs

Clearly communicating your expectations from the start can avoid costly revisions. The more precise you are upfront, the fewer changes will be needed during editing.

10. Monitor Expenses to Keep Video Production Costs Down

Track your production costs throughout the project to ensure you stay within budget. Regularly reviewing expenses allows you to make timely adjustments to avoid overspending.

Start a 3-day Free Trial to Take Your Content to the Next Level

Video production costs vary depending on the project’s complexity and quality. A simple talking-head video is quick and affordable, but more elaborate projects, like animated explainers or videos with a large cast and extensive editing, can take months and cost thousands.

To keep costs down, start with a detailed plan to stay organized and avoid surprises. Assemble a reliable team to prevent delays, which can raise expenses. Using services like Moonb can also cut costs by providing the tools and expertise needed for high-quality videos at a lower price.

The Benefits of a Video Production Service

A video production service can help you:

• Lower costs
• Save time
• Reduce stress

It can be summarized as this:

• Video production services help reduce your costs by providing a flexible subscription model that allows you to create as many videos as you need at a fraction of the usual price.

• Video production services can save you time by streamlining the entire video production process and providing the tools and resources you need to stay organized. 
• Video production services can help reduce stress by giving you access to a team of experts who can help you create your next video.

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