If you’re like most marketing teams, you’ve experienced the frustration of the traditional video production process: the lengthy proposal reviews, the back-and-forth negotiations, the new contracts for every project, and the inconsistent results when working with different vendors. It’s exhausting, inefficient, and frankly, not designed for companies that need regular, high-quality video content.
At Vidico, we’ve worked with hundreds of tech brands that all faced the same challenge: how to produce consistent, on-brand content without the administrative headache and budget unpredictability of one-off video projects.
The solution more and more companies are turning to? Video retainer packages.
Key Takeaways:
- Video retainer packages offer predictable monthly costs versus fluctuating project-based expenses
- Companies save 20-30% on video production through retainer efficiencies
- Retainer clients benefit from priority scheduling and dedicated creative teams
- Content calendars align video content with broader marketing goals
- The best video production retainer agreements include multiple content types for different channels
- Regular meetings and check-ins ensure alignment with the evolving marketing strategy
Content
What is a Video Production Retainer?
A video production retainer is an ongoing agreement between your business and a video production company. Instead of creating individual projects with separate contracts, you commit to a set monthly investment in exchange for a predetermined amount of video content.
Think of it as having a dedicated video team without the overhead of hiring in-house. Your video retainer package typically includes everything from concept development through filming and post-production, all managed through a streamlined process.
Why Companies Are Switching to Video Retainers
1. Cost Efficiency
The traditional project-based approach includes significant overhead in sales, onboarding, and administration. With a retainer agreement, these costs are distributed across multiple projects, resulting in:
- 20-30% savings compared to individual projects
- No hidden fees or surprise expenses
- Better rates on equipment and talent
- Reduced internal administration time
One of our clients, a SaaS company producing monthly product videos, saved over $45,000 in a year after switching to a video retainer package.
2. Consistent Quality and Brand Alignment
“Vidico has been an incredible creative agency partner, and we couldn’t be happier with their work. From graphic design and video production to copywriting, they consistently deliver high-quality results—quickly, reliably, and at a fair price. They truly understand our business and always go the extra mile to ensure our partnership is both effective and enjoyable. “— Jennah Blau, Global Head of Publisher Development @ TikTok
With a video retainer, you work with the same team who deeply understands your:
- Brand voice and visual identity
- Target audience preferences
- Product details and technical specifications
This continuity eliminates the ramp-up period required when working with new vendors, ensuring consistent, on-brand content that resonates with your audience engagement goals.
3. Strategic Alignment with Marketing Goals
One-off video projects often exist in isolation from broader marketing strategy. A video retainer enables:
- Alignment with long-term marketing and communication goals
- Integration with your content calendar
- Adaptability to changing business priorities
- Ongoing optimization based on performance data
4. Priority Access and Flexible Scheduling
As a retainer client, you receive preferential treatment in the production schedule:
- Quick-turn content for timely opportunities
- Reserved production days each month
- Flexibility to adjust deliverables based on business needs
- Expedited turnarounds for urgent projects
Watch What You Need from a Creative Agency in 2025 to see what today’s fastest-growing brands are prioritizing.
5. Streamlined Process and Reduced Management
The traditional project cycle requires significant management oversight. Retainers simplify the process through:
- Established workflows that eliminate redundant steps
- Reduced paperwork and legal reviews
- Simplified approvals and feedback cycles
- Regular check-ins instead of extensive kickoff meetings
What’s Typically Included in a Video Retainer Package
While each video production company structures their retainer packages differently, most quality providers include:
Content Planning and Strategy
- Regular strategy sessions
- Content calendar development
- Performance review and optimization
- Long-term vision alignment
Production Services
- Pre-production planning (scripting, storyboarding)
- Filming days with professional crew
- Post-production (editing, color grading, audio)
- Animation and motion graphics
Deliverable Types
- Product demos and tutorials
- Customer testimonials
- Social media clips
- Internal communications
- Corporate videos
- Event coverage
Management and Communication
- Regular meetings to discuss goals
- Dedicated account manager
- Structured feedback process
- Progress tracking and reporting
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How to Structure an Effective Video Retainer
When setting up a video retainer, consider these key considerations:
1. Volume and Content Mix
Determine your monthly content needs across different formats:
- How many social media clips do you need?
- Do you need longer-form content like webinars?
- What’s the balance between internal and external videos?
2. Production Value Requirements
Be clear about quality expectations:
- Do you need premium production for brand videos?
- Can some content be produced at a more efficient level?
- What level of editing and post-production is required?
3. Timeline and Response Requirements
Establish scheduling parameters:
- How much advance notice for standard projects?
- What’s the expected turnaround for rush projects?
- How will you handle seasonal busy periods?
4. Feedback and Revision Process
Define the collaboration approach:
- How many rounds of revisions per project?
- Who provides feedback and final approvals?
- What tools will you use for review and feedback?
