How AI generation credits work, and how to budget them
October 26, 2026 · 3 min read
Why AI tools use credits, what affects the cost of a generation, and how to plan your monthly usage.
Why credits exist
An image and a 1080p video cost very different amounts to produce. Credits let one plan cover all of them, with each generation priced by what it really uses.
What changes the cost
For video: the model, the length and the resolution. For images: the model. For voice and avatars: the length of the text.
How Fantygen handles it
You see the exact credits before you generate. If a job fails or is blocked, the credits return automatically. Plan credits are used first and expire at the end of the period. Extra packs last 90 days.
A simple way to budget
Decide how many finished videos you need a month, and assume a few drafts for each. Draft on low-cost settings, and spend on the final shots. Exporting from the editor does not use credits, only your plan's export minutes.