How much does video production cost in the US?
The VouchQuote team ·
This guide is for United States. Also available for:United KingdomIndia
Video costs in the United States range from $150 for editing a short clip to $20,000 or more for a filmed brand video. Most small businesses spend $2,000 to $10,000 on a single finished video.
Typical price ranges in the US
- Editing a short social video: $100 to $600
- YouTube video editing: $150 to $800 per video
- Animated explainer: $2,000 to $10,000 per minute
- Corporate or brand video: $3,000 to $20,000
Figures are typical ranges in US dollars for independent freelancers and small agencies in the United States, before any sales tax. They are our own estimates, not quotes.
What pushes the price up
Shoot days and crew size, animation complexity, professional voice-over, actors, locations and permits, and the number of revisions.
What to know for the US
Crew day rates differ a lot between cities, with New York and Los Angeles at the top. Ask whether stock footage and music are licensed for advertising, not just online use, if you plan to run the video as an ad.
How to compare quotes fairly
Ask each provider to price the same finished length and to list what is included: script, shoot days, editing, music, subtitles and revisions. On VouchQuote every quote follows the same structure and at most three professionals reply, so you can compare them side by side. Quotes on VouchQuote are shown in US dollars.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Is scripting, filming and editing all included?
- How many rounds of edits do I get?
- Who owns the raw footage?
- Is music licensed for commercial use?
Quick answers
How much do video editors charge per hour?
US freelance editors typically charge $40 to $100 an hour.
What does a 60-second explainer cost?
Usually $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the animation style.
How long does production take?
A week for an edit, three to six weeks for animation or a filmed piece.
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Prices are typical ranges in United States, in US dollars, for independent freelancers and small agencies, before sales tax. How we work out price ranges.