AI video pricing is genuinely confusing right now, three different billing models across the major tools, and “how much does it cost” doesn’t have one answer.
Per-second pricing charges for exactly the video length generated, straightforward for occasional use but adding up fast for anyone iterating heavily. Credit-based systems bundle generation into a subscription with a monthly credit allotment, better for regular, moderate use. Flat subscriptions with usage caps suit high-volume users best, if the cap actually fits your needs.
The real cost driver most comparisons skip: iteration. First attempts rarely nail exactly what you want, and every regeneration costs the same as the original. Budget for three to five attempts per final usable clip, not one.
Estimate your real monthly clip volume, including regenerations, before comparing sticker prices across tools, the same discipline covered in our full video generator comparison. See Google DeepMind’s Veo page for one current pricing structure to benchmark against.
