How AI video API pricing works

Updated 2026-10-02

Per second of output

Nearly every video API bills by the second of video generated, not by request. A 10-second clip costs ten times a 1-second clip at the same rate.

Per resolution tier

Many models price 480p, 720p, 1080p and 4K differently. Always compare like for like — the table names the tier for every row.

Per host

The same model is resold by several providers. Some charge a premium for convenience, others undercut. That is why the table shows both ends of the range.

Estimating monthly cost

clips per month × average seconds × price per second. Add generation retries — a realistic number is 1.5–3× for prompt iteration unless you draft on a cheap tier first.

Platform fee

VideoRouter adds a flat 2% on top of the host price for image and video generation. There are no tiers and no minimum spend.