How Much Does a Music Video Cost in the UK?
It’s the first question almost every artist asks me, usually a bit nervously: “How much is a music video going to cost?” The honest answer is that it depends on what you want to make. A simple performance video and a story-driven video with actors, several locations and effects are completely different jobs.
So here’s a clear breakdown of typical UK prices, what actually drives the cost, and how to get the most out of whatever budget you have.
Typical music video prices in the UK
There’s no official price list, but across UK videographers and production companies the market falls roughly into three bands:
- Independent and small-crew videos: around £500 to £2,000. One videographer or a small team, one shoot day, usually one or two locations, and a polished edit and colour grade. This is where most independent artists start, and it’s where a lot of great videos are made.
- Mid-range productions: around £3,000 to £15,000. A director, a bigger crew, proper lighting, more locations, possibly actors or extras, and more time in the edit.
- High-end and label-funded videos: £20,000 and up. Large crews, sets, permits, VFX and long post-production.
For context, the UK Music Video Awards added a Best Low Budget Video category in 2025 for videos made for under £5,000. Plenty of memorable videos are made on independent budgets.
What actually drives the cost
When I quote for a music video, these are the things that move the number up or down:
- Shoot days. One day is very different from two or three. Most independent videos fit into a single, well-planned day.
- Crew size. A solo videographer keeps costs down. Adding a lighting person, a second camera, a stylist or a make-up artist adds to the day rate.
- Locations and permits. Some locations are free, others charge. Filming on the canals, for example, needs permission from the Canal & River Trust and there are hourly location fees.
- Lighting and kit. Night shoots, coloured lighting and special rigs (gimbals, sliders, drones) add time and hire costs.
- Cast. Actors, dancers and extras need paying, feeding and organising.
- Edit, colour grade and effects. This is often where the most hours go. A fast-paced edit with lots of cuts, or VFX, takes much longer than a clean performance edit.
It’s also smart to keep 10 to 15% of your budget aside as a contingency for the things nobody plans for.
How to get more from your budget
- Keep it to one strong idea. A simple concept done well beats an ambitious idea done in a rush.
- Use free or low-cost locations. A friend’s flat, a quiet street, a local venue on a weekday. Character matters more than cost.
- Plan the shoot properly. A shot list and a clear schedule save hours on the day, and hours are money.
- Shoot extra content while you’re there. Ask for short vertical clips for Instagram, TikTok and YouTube Shorts from the same shoot. You get weeks of promo content from one day.
- Be ready on the day. Know the lyrics, have outfits sorted and arrive on time. It sounds obvious, but it makes a big difference.
Funding that can help pay for a music video
If you’re an independent artist in England, it’s worth looking at funding. These schemes change regularly, so always check the current rules and deadlines on the funder’s own website before you apply:
- Arts Council England, Developing Your Creative Practice: grants for individuals to develop their creative work, typically between £2,000 and £12,000, in regular funding rounds.
- PRS Foundation: funds such as the Momentum Music Fund and the Open Fund for Music Creators support artists at key career moments, and recording and marketing costs can be included.
- Help Musicians: runs funds for emerging artists, including support for creative collaborations with other artists.
A strong application usually includes a clear plan and a quote, and I’m always happy to put together a quote you can include.
What a music video with me costs
I work as a solo videographer, bringing in extra crew when a project needs it, which keeps independent videos affordable without cutting corners. Every music video is quoted individually because every idea is different. My quotes always include the shoot, the edit and the colour grade.
Have a look at my music video work, then send me your idea: the song, the vibe and your rough budget. I’ll tell you honestly what’s possible and send a fixed quote.