Cost to Develop an AI-based Text-to-Image & Video Generator App: Budget Breakdown

Let’s cut to it— the average cost to develop an AI Text-to-Image and Video Generator App in 2025 ranges from $90,000 to $140,000, depending on the scope, features, and whether you’re using custom models or APIs.

That’s not pocket change—but it’s also not enterprise-level unreachable.

With the rise of tools like Midjourney, Runway, and Pika Labs, the demand for AI-generated visual content is exploding. Businesses, creators, and marketers are all looking for smarter, faster ways to create. And if you’re thinking of building in this space, it’s a smart move.

But smart ideas need smarter budgeting.

In this blog, we’re breaking down the AI image and video generator app development cost line by line—features, tech stack, team, infrastructure, and where you can cut costs without cutting corners. Think of it as your AI image and video generator app development cost breakdown —minus the fluff.

Let’s get into the real numbers and what it’ll take to bring your AI app idea to life—without blowing your budget.

Key Features of an AI Text-to-Image and Video Generator App (with Cost Breakdown)

Let’s talk features—because that’s where the bulk of your AI app development cost will go.

No matter how beautiful your UI is or how clever your branding sounds, your users care about what the app can actually do. And every feature you add affects the development cost of AI image and video generator app projects significantly.

Below is a breakdown of must-have features—and how much they’ll typically cost to build.

Using an experienced AI development company like Biz4groupcan help you prioritize features, as done for one of our clients Zenscroll.

Total Feature Development Cost Estimate

MVP (must-have features): $24,500 – $35,000
Full-featured version: $35,000 – $50,000+

Keep in mind, these are average numbers based on market research, direct project experience, and industry quotes.The actual cost of developing AI image and video generator app features will vary based on your tech stack, design complexity, and the generative AI development services you hire.

Tech Stack & Infrastructure Choices (with Cost Estimates) for AI Text-to-Image and Video Generator App

This is the part where many first-time founders get blindsided. Because it’s not just about writing code—it’s about hosting models, running inference, storing output files, securing data, and making sure your app doesn’t fall apart under 10 users.

Let’s break down the tech stack and infrastructure costs for AI text-to-image and video generator app development, in plain English and table format.

Total Estimated Cost (Initial + Monthly)

Initial Setup Cost: ~$15,000 – $30,000
Monthly Infrastructure Cost: ~$2,000 – $10,000+ (depending on usage)

If you're working with an expert team, they'll often help you configure optimized, cost-efficient environments—especially if you're not ready to go full custom just yet.

And yes, many cloud providers (like AWS, GCP, Azure) offer startup credits—if you qualify, use them. It could save you thousands during your MVP stage.

Development Team Composition & Cost Estimates for AI Text-to-Image and Video Generator App

Here’s the deal: you can’t build a quality AI app with a solo developer and good vibes. Especially not when it comes to something as technically complex (and GPU-hungry) as an AI text-to-image and video generator app.

You’ll need a team. Maybe not a huge one—but the right one. And that team is where a major chunk of your AI app development cost will go.

So, let’s break it down by roles, hourly rates, and time commitment—for both an MVP and a full-scale version.

Total Development Cost Estimate

MVP Version: $29,700 – $59,500
Full Product: $49,050 – $92,500

If you’re outsourcing internationally, you might shave off 15–20%. Hiring top-tier in-house? Expect to go higher. To help you in selecting top software development outsourcing companies, here’s a great guide.

Besides, to understand in detail about the UI/UX design cost, here is a complimentary guide for you.

Budget Breakdown by Phase (MVP vs Full App) for Building AI Text-to-Image and Video Generator App

You’ve seen the features.

You’ve seen the tech stack.

You’ve seen the team it takes to build this thing.

Now let’s answer the big one:
How much does it cost to develop an AI text-to-image and video generator app—start to finish?

Below is a phase-wise breakdown of the AI image and video generator app development cost, showing what you’ll likely spend at each stage—for both a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and a fully-featured app.

