How to Price Your AI Video Services Confidently

Part of 💼 MODULE 5: Packaging & Selling the Service (Articles 18–21) in Crash Course: Starting an AI Video Generation Business from Scratch

AKA: Stop underselling yourself, you talented wizard

So… pricing.

Yeah. That word alone has probably made you slam your laptop shut a few times.

Let’s be honest—setting prices is weirdly emotional, right? It’s not just math. It’s a cocktail of self-worth, fear of rejection, imposter syndrome, and a sprinkle of “what if they say no?”

And when it comes to AI video services—a relatively new and often misunderstood space—pricing can feel like fumbling around in the dark with oven mitts on.

But here’s the thing:

You can charge well and fairly, even if you’re just getting started. You just need to ditch the guesswork, trust your process, and stop thinking you need to compete with Fiverr bots charging $3.99.

Let’s talk it through, yeah?

🤔 First: What Exactly Are You Pricing?

Before you scribble numbers on a napkin, let’s zoom out.

What are you actually offering?

Because “video services” is vague. So vague it could mean anything from trimming cat videos to producing full-on animated ads for corporate law firms (please don’t… unless you’re into that).

So break it down. Are you:

• Creating TikTok clips from podcast episodes?
• Turning webinars into snack-sized reels?
• Writing AI scripts and using avatars for faceless explainer videos?
• Editing videos using Runway, Pika, Descript, or similar tools?
• Adding captions, music, stock B-roll?

Define the outcome. People don’t pay for tools, they pay for results.

So instead of saying, “I edit videos with AI,” say,
👉 “I help coaches turn their weekly videos into viral-ready Instagram reels using AI—done for them in 48 hours.”

Boom. Now we know what’s on the menu. And people will pay more when they understand the value.

🎢 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Pricing

Let’s get real. Pricing isn’t just about value—it’s about your feelings. (Yeah, feelings. Who invited them, right?)

Here are a few internal monologues I’ve heard (and definitely said myself):

• “Who am I to charge that much?”
• “What if they ghost me after I send the quote?”
• “But it only took me 2 hours…”

Look, I’m gonna hit you with some truth:

Speed is not a reason to charge less. It’s a reason to charge more.

You know why you can whip up that YouTube short in 45 minutes?
Because you put in hours learning how to use Pictory, Sora, Descript, or CapCut. You figured out good pacing. You know what hooks.

That’s value.

Never apologize for efficiency. It’s your superpower, not your discount code.

💡 Pricing Models That Make Sense (And Feel Good)

Alright, let’s get to the numbers. Here’s a breakdown of pricing styles that actually work for AI video creators:

1. Per Video / Per Deliverable

Best for: Short-form content, repeat clients
You might say:
💬 “$60 per edited reel with subtitles and custom thumbnail.”

Pros: Easy to understand, straightforward for clients.
Cons: Can feel transactional, and your income is tied to volume.

💡 Pro Tip: Always offer bundles.
→ “$60 per video or $270 for 5” (People love a deal even when it’s tiny.)

2. Monthly Packages / Retainers

Best for: Busy clients who want consistency
You might offer:

• 8 reels/month: $400
• 12 reels/month + one long edit: $650
• 20 reels/month + posting support: $1000+

Retainers are fantastic because they bring predictability—both for your client and your bank account.

Bonus: You become a partner, not just a freelancer. That’s where the trust (and higher pricing) lives.

3. Project-Based Pricing

Best for: Larger one-off projects (e.g., a launch video series)
This is great when someone says, “I’ve got this 3-hour podcast, can you turn it into 20 clips?”

Here, price by scope, not hours.

You:
💬 “Sure! For that project, I’d charge $850 for 20 clips, each with subtitles, editing, and delivery within 5 days. Includes 2 rounds of revision.”

Clear. Confident. Worth it.

💸 “But What If I’m New?”

Okay, yes—you’re still building your portfolio, still smoothing out your systems. But you’re delivering value. That’s what matters.

Here’s a little cheat sheet for beginner-friendly pricing:

Notice I didn’t say $15. We’re not here for bargain bin energy.

Even if you’re new, don’t position yourself as cheap. Be the affordable professional, not the desperate freelancer.

😬 When They Push Back on Price…

It’ll happen. Someone will say, “That’s more than I expected,” or “Can you do it for less?”

Don’t panic.

First, check your tone. Be calm, friendly, not defensive.

“Totally understand! Just so you know, I use AI to deliver super polished content fast, and the pricing reflects the quality and turnaround. But I’m open to adjusting the scope if you have a different budget in mind.”

Notice what you did there?

• Reaffirmed value
• Stayed kind
• Offered a solution

Never just drop your rate. Instead, tweak the scope. Maybe they get 5 clips instead of 8. Maybe there’s only one revision round.

You’re flexible—not cheap.

❤️ Let’s Talk Confidence (Because It’s Everything)

Confidence in pricing doesn’t come from knowing every answer—it comes from believing you belong.

You’re not “just using AI.” You’re delivering real outcomes:

• Saving clients hours every week
• Making their content binge-worthy
• Helping them grow their brand with minimal effort on their part

That’s valuable. That’s billable.

And sure, you might feel awkward the first few times you quote your rate. You’ll second-guess. You’ll hover over “Send” like you’re defusing a bomb.

That’s normal.

But each time you do it, you grow a little bolder. A little prouder. And eventually, it’ll feel… natural.

(Okay, mostly natural. Pricing will always have a bit of a thrill ride energy to it.)

✍️ One Last Story Before You Go

I once quoted $500 for a short video package. The client replied, “We were hoping it would be more like $75.”

I nearly spit out my coffee.

But instead of lowering my price (and my soul), I replied:

“Hey, I totally get wanting to stay within budget. But for $75, it wouldn’t be sustainable for the level of editing, storytelling, and customization I provide. If your budget changes, I’d love to help!”

They ghosted.
Two weeks later, they came back.
And paid the $500.

Sometimes, confidence is quiet. And sometimes, it makes you money.

🧭 TL;DR (But You Really Should Read the Whole Thing)

• Define what you offer. Sell the result, not the tool.
• Use packages, retainers, or project pricing to stay clear and scalable.
• If you’re new, start reasonable—not rock bottom.
• Adjust scope, not your worth, when someone can’t afford your rate.
• Confidence is a muscle. Flex it often.

💬 Want me to review your pricing page or package ideas?

Drop them below. I’ll give honest feedback (with zero shame and lots of emojis).

You got this. Go out there and price like the badass content creator you are.

End of lesson, but beginning of your business turning into something real.