Adobe, Firefly Video, disappointment

[m224065175kpy]

I'm disappointed by Adobe yet again. Recently, they've faced backlash for their questionable subscription tactics, charging for cancellations, removing perpetual licenses for software, frequently changing pricing structures, and making certain essential features only accessible through higher-tier plans.

If you have a plan that includes all apps and Firefly is an Adobe application, wouldn’t it make sense that you have access to it? Unfortunately, no. Adobe demands extra money to use this particular app, allowing only two video generations in their “beta.”

So, you pay Adobe a subscription fee to access all their apps, but then to use one of those apps, Adobe asks for even more money. And if you decide to cancel your plan, guess what? Adobe requests even more money.

I understand that video generations are costlier than image generations. Smaller companies like Pika, Luma, and Halulio, which aren't massive billion-dollar corporations, can offer a genuine beta experience with a certain number of free videos per day at a slower processing rate versus a paid tier. Yet Adobe, for some reason, cannot achieve the same thing for its community. Instead, they ask for more money at every turn.

AI started as an open-source technology meant for everyone to be creative. These smaller companies that allow their community to actually test their products for free (with limitations) clearly have a better grasp of AI's history compared to a capitalist company like Adobe, which constantly demands more money from its community. 

I'm truly disappointed by Adobe once more. I've been looking forward to trying their video generation, but any avid AI user knows two generations are never enough to "try it." I'm sorry, but you must have people on your team who haven't been using AI for years. If you did, they would understand that each AI generator is not the same. If you're used to prompting in Midjourney, that same prompt may not produce similar results in DALL-E. If you're used to prompting in Pika, that same prompt may not yield something similar in Luma. The technology might be the same, but the data can be vastly different, meaning the languages will also differ. Two videos are not enough to "talk" with your video model, to grasp the prompt style, motion, camera movement, weird aspect ratios, starting key frame, ending key frame, etc. It takes time to understand a new AI tool's unique features and quirks. You need to experiment with different prompts and settings to get a feel for how it works. Experienced AI users often compare multiple tools to find the best one for their needs, and with only two videos, it's challenging to make an informed comparison. The creative process involves a lot of trial and error- testing different ideas, refining prompts, and iterating on results are crucial steps that require more than just two attempts. Providing meaningful feedback to Adobe would require a more substantial experience with the tool. Users can't provide accurate feedback on its strengths and weaknesses based on only two generations.

While Adobe has been a leader in creative software, their current approach with Firefly feels more like a money grab than an effort to foster creativity and innovation. It's disappointing to see a company with such vast resources and influence prioritize profits over providing genuine value to its community. As an avid AI user, I believe that true innovation comes from accessibility and user feedback, not from creating unnecessary financial barriers. I hope Adobe reconsiders its strategy and aligns more closely with the spirit of the AI community, where creativity and accessibility go hand in hand.

[Kerry916]

I totally agree. Adobe is being greedy. Firefly should be included in my $60 monthly subscription. The current model allows almost zero opportunity for customers to get any feel for how it works. I did not get good results from the couple of attempts I had to generate a measly 5-second video. There is no way I will pay for Firefly. The Marketing Department needs to seriously rethink their approach.

[Natasha_2025Firefly]

I concur. This is not a beta version and should not have been advertised as such. I think what is particularly egregious is the target audience – namely, those who are already paying for services.

No differentiation was made between ‘Enterprise’ plans, and so incorrect information was given (prior to 13/02/25) to those accessing via educational institutions.

I was excited about getting to try video generation – I work as part of a research group conducting independent clinical trials (funded by charities or governmental bodies) and our resources are severely limited for marketing. The use of firefly for image generation has been incredibly useful – and being able to generate videos would have likely been game changing. I now have to inform my colleagues that this is not something we’re able to access (and that we should have been exploring alternatives sooner).

Adobe should have been clear what they were offering. I understand the need to generate more revenue, but this rollout seems to have been badly planned as (i) people’s expectations weren’t managed correctly (should have been warned this was not part of subscriptions/not beta testing) (ii) offering, at most, two generations for something that usually needs several levels of refinement (it’s going to leave people with the impression that it isn’t worth paying for).  