So, What’s the Total Damage?

MVP Build: ~$55,000 – $80,000
Full-Featured App: ~$90,000 – $140,000+

These numbers reflect actual industry averages from AI-focused agencies, product studios, and freelance teams.

Remember, the biggest variable in AI Art generator app development cost is how you implement AI—whether you’re calling external APIs (like OpenAI or Stability AI) or fine-tuning and hosting your own models.

Add more functionality (like voice-to-video, motion interpolation, or real-time generation), and you can easily go beyond the high end of this estimate.

Again, our team has compiled a detailed guide on how to build custom MVP software.

Cost-Saving Strategies for Startups to Build AI Text-to-Image and Video Generator App

Let’s be honest— AI text-to-image and video generator app development isn’t cheap. But it also doesn’t have to wreck your entire startup budget. The trick? Spend smart, not small.

If you’re building your first version, testing market demand, or simply trying to keep things lean, here are cost-saving strategies that actually work.

1. Use Open-Source Generative Models

Platforms like Stable Diffusion and ComfyUI give you robust image-generation capabilities without the licensing fees that come with proprietary models.

If you're technically inclined, you can run them locally or on rented GPU instances.

Saves: Thousands in API calls
Best for: MVP builds or low-volume apps

2. Start with Pretrained APIs

Instead of training custom models, use services like OpenAI (DALL·E), RunwayML, or Pika Labs to power your backend. Most of them offer usage-based pricing, which is way cheaper for early-stage products.

Saves: Time, infra costs, and ML engineering hours
Best for: Fast launches and MVPs

3. Apply for Cloud Startup Credits

Yes, this again—because it’s that valuable.

AWS, GCP, and Azure offer $50K–$150K in credits to eligible startups. If you’re working with a tech incubator or AI software development company, they can often help you get access.

Saves: Major infra costs (GPU, storage, bandwidth)

4. Build a True MVP

You don’t need a full admin panel, real-time video generation, or 10 different image styles on Day One. Focus on:

• Basic prompt-to-image flow
• Simple download feature
• Limited style options
• One AI model integration

This keeps your cost to build an MVP for AI image and video generator app within $50K–$80K instead of blowing past six figures.

Saves: Build time, money, and stress

5. Work with a Specialized Team

Hiring a generalist agency or freelancer might look cheaper—until it’s not.Choose a team who knows what tools to use, what infra to avoid, and how to scale cost-effectively.

Saves: Rework, delays, bad architecture

Building smart is just as important as building fast.

Do it right, and your MVP will do exactly what it’s supposed to—validate your idea without draining your runway.

Monetization Strategies to Maximize ROI for AI Text-to-Image and Video Generator App Development

If you’re putting $50K–$140K into AI text-to-image and video generator app development, you better have a plan to get ROI—and ideally, fast.

The good news? You’re not just building a cool toy. You’re building a revenue engine. Let’s look at ways you can monetize your app and turn it into a legit business.

1. Freemium Model (with daily limits)

Offer free users a set number of generations per day—just enough to hook them. Once they hit the limit, upsell them to a paid plan.

• Works great for creators and hobbyists
• Reduces churn because they’ve already “tasted” the value

Simple. Effective. Scalable.

2. Subscription Plans (Pro / Premium / Enterprise)

Tiered subscriptions are the bread and butter for monetizing AI tools. Lock premium features like:

• HD downloads
• Video generation
• Custom model access
• API usage

Set pricing based on user type—creators, agencies, enterprise clients.

• Reliable recurring revenue
• Great for SaaS-style scaling

3. Pay-Per-Use Credits

Let users buy credit packs (e.g., 100 prompts = $10). This is ideal if your infrastructure cost is usage-based (like OpenAI or GPU inference time).

