Is OpenShorts Free?
Yes, in two ways. You can run OpenShorts on your own computer for free, because it is open source (MIT). Or you can use the hosted version at openshorts.app, where your first video is free up to 60 minutes, then you get 20 free minutes a month with a watermark.
Independent guide, not affiliated with OpenShorts. Checked on November 15, 2026 against openshorts.app and the GitHub repository.
Free option 1: self-host it
Clone the repository and start it with Docker. There is no watermark and no monthly cap. You need:
- Docker and Docker Compose
- A Google Gemini API key (free tier available) for picking the moments
- Time: on a typical CPU an 8-minute video takes 5 to 8 minutes; with an NVIDIA GPU about a minute
Step by step: how to self-host OpenShorts.
Free option 2: the hosted free plan
| Plan | Price | Video per month | Watermark |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | First video free up to 60 min, then 20 min | Yes, clips kept 7 days |
| Starter | $12/mo | 100 min | No |
| Creator | $29/mo | 300 min | No |
| Pro | $59/mo | 750 min | No |
Monthly billing as listed on openshorts.app on November 15, 2026. AI actor videos and voice dubbing use your own fal.ai and ElevenLabs keys on every plan.
Option 3: skip the setup
If you just want vertical clips without installing Docker, AIClipMaker.org cuts and reframes your video to 9:16 with AI face tracking. You can start free.
What is not free
- AI Shorts with AI actors (fal.ai), typically about $0.65 to $2 per video, billed by fal.ai.
- Voice dubbing (ElevenLabs), billed by ElevenLabs.
- Your own hardware or server if you self-host.
FAQ
Is OpenShorts open source?
Yes. The core application is under the MIT license. One folder, cloud/, which holds the billing and hosted-service code, is under a separate OpenShorts commercial license.
Does the OpenShorts free plan have a watermark?
Yes. The hosted free plan adds a watermark and keeps clips for 7 days. Paid plans remove both.
What do I pay for when I self-host?
Your own machine, plus any AI APIs you use. Clipping needs a Google Gemini API key, which has a free tier; the OpenShorts README estimates under $0.01 per 10-minute video. Voice dubbing and AI actor videos need paid keys.
Do I need a credit card for the free plan?
No. The hosted free plan only asks for a Google sign-in.