fbpx

How Much Does Short Form Video Production Cost for Law Firms?

short form videos for law firms

The first question most clients and prospects ask me when it comes to any marketing service is:

How much does it cost?

It’s understandable.  You are running a law firm and you want to know if something is worth your time to even find out about.  Not only that, but it’s almost impossible to find the cost of ANYTHING on most marketing agencies’ websites.  They want you to schedule a “chat” to find out the price.

I don’t like that.  It seems unethical to make someone schedule a meeting so they can hear you pitch just to find out the price…especially if it’s out of a person’s price range – now you have wasted the time of not one, but two people!

These days, short-form video content has become an essential tool for attorneys looking to stand out. Whether you’re scrolling through LinkedIn, Instagram Reels, TikTok, or YouTube Shorts, chances are you consume multiple attention-grabbing clips daily. It’s not just for entertainment; many business leaders leverage this medium to build authority and engage their audiences. 

If you’re a law firm leader, you’ve likely thought about jumping on this trend. 

Imagine how short-form video could showcase your expertise, elevate your firm’s profile, get you more referrals, secure more speaking opportunities, and ultimately generate more leads and clients.

However, while the idea is exciting, the reality of producing high-quality video content can feel daunting. It requires time, consistent effort, and, of course, an investment.

So, how much does it cost to outsource professional short-form video content? 

In this article, we’ll break down all the options for you, helping you decide if it’s the right move for your firm.

Why Are Marketing Agencies Hiding the Cost Of This Service For Law Firms?

The most common and frankly maddening answer I’m guessing that you hear when you ask about cost is:

It depends…

I get it – it’s like trying to get the exact cost of a suit.

Are you buying something off the rack, opting for tailored adjustments, or commissioning a bespoke, made-to-measure piece? 

The price answer depends on the materials, the craftsmanship, and the final fit. And, of course, no one wants to promise a price for a tailored service only for you to balk when it doesn’t include all the extras you expected.

This is especially true with short-form video creation, where there are a lot of options. But as attorneys, you know the value of managing expectations and delivering clarity.

So, before we dive into actual numbers (yes, we will actually share numbers—brace yourself), let’s break down why the cost of short-form video can vary so widely.

Why Does the Cost Vary So Much?

1. Not All Services Are Created Equal
Just like the difference between a paralegal’s work and a senior partner’s expertise, the quality and scope of short-form video services vary. Are you looking for basic editing or an all-inclusive package with scripting, filming, and branding? The price reflects the level of service.

2. What’s Included?
One agency might simply edit a few video clips you supply. Another might script, shoot, and produce a polished video series for LinkedIn, complete with captions, graphics, and legal branding. Make sure you’re comparing apples to apples—or briefs to briefs, as the case may be.

3. Your Input vs. Their Input
Are you handing over all the creative direction, or are you involved every step of the way? The more the agency takes on, the higher the cost—but also, the less time you spend managing the process. For busy law firms, outsourcing more can be worth the investment.

What You’re Really Paying For When It Comes To Video For Your Law Firm

At the end of the day, the cost of short-form video for your firm isn’t just about the video itself. It’s about positioning your firm as approachable, knowledgeable, and trustworthy to potential clients. A great video can pay for itself many times over by attracting the right clients to your firm.

But if you’re here, you’re not just looking for explanations—you want numbers. And we’re not going to leave you hanging. Let’s dive into what you can expect to invest in short-form video creation.

Ready to uncover the details? Keep reading—we’re about to break it all down.

How Much Does Short Form Video Cost For A Law Firm

Instead of “It depends”, I’ll give you a range…You can start at $100 and go the whole way up to $25,000+…keep reading to get exact costs and the services those costs include, I promise it’s worth it.

So, why the huge disparity?

It’s mainly the fact that there are so many ways to create video packages as well as the type of editing that goes along with it.

One of the main costs is who you hire and how much work they are taking on.

A secondary cost is the equipment, if you choose to do the video yourself.

Finally, the overall number of videos that you receive can impact the price as well.  Are you getting two videos or are you getting twenty-five videos?  

So, let’s look at the ways to create video for your firm and the actual costs that you should see.

MARKETING SIDE NOTE 

Remember – short-form video (or any content) isn’t just about checking a box—it’s about driving leads and generating revenue. The true value lies in doing it effectively

As we explore the costs involved, also consider the potential consequences of not maximizing its impact. Investing in quality content now could save you from missed opportunities down the line.

Do It Yourself – The First Way To Create Short-Form Video For Your Law Firm

The first option is to just create the videos yourself.  Most people have a phone that can create 4k masterpieces.  You can use your phone with a free/cheap video editing software like Canva or Cap Cut and you’re ready to get started.  (In fact, we have a blog about how you can film a video on your smartphone and turn it into 2 weeks of content.)

