Pay Per Video or Subscription: Which Fits AI Videos Better?
Pay per video is usually better if you only need a few finished videos for an occasion, because nothing renews and unused credits do not run out; a subscription is usually better if you create every month, because monthly credit plans include more generations and tools. Here one video costs $2.99 and credits never expire; general AI video platforms such as Runway, Pika and Luma sell monthly or yearly credit plans (prices on their own pages, checked Nov 4, 2026).
Prices checked on Nov 4, 2026 on each provider’s own pricing page. Prices and plans change; always check the source before you buy.
| Service | Pricing (from the provider’s own page) |
|---|---|
| This site (New Year AI Video) | One-time packs: $2.99 for 1 video, $6.99 for 3, $14.99 for 10. Each video is 10 s, 720×1280, 9:16, with sound, no watermark. Credits never expire; failed video = credit back; one redo per paid video; full refund within 7 days on unused packs. No free video. |
| Runway | Free plan with 125 one-time credits. Standard $15/month, or $12/month billed yearly (625 credits a month); Pro $35 or $28 (2,250 credits); Max $95 or $76 (9,500 credits). Monthly credits on Standard and Pro do not roll over; extra purchased credits never expire. (source) |
| Pika | Free plan. Starter $10/month, or $8/month billed annually (900 credits a month); Creator $35 or $28 (3,150 credits); Fancy from $95 or from $76 (8,550+ credits). Cancel any time; the pricing page FAQ and the Terms of Service (last modified Aug 4, 2026) say payments are non-refundable. (source, terms) |
| Luma | Plus $30/month, or $25/month billed yearly (10,000 credits); Pro $90 or $75 (40,000 credits); Ultra $300 or $250 (150,000 credits). Team and Enterprise plans on request. (source) |
How do credits and renewals differ?
Here you buy a pack once ($2.99 for 1, $6.99 for 3, $14.99 for 10); 1 credit = 1 video and credits never expire. On subscription platforms your plan renews monthly or yearly and includes a credit allowance; for example, Runway’s pricing page says monthly credits on its Standard and Pro plans reset each billing cycle, while extra credits you buy never expire.
Source (checked Nov 4, 2026): Runway pricing FAQ
What about cancelling and refunds?
Here nothing renews, so there is nothing to cancel; a failed video gives its credit back, each paid video has one redo within 14 days and unused packs can be refunded in full within 7 days. Subscription terms differ by provider; for example, Pika’s pricing page FAQ says you can cancel any time, your plan stays active until the end of the period, and payments are non-refundable; its Terms of Service say the same (both checked Nov 4, 2026).
Source (checked Nov 4, 2026): Pika pricing FAQ · Pika Terms of Service
Which should I pick for one occasion vs. every month?
Count how many videos you will really make in the next three months. If it is a handful for a holiday or a trend, pay per video. If it is dozens, or you want to experiment with your own prompts, a subscription plan is likely the better fit.
How much does it cost?
| Pack | Price | Per video |
|---|---|---|
| 1 video | $2.99 | $2.99 each |
| 3 videos | $6.99 | $2.33 each |
| 10 videos | $14.99 | about $1.50 each |
One-time payments through Stripe, no subscription; credits never expire and work for every preset and every New Year scene. Sales tax may be added at checkout.
Viral video presets
- 🤗 AI hug video
Yes: upload one photo of two people (or you and your pet) and they turn to each other and share a warm hug. 10-second vertical MP4, $2.99, paid first.
- 🖼️ Old photo to video
Upload one old photo and the AI brings it to life: a gentle smile, a blink and a slow camera push-in, keeping the original look. 10 s vertical MP4, $2.99.
- 💃 AI dance video
Yes: one photo becomes a 10-second vertical clip of you dancing a fun, upbeat routine under colorful lights. $2.99 per video, paid first, no subscription.
- 🐶 Pet dance video
Yes: one pet photo becomes a 10-second vertical clip of your dog or cat standing up and dancing under disco lights. $2.99 per video, paid first.
- 🎄 Christmas videoSeasonal: Dec 2026
Upload one photo and you appear in a cozy Christmas living room: you hang the last ornament, the tree lights up and snow falls outside. 10 s, 9:16, $2.99.
- 🔮 Snow globe videoSeasonal: Dec 2026
Yes: from one photo you (or your pet) appear as a tiny figure inside a glass snow globe; it is shaken, snow swirls and you wave. 10 s vertical MP4, $2.99.
- 🌍 Earth zoom out
Upload one photo: the camera starts on you, then pulls back over rooftops, clouds and the whole planet in one smooth zoom out. 10 s vertical MP4, $2.99.
- 🎈 Inflate effect
The inflate effect puffs you up like a cartoon balloon until you float away. From one photo: 10-second vertical MP4, $2.99 per video, paid first.
- 🪽 Angel wings
Yes: from one photo, large white feathered wings unfold behind you in golden light and lift you gently off the ground. 10-second vertical MP4, $2.99.
- 🧸 Action figure in a box
Yes: you appear as a collectible toy figure in a clear blister box on a desk; the figure blinks, waves and steps out of the box. 10 s vertical MP4, $2.99.
Compare before you buy
FAQ
Can I switch later?
Yes. Our credits never expire, so you can buy a small pack now and still try a subscription platform later.
Is there a free option here?
No. There is no free video or free preview; you pay before a video is generated.
What do I get?
A 10-second vertical 9:16 MP4 (720×1280) with sound and no watermark, ready for short-video apps. Downloads are kept for 14 days; uploaded photos are deleted within 24 hours.
Who can use it?
Adults (18+) only. Only upload photos of yourself or of people who agreed to it; no photos of minors, no public figures and no sexual or violent content.