How much does a video ad cost in 2026?

Updated October 13, 2026 · 6 min read

In short

A short (15–30 second) video ad typically costs from a few dollars with an AI video ad generator, around $100–800 with a freelance editor or motion designer, and $1,000 to $5,000 or more with an agency. The right choice depends on how many ads you need: if you test new creatives every week, per-video cost matters more than for a one-off brand film.

Typical prices at a glance

Option	Typical cost per short ad	Turnaround	Best for
Video agency	$1,000–5,000+	1–4 weeks	Brand films, live-action shoots
Freelance editor / motion designer	$100–800	2–7 days	Custom one-off ads
DIY template tools	Subscription + your time	1–3 hours	Simple edits if you're comfortable editing
AI video ad generator (e.g. AdHub)	From $5	About 10 minutes	Many variations, fast testing

These are typical market ranges for short social ads, not quotes; prices vary a lot by country, experience and complexity.

What drives the price

Live action vs animation — filming with actors, locations and crew costs far more than motion graphics.
Script and concept — someone has to write the scenes; agencies include strategy, freelancers often don't.
Revisions — each round of changes adds time.
Variations and formats — 9:16, 4:5 and 16:9 versions are often billed separately.
Voice-over and music licensing — professional voices and licensed tracks add cost.

The hidden cost: how many ads you need

Ads tend to lose performance as the same audience sees them again and again, so many advertisers refresh creatives every week or two and test several hooks at once. At $300 per video, testing five angles a month costs $1,500; at $5 per video it costs $25. That difference, more than the price of a single ad, is why AI generators are popular for performance marketing.

When to use each option

Use an agency for a flagship brand film, a TV spot or anything with real people on camera.
Use a freelancer when you need a custom one-off piece and have time for back-and-forth.
Use an AI video ad generator for frequent social ads, product launches, offers and A/B tests.

What AdHub costs

$5 for a video up to 15 seconds; +$2 for each additional 15 seconds (up to 60 s: $11).
Music, voice-over in 29 languages, captions and every format included.
Prepaid credit with no subscription; failed or stopped videos are never charged.
Top up from $10; the $50 and $100 packs include free videos.

Questions

What is the cheapest way to make a video ad?

An AI video ad generator is usually the cheapest: with AdHub a 15-second animated ad costs $5, with no subscription.

Is an AI-generated video ad good enough for paid social?

For motion-graphics ads — kinetic text, product screens, logos, offers — yes, and its low cost lets you test more variations. For live-action footage with actors you still need a shoot.

How many video ads should a small business make each month?

There's no fixed rule, but many advertisers test a few new creatives every week or two to avoid ad fatigue. Start with 3–5 variations of one offer and keep what performs.

Make your first ad in 10 minutes

Describe your product, add your logo, pick music or a voice-over. From $5 per video, no subscription.

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