Creating high-quality video content has never been cheap. Equipment, crew, edits, etc., all pile up quickly.
That's why, for a long time, video was mostly a luxury reserved for big campaigns with big budgets.
But 2025 looks a little different.
AI tools have started shifting that balance. What once took weeks and thousands of dollars can now be done faster and more affordably with the help of tools that fit into even a lean content budget.
What Traditional Video Still Demands
Going the classic route still works. It just comes with a steep cost. A day with a freelance videographer starts around $600 and mostly crosses $1,200. Then there's editing, which runs $60 to $90 an hour, depending on experience.
Even the most basic branded video starts near $5,000, and campaigns with multiple deliverables could exceed $20,000.
For brands that produce content consistently, an in-house team might seem smarter. But that can mean $150,000 annually between salaries, gear, workspace, etc.
So yes, the outcome looks great. But there's no denying it's a serious investment.
How AI Brings Down the Cost
Platforms like Magic Hour, Runway, Synthesia, etc., let marketers create explainer videos and social clips or even animated explainers using just a script or prompt. No cameras, no travel, no lengthy post-production schedules.
Plans start from just $10 a month. Even at the high end, you're looking at under $100. Most services allow unlimited or high-volume exports which is great for teams producing content at scale.
You lose a little creative flexibility, and there's some trial-and-error to get the look you want. But the trade-off is fast and consistent video content with minimal effort and very low cost.
Where Each Format Works Best
AI tools fit best where quantity and consistency matter. So, tutorial series, ads for social media, internal training, etc. Traditional production still holds the edge for anything with complex storytelling, live actors, or product shoots.
Many brands now combine both. They create concepts, rough drafts, and B-roll using AI, then polish them off with real footage where it suits and is needed.
The Budget Wins Are Real
Brands are reporting cost cuts of up to 90% with AI video tools. Turnaround times shrink to days or hours.
Marketing teams that once relied on external agencies now handle production in-house with leaner tools and more control.
If you're already using tools like an album cover generator to speed up your visual workflow, AI video is a natural next step.
AI won't replace every kind of production. But it's made professional video more accessible than ever. For anyone looking to scale without burning through their budget, it's definitely worth trying.
