AI Video Generation API Pricing Comparison 2026: We Checked 8 Providers After Sora Died

OpenAI just cancelled Sora. The app, the API, the $1B Disney deal — all gone. Developers who built on Sora are now actively searching for video generation API alternatives, and the price differences between providers are enormous.

We compared 8 providers so you don't have to. Here's exactly what you'll pay per video, per second, and per month at scale.

The Real Cost of AI Video Generation

Video generation pricing models vary wildly:

• Per-generation: Pay per video regardless of length (Kling, Pika)
• Per-second: Pay for each second of video generated (Runway, Veo)
• Subscription tiers: Monthly credits (Runway, Pika)
• Credit-based: Buy credits, spend per generation (Kling)

Hidden costs to watch for: rate limits, resolution upcharges, watermarks on free tiers, and — as Sora proved — the risk of the whole platform shutting down.

Full Price Comparison Table (2026)

Prices verified March 2026 from official provider websites. All estimates for 5-second video at 1080p.

*Last updated: March 2026. Prices verified from official provider websites. NexaAPI aggregates multiple models — contact for volume pricing.

Cost Calculator — How Much Will You Actually Spend?

Code Tutorial — Start Generating Videos with NexaAPI

Python

# Install: pip install nexaapi
from nexaapi import NexaAPI

client = NexaAPI(api_key='YOUR_API_KEY')

# Generate a 5-second video — multiple models available
response = client.video.generate(
    model='kling-v1',  # or veo-3.1, runway-gen4, etc.
    prompt='A serene mountain lake at golden hour, cinematic quality',
    duration=5,
    aspect_ratio='16:9'
)

# Download or embed the video
print(f'Video ready: {response.video_url}')
print(f'Cost: {response.cost{'}'}')  # Full pricing transparency

JavaScript / Node.js

// Install: npm install nexaapi
import NexaAPI from 'nexaapi';

const client = new NexaAPI({ apiKey: 'YOUR_API_KEY' });

async function generateVideo() {
  // Generate a 5-second video — multiple models available
  const response = await client.video.generate({
    model: 'kling-v1',  // or veo-3.1, runway-gen4, etc.
    prompt: 'A serene mountain lake at golden hour, cinematic quality',
    duration: 5,
    aspectRatio: '16:9'
  });

  console.log(`Video ready: ${response.videoUrl}`);
  console.log(`Cost: $${response.cost}`);  // Full pricing transparency
}

generateVideo();

Why Price Isn't the Only Thing That Matters (But It Helps)