Animation Minutes
What are animation minutes?
Animation minutes are Lumen5's unified currency for AI-powered video and image generation. They replace the previous AI media credits system, giving you a single, simple balance to manage all your AI media creation — whether you're generating AI videos in the AI media tab or building animated explainer videos.
How many animation minutes do I get?
Your monthly animation minutes are included with your plan:
Plan | Monthly Animation Minutes |
|---|---|
Basic | 1 minute |
Starter | 2 minutes |
Pro | 5 minutes |
Enterprise | 5 minutes (custom amounts available) |
Minutes reset at the start of each billing cycle. |
What can I use animation minutes for?
Animation minutes cover two features:
- AI video generation in the AI media tab
- Animated explainer videos in the animated explainer feature
Previously, these features used separate currencies (AI media credits and animation minutes). Now they share a single balance, so you never have to think about which currency applies.
What about AI image generation?
AI image generation is now free on all plans. It doesn't draw from your animation minutes balance. A reasonable use limit applies to prevent abuse, but it's well above what most users will ever need.
Can I get more animation minutes?
Yes. If you need additional minutes beyond your plan's monthly allocation, you can add them as a subscription add-on at $10 per minute per month.
Enterprise customers can also negotiate custom animation minute amounts as part of their plan.
Why the change from AI media credits?
Previously, AI media credits were used for AI video and image generation, while the animated explainer feature used animation minutes — two separate currencies for related features. This change consolidates everything into animation minutes so you have one simple balance for all AI media creation in Lumen5.
Overall, this update increases the value available to you: the new allocation lets you do more with AI media than before, and image generation is now free.
Frequently asked questions
Will my existing AI media credits carry over? No, AI media credits have been retired and replaced with your new animation minutes allocation based on your current plan.
Do unused animation minutes roll over month to month? No, animation minutes reset each billing cycle.
What happens if I run out of animation minutes? You can purchase additional minutes as a subscription add-on at $10/minute/month, or upgrade to a higher plan.
I'm on Enterprise — how do I get a custom animation minutes amount? Contact your account manager or reach out to our support team to discuss a custom allocation.
Updated on: 11/06/2026