Typical ranges in 2026
| Level | Typical budget | What it usually looks like |
|---|---|---|
| Emerging artist | $500 to $5,000 | Performance-led, one location or studio, small crew, a short shoot |
| Professional independent | $5,000 to $20,000 | Treatment, styled lighting, a full shoot day, dancers or a simple story, color grade, vertical cuts |
| Label release | $20,000 and up | Several locations or sets, cast and choreography, bigger crew, more shoot days |
These are typical industry ranges, not quotes.
What changes the price
- Shoot days and locations. One studio day is the most efficient. Each extra location adds travel, setup and permissions.
- Live sound or playback. Recording a live performance adds microphones, a sound recordist, monitoring and a mix. See live sound or playback?
- People on screen. Dancers, actors, extras and choreography rehearsals.
- Look. Stage lighting, haze, art direction, wardrobe, hair and makeup.
- Post-production. Editing to the beat, color grade, effects, and the number of versions (16:9 master plus vertical cuts).
How to plan a budget that works
- One strong idea. A single well-lit performance can outperform a busy video with five half-finished ideas.
- Lock the track first. Changing the mix after the shoot can mean re-editing.
- Ask for vertical cuts at the start. Reels, TikTok and Shorts versions are framed on the day.
- Rehearse before the shoot. Every hour saved on set is budget for the picture. Our artist's checklist covers what to do.
Get a range for your video
Choose "Music Video" in our instant estimate to see a range for your project. We shoot in our studio in Totowa, NJ, and on location. See our music videos.
Questions we hear
How much does a cheap music video cost?
A simple performance video for an emerging artist often costs between $500 and $5,000, depending on the crew, the location and how much editing is needed.
Is a live-sound music video more expensive?
Usually, yes. It needs a sound recordist, microphones, monitoring and a mix, and more setup time on the day.
Are vertical versions for TikTok and Reels included?
They should be planned from the start so they are framed on the shoot day. Ask for them when you request a quote.
How do I get a price for my music video?
Use the instant estimate for a range, then we send a written proposal after we hear the track and your idea.