This is the cheapest option as you probably already have a phone and you’d just need to invest in a few additional things, like a tripod, lights, a decent microphone and editing software.  You’d also need to have a location to film your videos, which could be your office, a corner of your house or a rented space.  Whatever option you choose, be sure that the background looks nice and complements your video.

The costs for this can vary, but you’re probably looking at a cost of $100-$500.  If you are going to rent a space specifically to shoot, the cost probably will be around $800-$1000.

However, this is the option that will also take the most TIME.  You will have to do everything yourself, which includes recording, editing and posting.  Not only will you be responsible for handling the technical tasks, you’ll also need to plan your content strategy and ensure the videos you create are impactful for your business.  

Fair warning—this process can be quite time-consuming…Based on previous clients, producing about 30 short-form videos could require around 100 hours of work. This includes planning, keyword research, editing, recording and everything else needed to make your videos successful. 

30 short-form videos should cover you for approximately 3 months, if you post videos 2-3 times per week.

So the real question is, what is your time worth to you?

As an attorney, if you bill at the 2024 average of $341/hour, those videos could be costing you over $30k because you are losing out on the ability to bill clients.

Choosing to handle video creation yourself often makes sense for those firms that are just beginning, have limited funds, but can dedicate significant time to creating content and navigating the associated learning process.

However, if spending approximately 100 hours (equivalent to 2.5 full workweeks) could be more profitable by focusing on client work and generating revenue, outsourcing might be a more strategic option.

You should also think about how you want your firm to be represented. Ask yourself if you can produce high-quality content that aligns with the image you want to project. If not, it may be worth seeking professional assistance to ensure your content reflects your expertise and professionalism.

You Shoot The Video, Someone Else Edits It, You Post It – The Second Way To Create Short-Form Video For Your Law Firm

Taking the video editing off your plate is the second way to create video content for your firm.  This option really eliminates having to learn any new software, so it’s much less time-consuming.  Also, the difference between a professional editor and a DIY edit can really make an impact.

The cheapest option would be to find a video editor on a site like Fiverr, where video editing can range from $35 – $500+ per video.  If you went on the low end and chose a $50/video editor, this would still cost you a minimum of $1500 for the 30 videos that you would need for 3 months of posting.

Working with someone on Fiverr that is on the low end of the cost spectrum will still have some challenges and take a bit of time.  You’ll still have to give feedback and describe your video vision to get the edits done to your liking.

Will Using A Professional Video Editor Really Make My Content Stand Out?

Yes!

While AI is increasingly adept at handling straightforward editing tasks like removing sounds, filler words, and long pauses, it’s not a replacement for a person (yet). It can also adjust colors and minimize background noise with ease. Many video editors now integrate AI into their workflow to streamline repetitive tasks and enhance efficiency.

However, professional video editors can take your video to another level with their capabilities.

They can add:

  • Captions
  • B-roll
  • Animation effects
  • Additional images
  • Pop ups
  • And more!

These additions are what really make a video stand out from the rest.

Once the videos are edited, they will be sent back to you for publishing and posting.  You will then need to publish them on a platform like YouTube or Vimeo and schedule them as posts to your social media.

The question in this scenario is – is this time tradeoff worth it?

By spending $1500 for editing, it may allow you to save about half of the 100 hours that we discussed before.  So, you may be spending about 50 hours to create, shoot and post the content as well as working with the video editor to achieve your video vision.  If this is time that you could be billing a client, this still could have an opportunity cost of over $15k.

This option could work for a firm that is ready to take their content to the next level, and has someone that is available to take on the publishing and posting duties.

This middle option where you delegate part of the work can be an excellent strategy for reclaiming your time and elevating the quality of the content you produce. It serves as a balanced middle ground between handling everything yourself and fully outsourcing the process.

Everything is Done For You, Just Show Up For The Video Shoot – The Third Way To Create Short-Form Video For Your Law Firm

This option has everything taken care of for you, except for appearing in the video…AI has come far, but I don’t know that the tech is that good quite yet 😊

Imagine having all your marketing for the next 3 months done and it only required 4-6 hours of your time.

Obviously, this is the most expensive option, and prices can vary here from $3000/month to $25,000+.  The sky really is the limit when it comes to this option.

However, you are getting access to an agency that will typically have:

  • Video Editors
  • Writers
  • SEO experts
  • Designers
  • Directors

This is why the price is so high; you can offload almost all the work.  

Additionally, you’re tapping into the expertise of professionals who know what works because they have done it before and know how to maximize the return on your investment in video content.

