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Timeline Guide

How Long Does Video Production Take?

From concept to delivery: understand realistic timelines for your video project and what factors affect production speed.

At a Glance

1–2 weeks

Social Media

3–4 weeks

Corporate

4–6 weeks

Commercial

6–8 weeks

Brand Film

By Project Type

Timeline by project type.

Social Media Videos

1–2 weeks total

Planning

2–3 days

Filming

1 day

Editing

3–5 days

Revisions

2–3 days

Quick turnaround for Instagram, TikTok, YouTube Shorts

Corporate Videos

3–4 weeks total

Discovery & Script

1 week

Pre-Production

3–5 days

Filming

1–2 days

Post-Production

1–2 weeks

Company profiles, training videos, internal communications

Commercial Videos

4–6 weeks total

Concept & Strategy

1 week

Scriptwriting

1 week

Pre-Production

1 week

Production

1–3 days

Post-Production

2–3 weeks

TV commercials, promotional videos, brand campaigns

Brand Films

6–8 weeks total

Discovery & Research

1–2 weeks

Creative Development

1–2 weeks

Pre-Production

1 week

Production

2–5 days

Post-Production

2–3 weeks

Documentary-style storytelling, high production value

Phases

Production phase breakdown.

Where does the time actually go? Here's what happens in each phase.

Pre-Production

1–2 weeks~25% of project
Creative concept development
Script writing & storyboarding
Location scouting
Casting (if needed)
Equipment & crew scheduling
Shot list creation

Production

1–3 days~15% of project
Setup & lighting
Filming principal footage
B-roll capture
Audio recording
Director oversight
Real-time quality checks

Post-Production

1–3 weeks~50% of project
Rough cut assembly
Color grading & correction
Sound design & mixing
Motion graphics
Music licensing & integration
Final mastering

Review & Revisions

3–5 days~10% of project
Client review round 1
Feedback implementation
Client review round 2
Final approvals
Format exports
Delivery
What Affects Your Timeline

Faster vs. slower.

Factors that speed things up

  • Clear vision and detailed brief
  • Quick feedback and approvals
  • Flexible scheduling
  • Simple concept with minimal locations
  • Existing brand guidelines
  • Single stakeholder decision maker

Factors that slow things down

  • Complex approval chains
  • Multiple stakeholders with conflicting feedback
  • Extensive location requirements
  • Custom animations or VFX
  • Talent scheduling conflicts
  • Scope creep during production

More video production resources from WERZ.

Get your custom timeline estimate.

Every project is unique. Book a free consultation and we'll provide a detailed timeline specific to your needs.