How much does a music video cost to make?
How much does a music video cost to make?
$2,000 – $5,000 average cost for low-budget music video
$20,000 – $50,000+ average cost for full-scale studio production
Music video cost
The cost to shoot a music video is $2,000 to $50,000+, depending on the budget, crew size, and production level. Making a simple low-budget music video costs $2,000 to $5,000 on average with a small crew and only one film location. A full-scale production costs $20,000 to $50,000+.
| Production level | Average cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| DIY music video | $0 – $1,000 |
|
| Simple music video (Shoestring budget) | $2,000 – $5,000 |
|
| Small-scale production music video | $5,000 – $10,000 |
|
| Full-scale independent production music video | $20,000 – $50,000 |
|
| Studio-level music video | $50,000 – $100,000+ |
|
Music video production cost breakdown
Video productions cost $800 to $4,000 per finished minute on average, depending on the video type. Music videos typically last 3 to 5 minutes, which is slightly longer than the song, in order to tell a story. The daily production costs increase as the crew size increases.
| Production crew member | Cost per day | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Producer | $400 – $2,500 | Oversees the entire process, including finances, logistics, and staffing |
| Video director | $400 – $2,500 | Oversees the video production, planning the shots to meet the vision |
| Main videographer | $600 – $3,500 | Films the video under the direction of the video director |
| Second videographer | $200 – $2,000 | Films video shots and B-roll footage |
| Actor or presenter (each) | $400 – $5,000 | Performs non-dance scenes for the video |
| Dancer (each) | $200 – $500 | Performs dance scenes for the video |
| Script writer / concept writer | $250 – $1,500 | Develops the vision for the video, instructs on set design and props |
| Video editor | $160 – $1,500 | Manages the camera footage, sound effects, graphics, and special effects to produce a final video product |
| Video rendering | $200 – $750 | Software that integrates different elements into a final playable video |
| Sound technician | $320 – $1,000 | Assembles, operates, and maintains sound equipment |
| Lighting technician | $250 – $1,000 | Assembles, operates, and maintains lighting equipment |
| Gaffer | $250 – $750 | Runs the group of lighting technicians to execute the director’s vision |
| Grip | $200 – $750 | Helps set up and support equipment |
| Drone operator & equipment | $400 – $1,750 | Operates the unmanned aerial system for overhead video shots |
| Special effects / VFX artist | $250 – $2,000 | Creates photoreal, digitally enhanced imagery |
| Hair stylist cost | $200 – $1,500 | Styles and maintains the performer’s hair between takes |
| Makeup artist cost | $200 – $1,500 | Styles and maintains the performer’s makeup between takes |
A videographer costs $75 to $350 per hour, depending on their experience. A simple music video relies on a single videographer, while a larger-scale production uses two or more.
Music video post-production editing costs
A post-production video editor costs $20 to $150+ per hour to edit together the camera footage, sound effects, graphics, and special effects into a final product. A beginner editor charges $20 to $50 per hour, while an expert-level editor charges $60 to $150 per hour.
Example music video budgets
Making a music video on a shoestring budget is possible with some creativity and hard work. Some examples of well-known low-budget music videos include:
“Here It Goes Again” by OK Go
“You'll Miss Me When I'm Not Around” by Grimes
“Double Helix” by Death Grips
How long does it take to make a music video?
Making a music video takes 2 to 10 hours of shooting for every minute of video, but pre-production planning and post-production editing tasks make the total project closer to 1 to 2 months from start to finish.
Getting estimates and hiring a music video producer
When hiring a music video producer near you, be sure to:
Ask for referrals from friends or professional contacts.
Search online for a
video producer with
years of experience.
Read their reviews on Fash and Google.
Interview a minimum of 2 to 3 producers and review their past projects.
Select the most skilled professional that works within your budget.
Review all contract terms before signing and make the final payment when you’re satisfied with the work.
Questions to ask music video producers
Here are some important questions to ask before hiring a music video producer:
How many music videos have you produced?
Can I see samples of your work?
What is included in the estimate?
How many days will it take to shoot the video?
How long will it take to produce the final music video?
What video format will you deliver the final video in?
Do I need to secure the shooting locations?
Do you take care of hiring the crew?
Do you take care of any necessary permits?
Who owns the rights to the final video?
Will you be sharing our video on your website or social media?