Budgeting for Video in 2025: What to Expect & Plan For
Video content is no longer a luxury — it's a necessity for any business that wants to stay relevant, visible, and competitive. Whether you’re planning an explainer video, a product demo, or a full-blown brand story, one question always comes up early:
“How much should we budget for video production?”
If you're wondering the same, you're not alone — and you're in the right place. This guide breaks down what goes into video production costs, how to plan your budget wisely in 2025, and how to make sure every pound is working toward your goals.
🎯 Start With Your Goal — Not the Gear. Before we talk numbers, it's important to talk strategy. A £10,000 video isn’t always better than a £2,000 one — it depends on what you need it to do.
Ask yourself:
Do I need to increase conversions?
Is this for brand awareness?
Is it social-first content or long-form web content?
Do I want to use this once or over a full year?
Your goals will shape your budget. A testimonial video for social media might cost far less than a polished commercial — and that’s okay if it meets your needs.
💡 Where Your Money Goes: A Breakdown.
Here’s a simple overview of how video production budgets are typically allocated:
- Pre-Production (10–25%) This includes:
Concept development
Scripting
Storyboarding
Location scouting
Casting (if needed)
Production planning
Why it matters: This is the planning phase, and it’s crucial. A weak plan leads to delays, missed shots, or bloated costs later on.
- Production (30–50%) This is where cameras roll:
Crew (camera operators, sound tech, director, etc.)
Equipment (cameras, lighting, drones, etc.)
Talent (actors, presenters)
Set design or props
Travel and catering (if applicable)
Why it matters: Production day is like a live event — you don’t want surprises. Quality here depends on crew skill, gear, and time.
- Post-Production (20–40%) This includes:
Editing
Sound design and mixing
Color correction
Motion graphics or animation
Subtitling
Multiple revisions
Why it matters: Editing is where your story comes together. A well-shot video can fall flat with poor editing — or vice versa.
- Deliverables and Distribution (5–10%) This might involve:
Formatting for different platforms (social, website, YouTube, etc.)
Thumbnails and video SEO optimization
File storage or hosting options
💰 What Do Real Budgets Look Like in 2025? Here’s a general range (GBP) based on scope:
Type of Video & Estimated Budget
- Social media promo (1 day shoot) £1,000 –£3,000
- Testimonial video £2,000 – £5,000
- Product demo £3,000 – £7,000
- Explainer (animated) £3,000 – £10,000+
- Brand story/commercial £7,000 – £25,000+
💡 Pro Tip: Bundling multiple videos into one shoot can drastically reduce per-video cost.
📦 How to Stretch Your Budget Further Want more value for your investment? Here's how to be smart about it:
Batch shoot: Film multiple videos in one session to reduce setup and crew costs.
Repurpose content: Turn a single shoot into social clips, behind-the-scenes content, and teasers.
Plan ahead: Last-minute shoots cost more. Booking early = savings.
Focus on story, not just visuals: Great storytelling can outperform high production value when budgets are tight.
Be honest about your budget: A good production partner will help you maximize it — not just spend it.
🚫 Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid Underestimating post-production time
Changing the scope mid-project (aka “scope creep”)
Trying to copy big-budget campaigns without the same resources
Skipping pre-production to “save money”
These shortcuts often lead to reshoots, delays, and added expenses later.
✅ Final Thoughts: Budget as a Business Tool
Budgeting for video isn't just about knowing how much things cost — it's about understanding what you’re investing in.
When done right, a well-produced video:
- Builds trust with your audience
- Converts leads into customers
- Saves you time on explaining your offer
- Keeps working for you 24/7
If you're clear on your goals and partner with a team that understands your vision, every dollar becomes part of a smart business strategy.
📞 Need Help Planning Your Video Budget? Whether you’re just exploring ideas or ready to roll, we’re here to guide you through the process — no pressure, no jargon.
Let’s chat about your next video.
Rooh Yaseen
Founder / Director
