Runway

What is Runway?

Runway is one of the pioneers of AI video. Founded by artists and researchers, it offers a web-based studio where you can generate video clips from text or images, transform existing footage and use a range of AI editing tools. It’s positioned toward creative professionals: filmmakers, agencies and designers who want AI to become part of real production work rather than a novelty.

Key features

• Text and image to video. Describe a shot or upload a still image and generate a clip with camera motion.
• References. Keep characters, objects and locations consistent across scenes.
• Video editing with prompts. Change the style, lighting or elements of existing footage.
• Performance capture. Record yourself acting and transfer the expressions and movement to a generated character.
• Classic AI tools. Background removal, green screen, inpainting, upscaling and frame interpolation.
• Image generation. Create consistent stills to use as starting frames.

How to get started

1. Sign up at runwayml.com.
2. Start with image to video: upload a strong still image, which gives more control than text alone.
3. Describe the camera motion and action, such as “slow push-in, hair moving in the wind”.
4. Generate several versions and keep the best take.
5. Assemble shots in a video editor and add sound.

Who Runway is for

Filmmakers pre-visualising scenes, advertising and social teams producing short brand videos, music video creators, designers adding motion to campaigns and educators showing concepts that are hard to film.

Tips for better AI video

• Think in shots. Plan each clip like a storyboard frame with one clear action.
• Start from a great image. Create or edit the first frame carefully; cut out subjects with Holsha’s free background remover if you’re compositing.
• Keep prompts about motion, not only about what’s in the frame.
• Prepare thumbnails at the right size with the image resizer.

Runway vs alternatives

Kling and Hailuo AI offer strong realism and motion, often with more generous free credits. Luma Dream Machine is easy to use with good camera control. CapCut is the better choice for editing and publishing social videos rather than generating footage.

Is Runway worth it?

For creative professionals who need control, consistency and editing tools around AI video, Runway is one of the most complete platforms available. Hobbyists and occasional users may get more value from tools with bigger free allowances. Use the free credits to test a single shot from a real project before committing.

Compare all video generators in the AI tools catalog.