Why does video cost so much more than images?
Video is billed per second of output, so duration multiplies the cost. Choosing a cheaper model and a shorter clip changes the total dramatically.
A video is many frames, and the models that generate it are far more computationally expensive to run than image models. That cost is passed through per second of output rather than per generation, which means duration is the biggest lever on your bill.
The same clip at three price points
| Choice | Cost |
|---|---|
| 10 seconds on Seedance 2.5 at 720p (60/sec) | 600 credits |
| 10 seconds on Kling O3 Pro at 1080p (18/sec) | 180 credits |
| 5 seconds on Seedance 1.5 Lite (5/sec) | 25 credits |
All three are real options for the same idea. The gap between them is 24x, and none of it is hidden — the total is shown before you generate.
How to keep video affordable
- Draft on a cheap model first. Get the prompt and composition right on Seedance 1.5 Lite at 5 credits per second, then re-run the winner on a premium model.
- Shorten the clip. Most social video cuts every 2 to 4 seconds anyway, so a 5 second generation is often more usable than a 15 second one.
- Drop the resolution while testing. Many models charge noticeably less at 480p or 720p than at 1080p.
- Turn audio off if you don’t need it. On Kling 3 and VEO models, audio meaningfully increases the rate.
- Stitch short clips in the Video Editor rather than generating one long take. Exporting is free.
Kling O3 Pro at 18 credits per second for 1080p is generally the best quality-per-credit in the catalogue, and a reasonable default when you want something good without going premium.
Last reviewed against the live product in August 2026.