The only way I could see this approach having any success was if no other AI video generators were available – but there are many (many) other competitors out there.

[Kerry916]

I agree, Natasha! You make great points. And yes, A.I.-generated content always needs multiple levels of refinement. I'm getting better results from Runway A.I., and longer video clips. Adobe, are you listening to your customers?

[Kerry916]

I used whatever "try-out" credits Adobe provided to try to produce a few video clips from a starter image, and the results were disappointing, as the result did not follow my instructions very well at all. AND THEN SUDDENLY...I was out of credits and presented with a pop-up with payment options that provided very little benefit. MESSAGE TO ADOBE MARKETING: You are blowing this roll-out.

The product doesn't work all that well. And Adobe has set up these artificial levels where some functions work off provided user credits, and other functions require subscription to plans that hardly provide much in the way of benefits.

I am already paying $60/month for the use of Creative Suite products. Firefly should be INCLUDED with unlimited or high cap use, not an extra-cost add-on!

As much as I'd like to use it once it begins performing better, I will not pay extra for it. My view is Adobe is being greedy here. I've seen lots of complaints around the internet.  Adobe has no way of taking customer feedback through their Support portal (I just tried). I hope they are reading our user comments and that someone at Adobe will care enough to make some substantial changes.

[m224065175kpy]

Honestly at this point I wouldn't be surprised if Adobe starts a "Care Plan" subscription, where you pay extra money for someone to care about user feedback. 😆

Users have made several complaints on various shady "money grab" tactics over the years, most of which is ignored. Adobe has faced criticism and even legal action for its subscription practices in the past.

For example, in 2019, they settled a lawsuit regarding subscription renewals and cancellation policies. Despite this, the company has continued to engage in practices perceived as unfair or exploitative, like charging for cancellations and constantly adjusting pricing structures.

It seems that meaningful change only occurs when external pressures, such as lawsuits or even YouTubers, force their hand. Unfortunately, user feedback alone often doesn't seem to prompt significant changes.

To rebuild trust and show they care, Adobe should start being more transparent with their pricing and stop charging hidden fees. Offering real beta access with enough "tokens" to actually test their tools would be a great step. I hope that Adobe will one day truly support the creative community and move away from profit-centric tactics.

Smaller companies and open-source projects often maintain a focus on accessibility and user collaboration, larger entities like Adobe can sometimes lose sight of these values in favor of monetization strategies. It's disappointing, but it underscores the importance of supporting those smaller, community-driven initiatives that stay true to the ethos of AI as a tool for creativity and innovation. 

[Kerry916]

Interestimg information! I agree that rebuilding trust is essential.

[SDD-BRLIN]

I agree as well.
It seems I have 1000 'AI' credits per month with my account BUT these cannot be used to generate videos...
So there are two types of Generative monthly credits?

[Axel Drochon]

Bonjour, je tente d'utiliser Firefly vidéo mais l'outil m'indique que je n'ai plus de crédit alors que je dispose de plus de 900 crédits. C'est très frustrant.

je découvre avec amertume cette logique de crédits et je suis très déçu de voir de nouvelles limitations à notre abonnement. Je suis chef d'entreprise et nous dépensons plus de 200€ par mois pour dotter nos employés de la suite Adobe et je commence à considérer passer à des alternatives lorsque je vois ce genre de limitations arriver.

 

[roccop27065418]

It's truly disappointing that after years of being a loyal subscriber and dedicated customer, I'm only given a mere 5-second trial video. I honestly expected better and feel let down—it comes across as stingy and exploitative, especially considering that this isn’t even the best AI system available. I was eagerly looking forward to this, but I’m left feeling deeply disappointed.