Sample Video Retainer Packages
While every business has specific needs, here are examples of common video retainer structures:
Growth Package: $5,000/month
- 2 filming days per month
- 1 premium video (1-2 minutes)
- 4-6 social media clips
- Basic motion graphics
- Monthly strategy session
Scale Package: $10,000/month
- 4 filming days per month
- 2 premium videos (1-3 minutes)
- 8-10 social media clips
- Advanced motion graphics
- Bi-weekly strategy sessions
- Dedicated editor and graphic designer
Enterprise Package: $20,000+/month
- 6+ filming days per month
- Multiple premium videos
- 15+ social media clips
- Custom animation and adding effects
- Weekly strategy meetings
- Dedicated creative team
The Video Retainer Process at Vidico
At Vidico [1], our video production retainer process is designed to maximize efficiency while maintaining the creative quality our clients expect:
- Strategy Development: We begin by understanding your long-term vision and specific needs
- Proposed Retainer Plan: We create a customized package based on your content requirements
- Agreement Signing: Once approved, we formalize the retainer agreement outlining deliverables and terms
- Kickoff Meeting: We establish workflows, communication channels, and initial content priorities
- Regular Production Cycle: Ongoing content creation with scheduled check-ins
- Conistent Review: We assess performance and adjust the strategy as needed
Is a Video Retainer Right for Your Business?
Video retainers work best for companies that:
- Need ongoing video content (at least 2-3 videos monthly)
- Value consistent quality and brand alignment
- Want predictable video production costs
- Seek a strategic partner rather than just a vendor
- Have established marketing and communication goals
If your business produces video content sporadically or is still developing its video strategy, individual projects might be more appropriate until you establish a steady flow of content needs.
TikTok increased creative output by 400% using our video system → See our work
How to Get Started with a Video Retainer
Ready to explore whether a video retainer package is right for your company? Here’s how to take the next step:
- Audit Your Current Content: Review your existing video production and identify gaps or opportunities
- Define Your Ideal Mix: Determine what types of content would best support your marketing goals
- Calculate Your Current Spend: Add up what your business pays for video now (including management time)
- Request a Consultation: Speak with a video production company experienced in retainer relationships
FAQs
How does a video retainer compare to hiring an in-house video team?
A video retainer gives you access to specialized talent across 40+ creative disciplines without the overhead of salaries, benefits, and equipment. You’re getting strategists, directors, editors, and motion designers who deliver consistent output through our systems-based approach. You’ll produce more content than a small in-house team could manage, with flexibility to scale as your needs change.
What’s actually included in a video retainer package?
Our subscription model includes end-to-end creative production—from strategy and concept through post-production and asset bank development. You’ll get regular strategy sessions, multiple creative variations for A/B testing, and access to our VideoStore platform for asset management. Each project adds reusable templates and components to your library, creating a compounding advantage over time.
Can I adjust the type of content I need month to month?
Yes. Our flexible workflows adapt to changing marketing priorities. If you planned for product demos but suddenly need social ads, we pivot with you. Through regular strategy sessions, we align upcoming content with your current business goals and performance data.
How do you maintain brand consistency across all videos?
We build comprehensive asset banks during onboarding—your visual style, messaging frameworks, templates, and brand components. Because the same creative team works on your content consistently, they internalize your brand DNA. Every project builds on this foundation, ensuring cohesive content across all channels without constantly re-explaining your vision.
What makes Vidico’s approach different from traditional agencies?
We use a systems-based approach rather than throwing more people at your projects. Our 10x methodology maximizes creative output through scalable production systems and asset banks. A single campaign yields multiple assets optimized for social, ads, landing pages, and beyond. You’re not just getting videos—you’re building reusable creative systems that compound in value over time.
Do I get strategic support or just video production?
Strategy is a core component. We don’t just execute your ideas—we partner with you to develop systematic approaches that drive measurable results. You’ll get regular strategy sessions, content calendar alignment, performance reviews, and ongoing optimization. We’ve delivered 1,200+ projects and generated 1.4 billion views for clients by focusing on high-converting narratives, not just production.
What types of companies benefit most from video retainers?
Our subscription model works best for mid-market to enterprise tech companies (200+ employees) needing consistent, high-quality creative at scale. Marketing directors, growth marketers, and creative leaders who require ongoing video and design support throughout the marketing calendar see the biggest impact. We work with brands like TikTok, Square, Spotify, and Uber who need systematic creative production, not one-off projects.
How does the asset bank approach maximize my investment?
Every project we create feeds into your asset library—templates, components, footage, and design systems you can leverage repeatedly. This means your second campaign is faster and more cost-efficient than your first, and your tenth is even better. We’re after yield—getting the most possible assets from each effort. That’s how clients achieve 4x ROI on creative investments through our approach.
Maximize ROI from Your Video Investment
The most successful companies view video not as an occasional project but as a crucial part of their ongoing marketing and communication strategy. A video retainer transforms video from a series of disconnected projects into a strategic, cost-effective system for consistent content creation.
By partnering with an experienced video production company on a retainer basis, you’ll not only reduce costs but also build a more cohesive brand story that resonates with your audience across all channels.
If you’re producing video content regularly and tired of the administrative overhead, inconsistent quality, and unpredictable costs of traditional agencies, let’s talk about how a subscription model could transform your creative production. [2]
Book a free strategy session to explore how our packages can work for your specific needs.
References:
- https://finance.yahoo.com/news/video-production-company-vidico-launch-130000641.html
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0148296320306445
