Making video pricing predictable

Video generation has several cost-sensitive controls. We made pricing easier to understand by having the interface read model metadata from the backend, while the billing path independently validates every selection and recalculates the final charge.

The choices that affect video cost

The model is the first dimension. Different video models support different durations, resolutions, aspect ratios, and per-second rates. Duration then determines how many seconds are billed. Where a model offers multiple resolutions, the selected resolution determines the applicable per-second rate.

This means there is no trustworthy universal “price per video.” A short lower-resolution clip and a longer high-resolution clip can use different calculations even when the written prompt is identical. CraftyAI exposes only the options supported by the selected model and updates the displayed estimate as those options change.

One backend source of truth

Video Studio requests the current model list from /api/video-models. That response contains the selectable durations, resolution options, aspect ratios, defaults, and per-second prices the interface needs. Keeping this data on the backend avoids maintaining a second authoritative price table in browser code.

The server still recalculates every charge before generation begins. It resolves the requested model and validates the submitted duration, resolution, and aspect ratio against its own configuration. A stale or modified browser therefore cannot become the billing authority.

charge = price_per_second_microdollars * duration_seconds

The user’s balance is checked before the provider request, while the successful generation path performs the debit. Failed or rejected generation should not consume the video charge. This separation matters because an interface estimate is helpful, but only server-side validation can safely protect the account balance.

How starting images change the workflow

A starting image changes prompt and aspect-ratio behavior, but it does not bypass pricing. The backend detects whether an image is present and applies the chosen model’s supported image-to-video rules.

When a starting image is uploaded, CraftyAI uses that image’s shape and ignores the separate aspect-ratio value. The interface disables the aspect-ratio selector and shows Image size to make that constraint visible. Duration and resolution remain relevant where the model supports choices for them, so they still influence the estimate and server calculation.

Not every model accepts a starting image. The available options and interface state depend on the selected model; for example, some models are text-to-video only, while Grok Imagine Video requires an image. The current model guide describes these workflow differences.

Why resolution does not invalidate the prompt

Resolution affects pixel dimensions, output quality, and potentially price. It does not change the subject, action, camera movement, or story described by a video prompt. For that reason, changing only resolution keeps the current built prompt visible.

Model, duration, aspect ratio, and starting-image state do affect the creative instruction, so those settings participate in the video prompt cache key. If you return to a previous combination, CraftyAI can restore the prompt created for it. This reduces repeated work without mixing incompatible context.

A practical way to control cost

Start by choosing the model for the required job, not by selecting the highest output setting. Use the shortest duration that can communicate one complete idea. Test motion and composition at the lower available resolution when that output is suitable, then move up only when the destination needs it.

Before generating, check four things beside the button: model, seconds, resolution, and displayed total. If a starting image is present, confirm its shape matches the intended placement. Keep the same creative prompt while comparing resolutions, but rebuild after changing the model or timing.

This approach makes early iterations less expensive and reserves higher-resolution generations for directions that have already proved useful.

Estimate your next video

Compare CraftyAI image and video models, then open Video Studio to see the live options and calculated total for your chosen setup.

Related reading

Compare the video models available on CraftyAI, then see the workflow in Whiteboard Video.