[silvershanks]

I agree. It's totaqlly absured that I pay $50 bucks a month and can't get a few complimentary credits on Firefly. The AI video generator is really bad compared to the competitors, it's barely out of alpha and they want us to pay 10 bucks for 20 experimental AI videos? I did some experiments with my introductory credits, got some interesting results, but nothing I could use professionaly. The videos it creates right now are essentially worthless. I can't use any of them commercially, far too low quality. I hope they change this policy soon - we loyal subsribers should not be expected to pay extra for something experimental that barely works.

[Graphfruit]

WIthout a clear communication the introduction of credits has begun.
However the product of video generation is still very faulty and probelmatic.
Strange blinking, weird hands, morphing etc the list goes on.
Even if AI generation is amazing, it still results in spending money on a service that gives unusable results.
We were hardly informed when the credits started ( read unnesescary loss of credits ) and a lot of generations are faulty ( loss of credits ) I wonder how adobe can justify their credit implementation at this point in time?

[Matthew22043012kiu8]

I’ve been paying $90 CAD a month for Adobe Creative Cloud for over 7 years now—do the math, that’s well over $7,500—and now Adobe wants even more money to generate AI video with Firefly? Seriously? This feels like a real slap in the face to loyal subscribers who have supported Adobe through thick and thin.

I’m not alone in feeling this way. I’ve seen tons of other people online frustrated with Adobe for this exact reason. We’ve been paying thousands over the years, thinking we’re investing in a platform that values its users. But now, after all that time and money, Adobe’s asking us to dig even deeper into our pockets for features that should absolutely be included in the subscription we’re already locked into. It’s not like Creative Cloud is cheap to begin with.

It’s especially frustrating for content creators and artists who are already struggling financially. A lot of us are independent creators trying to make a living, and every dollar counts. Adding another fee for AI tools like Firefly just puts those features out of reach for so many people. It’s basically saying, “If you can’t afford to pay more, you don’t get access.” That’s not exactly fostering creativity or supporting the artistic community—it’s creating a divide where only those with extra cash can take advantage of the latest tools.

What’s even worse is that it feels like Adobe is taking advantage of the fact that a lot of us feel stuck. After using their software for so long, we’ve built our entire workflows around it. Switching to something else isn’t easy, and Adobe knows it. But moves like this make it tempting to start looking at alternatives. Other platforms are catching up, and they’re offering more affordable options without constantly nickel-and-diming their users.

I get that companies need to make money, but there’s a difference between fair pricing and squeezing every last cent out of your most loyal customers. Adobe, this isn’t the way to do business. We’ve supported you for years, and this is how you thank us? It’s disappointing, and frankly, it’s pushing people away. If you keep heading down this road, don’t be surprised when more and more creators start jumping ship.

A fair pricing model for Adobe Firefly could be offering users 5 free generations per day to allow casual creators to experiment without added costs, while providing affordable monthly plans for those who need more. For example, a $40/month plan for unlimited Firefly video generations would be a much better deal than what other apps like NIM, KREA, or LEONARDO offer. This would strike a balance between accessibility for artists on a budget and generating revenue from power users, without alienating loyal subscribers who have already invested heavily in the Adobe ecosystem.

[Chad308302860g74]

The fact you want CC subscribers to pay for the AI service is outrageous. I will find other cheaper sources to use. You gave me only two edits before getting hit with a paywall for the program as a current subscriber is F***ing STUPID! 😂

[Operator-lamorb]

I was really looking forward to use the much anticipated video generation feature for firefly, I waited for it to come out instead of going for other well known sites since I have an adobe CC subscription and use firefly image generation in my workflow instead of going to other sites, I was expecting that video generation would be included with our adobe CC subscription but evidently it's not-- we're expected to pay an additional fee. I only got one single generation and it wasn't even a good one.

What's the point of me paying a CC subscription if I have to get additional ones, it's absurd. At least include a 720p generations for Adobe CC subscriptors, very frustrated with this move.

[Big Al 3D]

I thought this Generative Video Beta was free to try out, but it appears it uses your credits. Why should we pay even more than we already do, just to test out this new tech? I call BS!

It would also be nice to get a notice before hitting generate as to how many credits things will cost. I was hoping Adobe would be easier/better in this space than others, but maybe not. Sigh.

