For agencies, white-label editing pricing is about more than the cost per video. It's about margin, predictability and whether the partner can scale with you. This guide explains the common models and what to look for. Any figures are typical market ranges, not Kredos prices.
Common pricing models
Per video
You pay for each video delivered, usually priced by type and length. Simple and flexible, good when volume is unpredictable. Can be more expensive per unit than a commitment.
Monthly retainer by volume
A set number of videos per month for a fixed fee. Predictable for both sides, usually cheaper per video. Watch for what happens to unused videos and overages.
Dedicated editor or capacity plan
You reserve an editor's time or a fixed amount of capacity each month. Good for agencies with steady, high volume and varied work.
Hourly
Less common for white-label, but used for unpredictable or highly custom projects.
What drives the price
- Video type: shortform clips, long YouTube edits, ads, motion graphics.
- Complexity: basic cuts vs heavy graphics, sound design and storytelling.
- Volume: more volume usually means lower per-video cost.
- Turnaround: faster delivery costs more.
- Revisions: how many rounds are included.
- Project management: dedicated account management and QA add value and cost.
- Brand range: handling many client styles takes more setup than one.
Typical market ranges
Broadly, white-label pricing in the market tends to sit below what agencies charge their clients, so the agency keeps a margin. Typical ranges vary hugely by region, format and complexity:
- Short-form clips: typically from tens of dollars per clip at volume, more for heavily produced work.
- Long-form YouTube edits: typically from around a hundred dollars to several hundred or more per video.
- Monthly retainers: typically from low four figures upward depending on volume and mix.
Treat these as orientation only and compare quotes for the same scope.
Working out your margin
The simple formula: what you charge the client, minus what the partner charges, minus your internal time (account management, QA, client communication). That internal time is easy to forget. A partner with strong QA and clear communication reduces it, which can make a slightly higher price more profitable overall.
What should be included
- Unbranded delivery: no partner logos or watermarks, files named your way.
- Confidentiality: partner doesn't contact your clients or claim the work publicly.
- Revisions: clear number of rounds per video.
- Brand kit setup: time to learn each client's style.
- Music and stock: licensing that covers client use, including ads where needed.
- Project files: whether you can get them if you need to.
- Turnaround commitments: standard and rush timelines.
Hidden costs to watch for
- Extra charges for each revision beyond a small limit.
- Setup fees per new client brand.
- Rush fees on routine turnaround.
- Music licensing billed separately.
- Rollover rules that waste unused retainer volume.
Choosing the right model
- Unpredictable volume: per video or a small retainer with flexible overages.
- Steady volume: monthly retainer for better pricing.
- High volume, varied work: dedicated capacity.
Many agencies start per video with a new partner, then move to a retainer once trust and volume are established.
Pricing your service to clients
Price based on value and market, not just cost plus a percentage. Clients pay for strategy, creative direction, account management and results, not just edits. Your white-label partner is a cost of delivery; your expertise is what you sell.
Questions to ask a white-label partner about pricing
- What exactly counts as one video, and how is length measured?
- How many revision rounds are included, and what does an extra round cost?
- Is there a setup fee per new client brand?
- What's standard turnaround, and what does rush cost?
- What happens to unused retainer volume?
- How are music and stock licensed, and do licences cover ads?
- Can we scale up or down month to month?
Start with a paid pilot
Before committing to a retainer, run a small paid pilot on real client work. It shows you true quality, communication and turnaround, and lets you calculate your actual margin, including your own review time. A partner confident in their work will welcome a pilot.
The short version
Compare partners on the same scope, count your own review and management time, check what's actually included, and start with a pilot. The cheapest quote isn't always the most profitable one; the partner who needs the least hand-holding often is. Once trust and volume are there, a retainer usually gives the best balance of price and predictability.
Related guides
Part of our white-label editing for agencies series. See also choosing a white-label partner, video editing for social agencies and retainer vs per-video pricing. See our work or request white-label pricing.