What are AI Video Credits?

AI video credits are a usage-based billing unit used by AI video generation platforms to charge users per generation. The credit cost varies by model, video duration, and output resolution, allowing platforms to offer flexible pay-per-use pricing rather than flat per-video fees. Credits are the standard pricing model across platforms like Kensa, Runway, Pika, and InVideo AI.

How It Works

Credit systems exist because different AI video tasks have vastly different computational costs. Generating a 5-second 480p clip is far cheaper than a 15-second 1080p video with a premium model. Credits abstract this complexity into a single unit: each model and configuration has a fixed credit price, and users buy credit packages or subscriptions.

When a user starts a video generation, the platform reserves (freezes) the required credits from their balance. This ensures they have sufficient credits before the expensive GPU computation begins. If the generation succeeds, the frozen credits are settled (permanently deducted). If it fails, the credits are released back to the user's balance.

Credit pricing typically follows a tiered model. Entry-level models with shorter durations and lower resolutions cost fewer credits, while premium models at higher quality cost more. Platforms may also offer bulk discounts — buying larger credit packs reduces the per-credit cost. Subscription plans include a monthly credit allocation at a lower effective rate than one-time purchases.

The FIFO (first-in, first-out) consumption pattern used by some platforms ensures that older credits are consumed before newer ones, minimizing the amount of credits that expire. This is important when users hold credits from multiple purchases with different expiration dates.

Use Cases

1Budget management — Credits let creators and businesses set fixed monthly budgets for AI video generation, tracking spend per project or campaign.
2Model cost comparison — Credits provide a common unit to compare the relative cost of different models. A user can see that Veo 3.1 costs 5 credits vs. Sora 2 at 40 credits and make an informed choice.
3Team and agency workflows — Teams can allocate credit pools to different departments or clients, tracking usage per project for billing purposes.
4Freemium onboarding — Platforms use free credits to let new users try AI video generation without financial commitment, then convert them to paid plans.

AI Video Credits on Kensa

Kensa uses a credit system with FIFO consumption and freeze-settle-release protection. New users receive free credits on signup. Paid plans range from Basic (280 credits/mo at $9.90) to Ultimate (2,850 credits/mo at $79.90). One-time credit packs are also available for users who prefer not to subscribe.

Credit costs per generation are displayed before you click generate, so there are no surprises. See full pricing on the pricing page.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many credits does one AI video cost?+

It varies by model and duration. On Kensa, a 5-second Veo 3.1 clip costs approximately 5 credits, while a 15-second Sora 2 video may cost 40-60 credits. Higher-resolution outputs and longer durations consume more credits. Each model's credit cost is displayed before you generate.

Do unused AI video credits expire?+

It depends on the platform. On Kensa, credits from one-time purchases have an expiration window (typically 90 days), while subscription credits renew monthly. Kensa uses FIFO (first-in, first-out) consumption, meaning older credits are used first to minimize waste. InVideo and Runway typically reset credits monthly with no rollover.

What happens to credits if my video generation fails?+

On Kensa, credits are frozen (reserved) when you start a generation. If the generation fails, frozen credits are automatically released back to your balance. You are only charged for successfully completed videos. This freeze-settle-release pattern protects you from losing credits to failed generations.

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