IFTS Offers A Content Creation Package That Offers Short-Form Video AND MORE – So What Does It Cost?

You won’t see a wishy-washy answer from us!  

We believe in transparency about the cost of our video content, so you can easily incorporate it into your budget and determine if it’s the best fit for your needs.

We have two options that you can choose from that cover content for 3 months:

  • Done For You [On Location] $13,000 plus tax
  • Done For You [Remote Setup] $9,000 plus tax

Either option has a payment plan that allows you to pay over the three months.  So, the “DFY On Location” package will be $4334/month and the “DFY Remote Setup” package will be $3000/month with no additional fees for paying over time.

What Does Each Package Include?

Everything you need to market your business online over the next 3 months!  Your marketing for an entire quarter is done in less than one day for you.

For both packages, you get:

  • Keyword research report for your area of practice
  • Video planning and strategy
  • Content creation schedule
  • 3 Planning meetings
  • 30 edited videos
  • 30 videos turned into articles for your website (to boost your SEO)
  • Multiple intro and outros so the videos can be reused
  • Image social posts with facts from your videos
  • Videos uploaded to YouTube with optimized descriptions and headings
  • Video and image posts scheduled to appear on your social media, like Facebook, LinkedIn. Google Business Profile, Instagram etc.

For the “DFY On Location” package:

  • We’ll come to your office, set everything up and film you in one day

For the “DFY Remote Setup” package:

  • We will help you set up filming remotely and direct the entire session
  • Prior to filming day, we will do a “set up meeting”, where we will discuss anything needed for filming that you may not have.

 

These packages help you get the most exposure possible by using the content in multiple ways on multiple platforms.

As a bonus, we also include our review request software system at no additional cost.  It can help your firm double the number of reviews you receive per month.

Want Some Help Creating Content For Your Law Firm’s Online Presence?

How was that for a full walkthrough with prices included?

By now, you should have a clear understanding of what goes into the pricing when discussing video content for your law firm.  The price range can vary greatly, but it mainly depends on the level of service that you are looking for.

If you are looking for expert guidance throughout the entire process, our content creation package could be the perfect solution for you!

Fill out this form to get started and set up an introductory meeting.

Video Marketing Strategies for Lawyers: Short-Form vs. Long-Form Explained

Is your firm using video to build trust and establish authority?

If not, you are missing out on LOTS of potential clients!

In today’s competitive legal landscape, video marketing has emerged as one of the most effective tools to achieve these goals. Whether you’re answering FAQs, educating clients, showcasing your expertise, or creating a personal connection, both short-form and long-form video formats have their place in a law firm’s marketing strategy.

This guide will explore the unique advantages of each video type, their specific use cases, and how your firm can strategically leverage both to grow your practice.

What Is Short-Form Video Content?

Short-form videos are normally under two minutes long and designed to deliver concise, impactful messages. They do well on platforms like Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and LinkedIn, where users scroll through content quickly and make snap judgments about what to watch.

Advantages of Short-Form Videos for Law Firms

  1. High Engagement Rates
    • Short videos align with the modern audience’s preference for quick, digestible content. A study by Wyzowl found that 73% of people prefer to watch a short video to learn about a product or service rather than read text or view images (Wyzowl, 2023).
  2. Budget-Friendly Production
    • Producing a 60-second clip about “3 Tips to Prepare for Divorce Mediation” is less resource-intensive than creating a lengthy video. Even attorneys with minimal equipment can create professional-looking videos with a smartphone and simple editing tools (HubSpot, 2024).
  3. Boosted Brand Awareness
    • Short-form videos are more likely to be shared across social media, increasing your law firm’s visibility. In fact, social media algorithms prioritize short, engaging content to keep users on the platform longer (Sprout Social, 2023).

Short-Form Video Ideas for Law Firms

  • FAQs: Address commonly Googled questions like “What should I do after being served with divorce papers?” or “How does bankruptcy affect my credit?”
  • Client Testimonials: Showcase real clients describing their positive experiences working with your firm. Happy clients are normally more than willing to help you out with these.
  • Behind-the-Scenes Clips: Give viewers a glimpse of your office culture or the preparation that goes into a trial.
  • Lawyer Introduction: Give people the chance to get to know you with a quick introductory video to you, your practice and give them a small glimpse into your life.  People want to hire an attorney that they can connect with.

For 18 examples of posts and clips you could create, check out our article on Social Media Marketing for Law Firms | Top 18 Social Post Ideas 

What Is Long-Form Video Content?

Long-form videos are over 5-10 minutes long and ideal for providing detailed explanations or storytelling. They work best on platforms like YouTube, your website, or during live webinars, where viewers are more likely to invest time in watching.

