# Otto vs Making Social Videos Yourself

> Compare automating short-form app videos with Otto against editing every TikTok and Reel yourself: time, consistency, quality control and cost.

Making videos yourself gives total control and costs only your time. Otto automates scripting, editing, captions and scheduling so a small team can post consistently, while you keep approval over every video.

|  | Otto | Doing it yourself |
|---|---|---|
| Time per video | Minutes to review | Hours to script, record, edit |
| Consistency | Scheduled batches | Depends on your week |
| Creative control | Approve, reject or regenerate with a note | Total |
| Skills needed | None, upload app screens | Editing, scripting, audio |
| Out-of-pocket cost | Plan plus credits | Free, plus tools |
| Best for | Teams that value time | Teams with a dedicated video editor |

## The real cost of DIY

The cash cost of doing it yourself is low, but each video takes hours across scripting, recording, editing, captioning and posting. That time is what breaks consistency.

## What Otto removes

Script writing, voice-over, creator footage, cutting, captions, music and scheduling. You supply the screens and review the result.

## When DIY makes sense

If you have an in-house editor or a distinctive creative style you want to control closely, keep doing it yourself, and use Otto for the long tail of regular posts.

## Related reading

- [Screen recording videos for app ads](/resources/blog/screen-recording-videos-for-app-ads)
- [Social media content calendar for apps](/resources/blog/social-media-content-calendar-for-apps)

## Frequently asked questions

### Can I still edit videos myself?

You can regenerate any queued video with a note, or download finished videos and use them as a starting point.