Frequently Asked Questions About VHS in 2025

Frequently Asked Questions About VHS in 2025

Can you still buy blank VHS tapes?

Yes, but they’re no longer produced, so it’s all leftover stock (ebay etc). Prices are going up every year as supplies shrink. I keep a large stock for duplication, so you don’t have to worry if you order through me. There are some Chinese companies starting to make blanks again but the quality isn't quite there yet.

How much does it cost to make a VHS tape?

For wholesale, the minimum run is 50 tapes at $16 each (up to 90 minutes of footage, tape with front and side sticker, box, shrink wrap, and a custom circle sticker). The more you order, the cheaper it gets.

For comparison, most people selling them retail set the price around $38 per tape and up.

I also offer:

  • Full printed VHS tapes (+$12 per tape)

  • Clamshell cases and other custom options (releasing with cassettes, walkman etc.)

Do I need special equipment to make VHS tapes myself?

Yes. At minimum, you’ll need:

  • A working VCR with recording ability

  • Blank tapes

  • A way to feed your re-rendered video into the VCR (HDMI converters, capture cards, or older video outputs like USB media players - this is what I use)

  • Printers for sleeves and labels if you want proper packaging (ideally professionally not at home)

Without that setup, it’s easier and usually cheaper to go through a duplication / creation service.

Why do people still want VHS in 2025?

Nostalgia is part of it. But there’s also the vibe of watching something on a CRT, the limited-edition nature of tapes, and the look of them on a shelf. For bands, YouTubers, and indie filmmakers, they’re a piece of merch that stands out. 

How long does it take to duplicate VHS tapes?

As long as the film/media is. A 90-minute film takes 90 minutes to record onto each tape. Every tape is made in real time.

Can VHS tapes be mass-produced again?

No. The industrial duplication machines are gone, and it wouldn’t be cost-effective to rebuild them. All VHS duplication now is done manually in real time.

Do you ship VHS tapes worldwide?

Yes. Shipping is affordable. For example, 50 tapes shipped to the US costs around $70. Larger runs can be quoted based on weight and destination. They're Tariff free too!

 

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