A Tribute alternative that's free to start
Tribute and Joycards both gather video messages from a group. Tribute compiles them into one finished video. Joycards keeps every message as its own video and has a free plan you can send without paying. Here's how they compare.
At a glance
| Feature | Joycards | Tribute |
|---|---|---|
| Format | A group video card. Each video plays one after the other and is kept separately, so the recipient can rewatch favorites. | Tribute compiles every clip into one finished video. |
| Editing | None. No soundtrack, themes or timeline. | The organizer edits the video and picks a soundtrack (DIY), or a dedicated editor builds it (Concierge). |
| When you pay | Never, for a small card on the free Starter plan. Larger cards are paid once per card. | Payment is required before you publish your Tribute and start collecting videos. |
| Prices | Free, $12.99, $24.99 or $49 per card (USD). | DIY from $35 (up to 30 minutes), $49 (31 to 60 minutes) or $99 (61+ minutes). Concierge from $99. Prices shown in $ on Tribute's site. |
| Keepsakes | Digital. The card creator and recipient can download all the videos at any time. | Video Book with a built-in screen, USB drive and Boombox options. |
| Invites | Up to 50 videos on the Joyful plan, with extra videos at 70 cents each. | Tribute says it offers unlimited invites. |
Information about other products is taken from their own websites (tribute.co and tribute.co/pricing) and was checked in October 2026. Prices and features change, so check their sites for the latest details.
A finished film vs a card of video messages
Tribute is designed to produce one finished video. You collect clips, then edit them yourself with a soundtrack, or pay for a Concierge editor to build it for you. It's a good choice when you want a single polished film, and its physical keepsakes, like a Video Book, make a memorable gift.
Joycards is simpler by design. There's no editing step at all. Each person's video is its own message, and the recipient presses play and watches them one after the other. Because each video is separate, they can pick the ones they want to watch again and again.
When Tribute may be the better fit
Choose Tribute if you want a professionally edited film, a soundtrack, or a physical keepsake such as a Video Book, USB or Boombox, and you're happy to pay before collecting videos.
When Joycards may be the better fit
Choose Joycards if you want to start without paying, skip editing entirely, and send the card as soon as the videos are in. A small card with 4 videos is free, and bigger cards are a single payment per card.
Joycards works for every occasion, including wedding video cards, retirement cards and milestone birthdays. See all options on our pricing page.
Get started free
Start making your video card today. It’s quick & free to get started and is probably the easiest group video maker to use.
FAQs
What's the difference between Joycards and Tribute?
Tribute compiles everyone's clips into one edited video, which you or a paid editor put together. Joycards keeps each message as its own video, played one after the other, with nothing to edit.
Do I have to pay before collecting videos on Joycards?
No. You can create a card on the free Starter plan, invite people and send it. Larger cards with more or longer videos are a one-off payment per card.
Can I add music to a Joycard?
No. Joycards doesn't use music, themes or backgrounds. It's all about the personal video messages.
Can the recipient keep the videos?
Yes. The card creator and the recipient can download all of their Joycard videos at any time, with no lock in and no ongoing costs.