• You only pay when users pay
• Keeps things predictable

4. Offer a Developer API

Expose your model via an API and let 3rd-party devs build on top of your platform. Think Zapier integrations, WordPress plugins, or even enterprise SaaS tools that want embedded AI functionality.

• Great for B2B monetization
• Turns your platform into a backend for others

5. White-Label Your App

Sell your platform as a white-label solution to agencies, media companies, or niche markets (like real estate, education, etc.) who want their own branding on it.

• One contract = High-value deal
• Perfect for boutique use cases

6. Build a Creator Marketplace

Let users sell the images or videos they generate—within your platform. Take a cut on every transaction.

• Encourages platform stickiness
• Turns users into advocates

How Biz4Group is the Right Partner for Building Your AI-based Text-to-Image & Video Generator App in Budget

Let’s face it—choosing the right development partner is everything when it comes to staying on budget without compromising quality.

And if you’re serious about building a powerful, scalable, and smartly designed AI text-to-image and video generator app, Biz4Group checks every box where you can hire AI developers with good scale of experience.

Here’s why:

1. Proven Expertise in Generative AI Development

Biz4Group is not new to this game. We’ve been delivering advanced enterprise AI solutions long before ChatGPT made “prompt engineering” a dinner table phrase. Our generative AI development services include everything from image and video synthesis to natural language processing and services related to real-time AI integration.

2. Real-World Success: The Zenscroll Project

One standout example? Zenscroll—a fully custom AI-powered social media platform built by Biz4Group’s team.

What it does:

• Users enter text prompts to generate images and videos
• Includes real-time sharing, social features, and profile customization
• Uses advanced AI inference pipelines to deliver high-quality content
• Designed with clean UI/UX for creators, marketers, and influencers

Why it matters:

Zenscroll is living proof that Biz4Group knows how to deliver complex, consumer-facing AI products— on time and on budget. It’s not theory. It’s shipped software.

3. Flexible Engagement Models

Whether you need an MVP or a full-scale platform, Biz4Group offers:

• Fixed-price or milestone-based engagement
• Team augmentation with PMs, Devs, and AI/ML engineers
• Dedicated post-launch maintenance and scalability support

4. Strategic Build Process

From early-stage consulting and cost estimation to rapid prototyping, their team works closely with founders and product leaders to build fast, smart, and aligned to business goals.

No surprises. No guesswork. Just experienced delivery.

Wrapping Up!

So, how much does it really take to build an AI text-to-image and video generator app?

On average, you’re looking at $55,000 to $80,000 for an MVP, and $90,000 to $140,000+ for a full-featured product.

That includes everything—UI/UX design, feature development, cloud infrastructure, AI model integration, and testing. Sure, you can trim costs by using pre-trained models or skipping video features in V1, but if you’re in this to win long-term, build smart—not cheap.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

• Break down your costs by features, tech stack, and team
• Use open-source models and cloud credits to cut early infra spend
• Start with a lean MVP to validate demand
• Monetize strategically with subscriptions, credits, or white-label deals

Building an AI product is no small feat. But if you do it right, the payoff is huge.

To know how.

Book an Appointment

FAQ

1. What is the cost to build an AI text-to-image and video generator app?

It typically costs $90,000 to $140,000+ for a full version, and around $55,000–$80,000 for a functional MVP.

2. What are the must-have features in an AI image and video generator app?

Key features include text prompt input, image/video generation, style selection, download options, subscription management, and content moderation.

3. Can I use open-source models instead of paid APIs?

Yes! Tools like Stable Diffusion and ControlNet are excellent for reducing AI-related costs, especially in early stages.

4. What kind of team do I need to build this app?

You’ll need a Project Manager, UI/UX Designer, Frontend & Backend Devs, an AI/ML Engineer, QA, and DevOps—either in-house or via an agency.

5. How can I monetize my AI art generator app?

Popular strategies include freemium plans, pay-per-use credits, subscriptions, API licensing, and white-label solutions for other platforms.

Meet Author