Want to use AI for ad videos but don't know what it'll cost? In 2026, AI ad video production ranges from a few hundred to tens of thousands of yuan. This article reveals real pricing and selection strategies.
I. Core Pricing Formula for AI Ad Videos
AI ad video production pricing = Video Type × Complexity Level × Duration Multiplier + Revision Fees
1. By Video Type (Mainstream Pricing)
| Ad Type | AI Production Price | Traditional Filming Price | Production Cycle | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| E-Commerce Hero Video (15–30s) | 200–800 yuan/video | 1,500–4,000 yuan/video | 2–6 hours | Taobao/JD product detail pages |
| Feed Ad Video (30–60s) | 800–3,000 yuan/video | 5,000–15,000 yuan/video | 1–2 days | Douyin/Kuaishou/Moments ads |
| Brand Promo (60–120s) | 3,000–10,000 yuan/video | 20,000–50,000 yuan/video | 3–7 days | Corporate image, product launches |
| Promotional Video (30–60s) | 1,000–4,000 yuan/video | 8,000–20,000 yuan/video | 1–3 days | 618/Double 11/Chinese New Year sales |
II. Three Core Price Factors
Factor 1: Video Complexity Level
L1 (Templated): Uses pre-made templates, only replacing product images and copy.
• Price: 200–500 yuan/video
• Timeline: 2–4 hours
• Tech: CapCut AI one-click generationL2 (Semi-Custom): Template-based with adjusted colors, animation rhythm, and brand elements.
• Price: 800–2,500 yuan/video
• Timeline: 6–12 hours
• Tech: Midjourney + Kling/Pika animationL3 (Fully Custom): Original creative from scratch, AI-generated original visuals + professional voiceover and music.
• Price: 3,000–10,000 yuan/video
• Timeline: 2–5 days
• Tech: Multi-model collaboration (MJV8+Seedance/Kling/Veo)
Factor 2: Duration Multiplier
15–30 seconds: Base price (1.0x)
30–60 seconds: Price × 1.8–2.2
60–120 seconds: Price × 3.5–4.5
120+ seconds: Custom quote (typically per minute, 500–1,500 yuan/minute)
Factor 3: Revisions and Delivery Standards
| Service Tier | Free Revision Rounds | Extra Revision Fee | Delivery Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic | 1 round | +200–500 yuan/round | MP4, 720p/1080p |
| Standard | 3 rounds | +300–800 yuan/round | MP4+MOV, 1080p/4K optional |
| Premium | 5 rounds | +500–1,200 yuan/round | MOV project file + layered asset pack |
III. Real Pricing Case Studies
Case 1: Fashion Brand E-Commerce Hero Videos (L1–L2)
Quantity: 10 videos (different SKUs × 2 scenes)
Unit price: Regular 600 yuan/video → bulk discount 480 yuan/video (80%)
Total: 4,800 yuan
Timeline: 3-day delivery
ROI: Click rate increased 25%–35%, cost recovered within 1 month
Case 2: Beauty Brand Feed Ads (L2–L3)
Quantity: 5 videos (A/B testing different creative directions)
Unit price: Regular 2,000 yuan/video → bulk discount 1,700 yuan/video (85%)
Total: 8,500 yuan
Timeline: 5-day delivery
ROI: Ad conversion rate up 40%–60%, ROAS reached 3.5–4.2
Case 3: Tech Company Brand Promo (L3)
Duration: 90 seconds
Total: 8,500 yuan (including creative planning + AI generation + professional voiceover and music)
Timeline: 7-day delivery
ROI: Used for website/exhibitions/investor roadshows, replacing traditional filming and saving 60%–70% in costs
IV. Selection Recommendations by Budget
Budget < 1,000 Yuan: Templated E-Commerce Hero Videos
Recommend: L1 templated production, suitable for basic Taobao/Pinduoduo stores
Timeline: 2–6 hour fast delivery
Note: MP4 format only, no project files; limited revision rounds
Budget 1,000–5,000 Yuan: Semi-Custom Feed Ad Videos
Recommend: L2 semi-custom, suitable for Douyin/Kuaishou/Moments placement
Timeline: 1–3 day delivery
Note: Prepare clear product images and selling point copy in advance
Budget > 5,000 Yuan: Fully Custom Brand Promos
Recommend: L3 fully custom, suitable for corporate image/product launches/investor roadshows
Timeline: 3–7 day delivery
Note: Requires in-depth communication on brand tone and creative direction
V. Bulk Discounts and Rush Services
5–10 videos: 10%–15% discount
11–20 videos: 20%–25% discount
20+ videos: 30%–35% discount + dedicated project manager
Rush service: Compressed to 50% of standard timeline, 30%–50% surcharge
VI. AI vs Traditional Filming: Cost Comparison
| Content Type | AI Production (yuan) | Traditional Filming (yuan) | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| E-Commerce Hero Video | 200–800/video | 1,500–4,000/video | 70%–80% |
| Feed Ad | 800–3,000/video | 5,000–15,000/video | 70%–80% |
| Brand Promo | 3,000–10,000/video | 20,000–50,000/video | 70%–80% |
Additional savings: AI production eliminates venue rental, actor fees, and set construction, saving an extra 3,000–15,000 yuan per project in physical production costs.
VII. How to Make Smart Budget Decisions
Clarify purpose: E-commerce hero images (L1–L2 is sufficient) or brand promotion (requires L3 premium quality)?
Calculate ROI: AI production saves 70%–80% in costs with significant click/conversion rate improvements
Choose bulk strategy: 10+ videos get 10%–15% off, 20+ get 30%–35% off
Reserve revision budget: Set aside 15%–20% of budget for optimization iterations
Data sources: 2026 AI Ad Video Industry Report, real pricing research from Taobao/Douyin merchants.
