How Much Should a 30-Second Video Cost?

If you’re a business owner or marketing director looking to create a short video for an ad, you’ve probably wondered: “How much should a 30-second video cost?” The short answer? It depends.

We believe in transparency to help you understand what goes into video pricing.

Here are the three biggest factors that influence the cost of a 30-second video:

1. The Type of Video You Need

Not all 30-second videos are created equal. A simple talking head video filmed in your office will cost significantly less than a cinematic brand video with actors, a script, and multiple shoot locations. Here are a few common types:

• Social Media Ad: Often quick and efficient, starting around $750–$1,500.

• Animated Explainer: Great for simplifying your message, typically $1,500–$3,000.

• High-End Brand Video: Story-driven and polished, ranging from $3,000–$10,000+.

2. Production Quality and Crew Involved

Higher-quality video means better lighting, sound, editing, and storytelling—but it also means more crew and equipment. The cost will reflect if your project requires a director, cinematographer, drone shots, or studio space.

At 12 Media Group, we typically have a production crew of 2 to 3 people to ensure the production experience is smooth and the video assets turn out amazing.

3. Post-Production 

Editing your project can take as much time as filming—sometimes more.

People assume a 30-second video will be cheaper than a longer video, but that’s not always the case.

It can be more difficult to cut a video down to 30 seconds, especially if it needs to be exactly 30 seconds for certain platforms, like Hulu, for example.

So, What’s the Bottom Line?

With our company, a professionally produced 30-second video will be between $3,600 and $20,000, depending on complexity.

If you want a quick quote tailored to your project, contact us here and let’s talk about your project.