How much does AI video cost per minute?
By the ShortsMachine team · Updated
AI video models are priced per second of generated clip, and the spread is huge: the cheapest models cost around one cent per second while the most advanced cost fourteen cents or more. On top of the clips, a finished video needs images, a voiceover and editing.
Here is what a finished minute costs in ShortsMachine credits — where one credit is roughly one cent of model cost — and how to get the most video out of a budget.
Credits per finished minute, by model
| Model | Credits per second of clip | Credits per finished minute | Minutes on Starter (200) | Minutes on Premium (2,000) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HeyGen Video 1 | 1 | ~72 | 2.8 | 27.8 |
| Wan 2.2 Fast | 1 | ~84 | 2.4 | 23.8 |
| Pruna P-Video | 2 | ~132 | 1.5 | 15.2 |
| Grok Imagine 1.5 Lite | 3 | ~192 | 1.0 | 10.4 |
| FLUX 3 Max | 4 | ~252 | 0.8 | 7.9 |
| Grok Video Pro | 5 | ~312 | 0.6 | 6.4 |
| MiniMax H3 | 6 | ~384 | 0.5 | 5.2 |
| Kling 3.0 | 8 | ~492 | 0.4 | 4.1 |
| Seedance 2.0 Mini | 9 | ~552 | 0.4 | 3.6 |
| Wan 2.7 | 10 | ~612 | 0.3 | 3.3 |
| Wan 3.0 | 14 | ~864 | 0.2 | 2.3 |
Per-minute figures include the scene images and voiceover (Flux images). Estimates; you are charged for what is actually generated.
What goes into the cost
- Video clips: credits per second times the length of each clip. This is most of the cost.
- Scene images: one key image per scene, used as the clip’s starting frame and thumbnail (about 1 credit with Flux; premium image models cost more).
- Voiceover and script: about 1 credit per scene.
- Stitching and captions: included.
How to spend less
- Prototype on Wan 2.2 Fast or HeyGen, then remake only the winners on a premium model.
- Use narrated slideshows for high-volume content; they use a separate monthly allowance.
- Choose models with longer clips for long videos — fewer scenes means fewer images and voice lines.
- Keep Shorts short. A tight 40-second video often outperforms a 90-second one anyway.
Frequently asked questions
Am I charged if a video fails?
No. Credits are only deducted when a video completes, and scenes that fall back to a still image are not charged at the video rate.
Do unused credits roll over?
Monthly plan credits reset each billing period. Credits bought in packs never expire.
Put this guide into practice
Type an idea and ShortsMachine writes the script, generates every scene, adds a voiceover and captions, and stitches it into one video — up to 5 minutes long.
Start your 3-day free trial