"How much does a video cost?" is the first question almost every business owner asks us, and it's a fair one. The honest answer is that it depends on what you need. But "it depends" isn't very helpful, so here are real numbers from our own pricing, plus what makes a project cost more or less.
Quick Answer: Typical Video Production Prices
These are Lime City Media's current prices for businesses in Fort Wayne and Northeast Indiana:
| Type of video | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Single social media video | $300 per video | Testing video, one-off promotions |
| Social Media Content Bundle (8 vertical videos + 2 photos) | $2,200 per bundle | Consistent posting on TikTok, Reels, Facebook, YouTube Shorts |
| Video ad production | $800 per video | Facebook, Instagram and TikTok ad campaigns |
| Social media management | $225 per month | Having your videos posted for you |
| TV commercial | Custom quote | Broadcast on WANE 15, 21Alive, 55WFFT and other stations |
Prices are current as of this post and subject to change. See our pricing page for the latest.
What Drives the Cost of a Video?
Two videos that are both "30 seconds long" can have very different price tags. Here's why.
1. Planning and scripting
A simple social video might just need talking points. A commercial needs a written script, a shot list, and sometimes storyboards. The more planning a project needs, the more it costs, but planning is also what separates a video that works from one that doesn't.
2. Shoot time and locations
One location in one afternoon is efficient. Multiple locations, travel between them, or multiple shoot days add crew time. This is also why batching makes sense: our social bundle films several videos in one visit, which brings the cost per video down.
3. People on camera
Using your own team or customers keeps costs down, and often performs better because it's authentic. Hiring actors or voiceover talent adds cost.
4. Extras like drone, graphics and animation
Drone aerials, motion graphics, and custom animation all add production value and time. Our drone pilots are FAA Part 107 certified, and aerials can be added to most projects.
5. Editing and revisions
Short vertical videos are typically delivered within 72 hours of filming. Commercials with color grading, sound mixing, graphics, and multiple rounds of feedback take longer, usually 1–3 weeks.
Social Video vs. Video Ads vs. TV Commercials
Social media videos are built to grow your audience organically. They're native, fast-moving, and made to feel like they belong in the feed. For one of our automotive clients, organic video drove over 8 million views in a single year.
Video ads are built to convert. They have a sharper hook, a clear offer, and a call to action, and they run with paid budget behind them. We recommend running an ad for at least 90 days so there's time to optimize it.
TV commercials are built for broadcast. They're formatted to each station's specs, usually 15, 30 or 60 seconds long. They're great for broad local name recognition across Fort Wayne and the surrounding towns.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Budget
- Batch your filming. One organized shoot day can produce a month of content.
- Repurpose everything. A TV commercial can be cut into vertical social versions, and a brand film can become a dozen short clips.
- Start with a goal. "More phone calls" and "more followers" call for different videos. Tell your production company what success looks like.
- Put real people on camera. Owners and employees often outperform polished actors on social media.
Is Professional Video Worth It for a Small Business?
For most businesses, yes, if the video is built to do a job. ReadiPOD, a Fort Wayne startup, got over 100,000 views from its first two videos with us, and now gets 1–3 phone call leads a day without spending on ads. You can read the full story in our case studies.
Get a Quote
We produce video for businesses in Fort Wayne, New Haven, Huntertown, Auburn, Kendallville, Columbia City, Huntington, Bluffton and nationwide. Tell us what you're working on, and we'll recommend the right option for your budget. Learn more about our video production and TV commercial services.