Advantages of Long-Form Videos for Law Firms

  1. Showcasing Expertise
    • Long videos allow attorneys to delve deeper into complex legal topics, which helps establish credibility. For instance, a 20-minute video explaining “The Legal Process of Estate Planning in 2024” demonstrates thorough knowledge and builds trust with potential clients (Forbes, 2023).
  2. Enhanced SEO
    • Search engines prioritize detailed, valuable content. A 15-minute YouTube video titled “Everything You Need to Know About Wrongful Termination Lawsuits” can rank higher on Google, directing more organic traffic to your website (Moz, 2023).
  3. Trust Building
    • Detailed videos create a sense of transparency. A potential client who spends 10 minutes watching your video on “How to Prepare for a Deposition” is more likely to trust you than a competitor with only surface-level content (Search Engine Journal, 2023).

Long-Form Video Ideas for Law Firms

  • Educational Webinars: Host webinars on timely topics, such as “Navigating New Tax Laws for Small Businesses.”
  • Case Studies: Walk viewers through the steps of a past case (while maintaining confidentiality) to showcase how you’ve helped clients achieve favorable outcomes.  This will help them picture what it’s like to work with you and your firm.
  • Deep Dive Explainers: Create detailed tutorials or “how-to” guides, like “The Step-by-Step Guide to Filing for Divorce in [Your State].”

Short-Form vs. Long-Form Video: How to Choose

When to Use Short-Form Videos

  • On Social Media: Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok favor short-form content.
  • To Capture Attention Quickly: Use short-form videos to grab interest and direct viewers to longer resources, such as a blog post or a webinar.
  • For Retargeting Campaigns: A quick video reminding past website visitors about your firm can re-engage them effectively (Neil Patel, 2023).

When to Use Long-Form Videos

  • For Educational Purposes: Long-form content is perfect for addressing complex legal topics that require more depth.
  • During Live Events: Webinars or live Q&A sessions can showcase your firm’s knowledge and allow for real-time audience interaction.
  • On Your Website: Adding long-form videos to landing pages can boost credibility and conversion rates (HubSpot, 2024).

Real World Example: Combining Short and Long-Form Videos

Short-Form Video: The Hook

A small family law firm creates a 60-second video titled “5 Signs You Need a Divorce Lawyer,” which they share on Instagram and TikTok. The video includes a call-to-action (CTA) encouraging viewers to visit their website for a more comprehensive guide.

Long-Form Video: The Value

On their website, the firm has a 15-minute video explaining the entire divorce process, what clients can expect during mediation, and how the firm supports clients at every step.

The Results

  • The short video captures attention and drives traffic.
  • The long-form video builds trust and converts viewers into potential clients.

Best Practices for Video Marketing in the Legal Industry

  1. Maintain Professionalism

Your videos reflect your firm’s brand. While short-form videos can be creative and engaging, they should remain professional and align with the gravity of your services.

  1. Leverage Analytics

Use analytics tools to track engagement metrics. For example:

  • Short-Form Metrics: Measure likes, shares, and views on platforms like Instagram.
  • Long-Form Metrics: Analyze watch time and viewer retention on YouTube or your website (Sprout Social, 2023).
  1. Invest in Quality

Good lighting, clear audio, and proper editing significantly impact how viewers perceive your videos (Vidyard, 2024).

  1. Use Calls-to-Action (CTAs)

Each video should end with a clear CTA. Examples:

  • “Contact us today for a free consultation.”
  • “Download our free guide on estate planning essentials.”
  • “Subscribe to our channel for more legal tips.”

Putting It All Together

Video marketing offers law firms a powerful way to connect with potential clients, demonstrate expertise, and build trust. By leveraging both short-form and long-form content, your firm can engage audiences at every stage of their journey—whether they’re scrolling through social media or researching solutions to complex legal problems.

The key is balance. Short-form videos capture attention, while long-form videos provide the depth and detail needed to convert that attention into meaningful client relationships.

Now is the time to make video marketing a cornerstone of your firm’s growth strategy. Start small, experiment, and watch as your video content transforms your online presence and drives measurable results.

Want to Boost Your Law Firm's Marketing with Expert Video Content?

While many attorneys recognize the power of video marketing to grow their practice and attract clients, common obstacles like time constraints and uncertainty about where to begin often hold them back.

That’s where we come in!

Our specialized video marketing services for law firms take the hassle out of content creation. We’ll help you produce months’ worth of professional short-form and long-form videos designed to engage your audience, build trust, and showcase your expertise—all with minimal effort on your part.

Imagine having all of your marketing done for a quarter of the year in 90 minutes, which is exactly what we do – Give us a call at 412.715.6266 to find out more.

Learn more about our video marketing services and start transforming your firm’s digital presence today.