Is a Video Retainer the Right Fit for Your Business?

In the age of social media dominance, the need for consistent video content has never been greater. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube thrive on daily updates, making it crucial for businesses to churn out fresh content regularly. If your company is relying solely on one-off video projects, you might be missing out on opportunities for constant engagement. This brings us to the question: is a video retainer a better option for your business?

A video retainer provides a steady flow of content over an extended period of time, allowing businesses to plan ahead, budget more effectively, and build a stronger working relationship with their production partners. Let’s explore how a video retainer compares to one-time projects and whether it’s a better solution for your company’s needs.

One-Time Video Projects: Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Flexibility: One-off projects allow you to choose the exact scope and scale for a specific campaign. If you have a product launch or an event, you can focus all your resources on making that one video stand out.

• No Long-Term Commitment: You aren’t tied to any ongoing agreement. Once the video is produced, your involvement ends, and you can reassess whether you need more content down the line.

Cons:

• Higher Cost Variability: Costs can fluctuate from project to project. A corporate interview video might run you $5,000, but a large-scale national ad campaign could balloon to over $100,000, depending on the production requirements.

• Inconsistent Content: In the world of digital marketing, consistency is key. If you only rely on one-time projects, there can be significant gaps in your content output, which might weaken your online presence over time.

Video Retainers: Why They Offer More Value

Cost Efficiency and Stability

A video retainer allows you to budget more effectively. With a monthly or quarterly fee, your costs remain fixed, eliminating the unpredictability of one-off projects. This ensures a consistent output of content without the burden of large, sporadic expenses. For instance, a retainer might cost $5,000 per month, which typically includes one or two days of filming and the rest dedicated to editing.

With a month-to-month subscription model, companies like Filmit.xyz offer flexible retainers without locking you into long-term contracts. This way, you can adjust your content needs month-to-month based on what’s most relevant—whether it’s a live-action shoot or a focus on animation.

Example: How GetAttune Benefited from a Retainer Model

One of our clients, GetAttune, opted for a video retainer to focus on their animated video needs. Because of this retainer model, we were able to rework scripts multiple times, explore different creative options, and deliver a polished final product—all without worrying about added costs or budget overruns. GetAttune was also free to pause their retainer when their immediate video needs were met, but because of the strong relationship we built, we remain their trusted partner for future content.

With Slack communication integrated into our workflow, we regularly discuss new content ideas, making the collaboration seamless and ensuring that their video strategy is always aligned with their business goals.

Flexibility in Content Types

Another advantage of a retainer is the ability to adapt quickly to changing content needs. For instance, one month, your company might need a polished live-action video, while the next month, you could focus on animated explainer videos. With a retainer, your video production team can easily shift gears, providing you with the right content at the right time.

This versatility is particularly useful for businesses that operate in fast-moving industries, where priorities can change rapidly. At Filmit.xyz, our team has extensive experience in both live-action and animation, allowing us to pivot from one style to another without losing momentum.

Stronger Collaboration and Communication

One-time projects are great for short-term needs, but they often require significant onboarding and planning to get the production team up to speed with your brand. A retainer, on the other hand, fosters a long-term partnership. Over time, your video production team becomes an extension of your marketing department, fully understanding your brand’s voice, tone, and goals.

With a retainer, communication becomes second nature. At Filmit.xyz, we regularly connect with our retainer clients through Slack, ensuring that every piece of content we produce aligns perfectly with their marketing strategy. Daily check-ins, open feedback, and a close working relationship mean we’re always ready to respond to any changes or new ideas.

Cost Savings in the Long Run

While a retainer may seem like a larger upfront investment, it can save you money over time. One-off projects often come with hidden costs—from scouting new vendors to dealing with unexpected production expenses. But with a retainer, you lock in rates and streamline production processes, reducing these inefficiencies.

Moreover, as you continue working with the same team, the production process becomes smoother and faster. Your video production partner already knows your brand, your preferences, and your style, which means fewer revisions and faster turnarounds.

Is a Video Retainer Right for Your Business?

The right answer depends on your company’s long-term goals. If you’re only looking for occasional video content to support specific campaigns, a one-time project might be sufficient. But if your marketing strategy relies on consistent, high-quality content, a video retainer could be the better solution.

The Benefits of a Video Retainer:

• Cost predictability: Fixed monthly fees make budgeting easier.

• Content consistency: Regular video output keeps your audience engaged.

• Strong collaboration: Long-term relationships mean better creative results.

• Flexibility: Adapt your video needs month-to-month, whether for live-action or animation.

At Filmit.xyz, we offer both one-time video projects and flexible retainer options to suit your company’s specific needs. Reach out today to discuss how we can help build a video strategy that drives engagement and results for your brand.