Also, every time I post somethng, it errors and says I am using invalid HTML code. I don't even write code at all. I have to paste the text and strip it down to plain text and paste back. Super efficient.

[garethb30904673]

Agree, having got beyond the waitlist, i thought i'd give it a try... first off, I just did something random just to see how it worked and then, satisfied with that, I tried to do something I actually wanted - and yep, at this point found out i'd already used up my two free goes and now have to subscribe!

The problem is, I work for a company that currently has a plan for Creative Cloud with multiple licences - and no-one in charge of that has any idea if each user has to get a subscription, or if it's going to be already included, or what? Sure they'll work it out eventually, but in the meantime my experimenting with Firefly video is over. Hmm...

[garethb30904673]

so, i've been waiting for our IT department (in charge of software, naturally) to look into this. This is their response...

I've had more of a look into this one, and from what I'm seeing online you need to have the Firefly Pro license to be able to participate in this beta. Funnily enough, it isn't included in the Creative Cloud All Apps license..
At this stage we're unable to approve the request as it'll want us to assign you a Firefly Pro license (which is what we ran into when I first took a look).
Sorry this isn't the greatest outcome, fingers crossed they include Firefly Pro in the Creative Cloud license.

I think Adobe need to realise that whilst individual users can initiate individual subscriptions quite easily, it's an entirely different story when you one of several employees given access by the company you work for.

[droopydog500]

Hi @garethb30904673,

The answer your IT department referenced is applicable to individual creative cloud plans and not enterprise plans. I believe your IT department needs to contact their Adobe account rep and ask for information on the "All Apps Pro V4" plan (unless they already have that plan).

    droopy

[jackthegiantslayer]

I know I've already dragged Adobe in the other threads but wanted to add my disappointment here, really disgust, with Adobe's hamfisted release: drawing in paying users and then inexplicably limiting them to two painfully bad generated videos before demanding money in the most confusing way, sending people on a stupid goosechase to find out why their stockpile of credits are now useless because they aren't actually, well, credits...more like sub-credits. I wish my clientele weren't so embedded in Adobe or I would totally go the "James Lee" route via Youtube...please go look up his "How I broke up with Adobe" video. There are quite a few on there. Adobe has to realize at some point that they are acting just like Quark in early 2000's, so certain of their market clout, so filled with hubris that they destroyed all customer trust.

[natalia_8128]

I'm not happy with being charged money for beta software which creates substandard videos irrelevant to the prompts and reference image. It keeps doing it today, and I almost used all my credits out of 2000 at least 1000 was wasted on videos not relevant to the prompt given. Please see the attached for the reference image and screenshot which shows how irrelevant it is to the prompt and in fact the animation appears to be deformed, I've sent fedback, yet you still charged me credits. The same thing happened to all previous animations from the screenshot today - Firefly does not listen to the prompts. I would like my credits returned for today thank you, as I was not able to create what I wanted to create doing everything which other software deals with smoothly. 

Many thanks. 

Regards, 

Natalia 

[Charles Le Chat]

It’s absurd that using text or image-to-video costs 100 credits every time. I had 3,000 credits because I bought the Firefly Standard with 2,000 credits + the CC plan that gives you 1,000 credits. Now I’ve run out of all my credits because the tool isn’t even that effective or good yet. I don’t know how many times I’ve had to regenerate because it can’t handle basic prompts, completely messing everything up.

Why can’t you just charge 100 credits for the videos you actually want to download—ones that are decent and useful? This is terrible from Adobe, just trying to make you pay more and more, even when it can’t provide a good result.

[afaaq33598601c639]

Making it totaly free

[eikef38017063]

hallo,

warum ist firefly nicht im adobe abo enthalten – sondern soll zusätzlich zu den ohnehin schon habigen 69 euro bezahlt werden? Danke

[anaya singh]

For people who have purchased the Creative Cloud package, the Firefly video should also be included, and not limited to 2 video generations only. that isn't very pleasant.