API PRICING · DEVELOPERS
AI video API pricing comparison
AI video APIs are priced in different units. This page explains how to convert per-second rates, credits and hosted API markups into comparable project costs.
API pricing systems
- Per second: easiest to estimate; multiply seconds by rate.
- Credits: convert credits per second into dollars per second.
- Hosted APIs: useful for access and scale, but sometimes include a margin over direct vendor rates.
- Subscriptions: only cheap if you use most of the allowance.
| Pricing type | Example | How to compare | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Per-second API | Sora, Veo | seconds × rate | Simple but premium tiers get expensive fast. |
| Credits | Runway, Kling-style tools | credits/s × credit price | Users underestimate burn rate. |
| Subscription allowance | Creator plans | monthly fee ÷ usable seconds | Cheap only when fully used. |
| Aggregator API | Multi-model hosting | hosted price/s vs direct price/s | Convenience can hide markup. |
Developer checklist
- Check maximum clip duration and queue limits.
- Track failed generations separately from kept outputs.
- Store prompt, seed, model, resolution and cost for every generation.
- Expose a “retry budget” in your product UI before users overspend.
- Re-check model pricing monthly because API costs can change quickly.
FAQ
What is the easiest API pricing to estimate?
Per-second pricing is easiest because seconds multiplied by rate gives the raw cost. Credits and subscriptions require conversion.
Are hosted AI video APIs more expensive?
Sometimes. They can be worth it for access, routing and developer convenience, but compare the hosted rate to direct vendor pricing.
Should a product use one AI video model?
Usually not. Many workflows mix a cheap draft/B-roll model with a premium model for hero shots.
Need exact project math? Use the ClipBudget calculator to compare Sora, Veo, Runway, Kling, Seedance, Wan and Vidu with a realistic retake buffer.