If you've hit your monthly AI credit limit (or you're getting close), your options depend on your plan and whether you need extra credits occasionally or every month. You can upgrade for a larger monthly allowance, buy Top-Up Credits on an eligible Max or Coaching plan, or wait for your next monthly credit refresh.
How do I check how many credits I have left?
You can see your current AI credit balance any time from your vidIQ dashboard:
Go to app.vidiq.com.
Look at the bottom-left corner of the page, next to your account name and plan tier.
Click the sparkle (credits) icon to open the credits panel.
You'll see your remaining credits and a progress bar showing how much of your monthly allowance is left. Your balance can also include add-on credits, such as purchased top-ups or bonus or reward credits.
Why upgrade?
If you regularly run out of credits, a higher monthly allowance may suit your ongoing needs. AI credits let you do more with credit-using tools, including AI Coach, Thumbnails, Script Writer, Clipping, and Shorts Generator.
Have more conversations with AI Coach.
Generate and refine more thumbnails.
Create more scripts, clips, and Shorts.
Compare the features and channel limits included with each plan before upgrading. Buying Top-Up Credits adds credits to your existing plan; it does not upgrade your subscription or unlock higher-tier features.
Which plan should I upgrade to?
Here's how AI credits scale across plans:
Plan | Monthly AI Credits |
Free | 150 |
Boost (1 / 2 / 3 channels) | 2,000 / 2,500 / 3,000 |
Max (1 / 2 / 3 channels) | 6,000 / 8,000 / 10,000 |
Use the table to compare plans for ongoing usage. If your plan offers top-ups, compare their price with the cost of a recurring upgrade. The best fit depends on your usage and the prices shown at checkout.
If you are on Boost (1 channel), Boost (2 channels) or Boost (3 channels) offers a larger monthly allowance. This is a recurring subscription change, not a one-time credit pack, so review the ongoing price and billing terms before confirming.
For a full feature-by-feature comparison, see our Features & Credits by Plan article.
Note: Credit amounts are subject to change without notice. Always double-check the latest numbers on our Plans Page before you upgrade.
What if I only need extra credits this month?
Top-Up Credits are available on eligible Max and Coaching plans. They let you buy extra AI credits without changing your subscription.
One-time credit packs: In the vidIQ web app on eligible Max and Coaching plans, open the Plans page and select Top-ups, or use Top-up credits from the credits indicator. Review the pack and price at checkout before buying.
Optional auto-refill: Automatically purchase additional credits when your balance reaches your selected threshold. This is a paid purchase, not a free monthly refresh. Review the price and purchase amount before enabling it. Review or turn off auto-refill under Manage Plan → Credits → Auto-refill.
Availability: Top-ups are not available in every region or for subscriptions billed through the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Purchased credits go into your add-on balance. See the unused-credits section below for how the balances work.
If you are on Free or Boost, upgrading or waiting for your next monthly refresh are your options for more credits. Check your account for the next refresh date. vidIQ may occasionally grant bonus or reward credits through promotions or other programs. Availability, amounts, and conditions vary and may change or end; these credits are not a guaranteed way to cover a shortfall. See Features & Credits by Plan for more about plan credits and add-on balances.
How do I upgrade my plan?
In the vidIQ web app:
Go to the Plans page.
Choose the plan that fits your ongoing needs.
Review the available billing options, total price, and any billing changes shown at checkout.
Confirm the upgrade when you are ready.
If your subscription is managed through the Apple App Store or Google Play, use the subscription management options provided by your billing provider. Contact support if you need help identifying the right upgrade path.
When will my new credits show up after I upgrade?
Your new allowance becomes available when the plan change takes effect. Check your account for the effective date and next credit refresh. Billing timing can depend on how your subscription is managed; contact support if needed.
What happens to my unused credits when I upgrade?
Your monthly plan allowance and your add-on credits are separate balances. Unused monthly plan credits do not roll over into the next monthly credit cycle. Add-on credits are not reset by the regular monthly credit refresh.
Monthly plan credits are used first, then add-on credits. If you need to confirm how a specific plan change will affect your existing balances, contact support before confirming it.
Can I downgrade later if I don't need as many credits?
You can move to a lower plan when eligible under your subscription terms. Before upgrading for a temporary credit shortfall, check when a later downgrade would take effect, especially if you choose annual billing.
Requesting a downgrade and the downgrade taking effect are not necessarily the same date. Review the effective date shown when managing your subscription, or contact support before making a change if it is unclear.