1. Introduction2. Getting Started3. Manual Projects4. Automations (Autopilot)5. Audio Generator6. Billing & Credits

Billing & Credits System

Running a successful YouTube Automation business requires a clear understanding of your overhead costs. CinematicAI was built from the ground up to be the most cost-effective AI Video Generator on the market by utilizing a transparent, hybrid pricing model.

Here is everything you need to know about CinematicAI Pricing and how to manage your AI video credits.

The Hybrid "Bring Your Own Key" (BYOK) Model

Unlike our competitors who charge you $50+ per month for a severely limited number of video generations, CinematicAI separates the platform software costs from the AI generation costs.

1. Platform Subscription

You pay a small, flat monthly fee to access the CinematicAI software (the Autopilot engine, the video editor, the automatic subtitle generator, and the cloud rendering servers).

2. API Usage (The BYOK System)

You provide your own OpenAI and ElevenLabs API keys.

  • You pay OpenAI directly for the script generation (fractions of a cent).
  • You pay ElevenLabs directly for the voice generation.
  • Why do we do this? Because it prevents you from being up-charged! A 60-second video costs roughly $0.05 in API fees. Competitors will charge you $2.00 for that same video. BYOK gives you wholesale AI pricing.

How CinematicAI Credits Work

While you pay for scripts and voiceovers via your own API keys, CinematicAI uses a Credit System to cover the massive cloud-compute costs required to render high-definition video files, source licensed stock footage, and compile animations.

  • Short Video (< 30 seconds): Consumes exactly 2 Credits. Perfect for quick, viral TikToks or YouTube Shorts.
  • Standard Short (30 to 60 seconds): Consumes exactly 3 Credits. Ideal for full-length Shorts that maximize the 60-second limit for higher watch time.
  • Long-Form Video (> 60 seconds): Custom credit consumption based on total minute length.
  • Monthly Refresh: Depending on your subscription tier (Starter, Creator, or Agency), your account is topped up with a specific amount of credits on your billing cycle date.

[!NOTE] If a video render fails due to a server error on our end, your credits are automatically refunded to your account immediately.

Managing Your Subscription

To view your current credit balance, upgrade your plan, or manage your billing details, navigate to the Credits & Billing tab in your dashboard.

  • Top-Ups: If you run out of credits before the end of the month (a great problem to have, as it means your Faceless YouTube Channel is scaling rapidly!), you can instantly buy "Credit Packs" without upgrading your base subscription.
  • Invoices: All receipts and tax invoices are available for download in the Billing portal, powered securely by Stripe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What happens to my Autopilot campaigns if I run out of credits? A: The campaigns will pause. The system will attempt to render a video, recognize that you have 0 credits, and send you an email notification alerting you to top up. No videos will be published until your balance is positive.

Q: Do unused credits roll over to the next month? A: Unused credits from your base monthly subscription do not roll over (they reset every 30 days). However, any "Credit Packs" you purchase manually never expire and will carry over indefinitely.

Q: Can I cancel my subscription at any time? A: Absolutely. There are no lock-in contracts. You can cancel your subscription from the Billing dashboard. You will retain access to the platform and your remaining credits until the end of your current billing cycle.

Q: Is the YouTube automation cost tax-deductible? A: For most creators operating a business entity (like an LLC), software subscriptions used to produce monetizable content are considered a business expense. However, please consult with a certified CPA regarding tax deductions in your specific jurisdiction.