What is Runway AI – The Complete Guide

Artificial Intelligence has taken over the world by storm and has revolutionized the way we create, edit, and produce digital content. From text generation to video production, these tools have transformed creativity by making the previously used advanced processes far easier and quicker. 

Among the many tools available in the market right now, one happens to be Runway AI. This platform has revolutionized technology with its video generation, editing, and creative techniques. So, if you are someone who wants to know more about it, then this article has you covered. Hop on below to read everything that you should know about the Runway AI video editor.

What is Runway AI?

Runway AI is an advanced AI-powered creative suite specifically designed for artists, video editors, and content creators, but can be used by anyone looking into video generation and editing. The service features notable capabilities that make generating and editing videos using simple text prompts significantly easier. 

Runway AI also offers other high-quality tools like motion tracking, text-to-video generation, video inpainting, and so much more, making it a perfect pick for both professionals and beginners in the 

Top Features That Make Runway AI a Game-Changer

Here are some of the main features of Runway AI Gen-3 that you should know about:

Runway AI History - From Vision to Victory

The Runway AI video generator like many other AI tools is a recent invention. It was founded by Cristóbal Valenzuela, Alejandro Matamala, and Anastasis Germanidis in 2018 with a focus on democratizing AI for creators.

However, over the years, it evolved into much more, and today it stands as the leading tool in the generative AI world. After the release of its Gen-1 and Gen-2 categories, the Runway AI tool has managed to introduce cutting-edge video generation technology which is quite popular among social media creators, film makers, and several brands around the globe.

How to Access Runway AI?

Runway AI is a simple tool to access, and all you have to do is either visit the website or make use of the app. Would you like to know how this can be done?

Through the Website!

The primary method of accessing Runway AI is through the official service website. To do this, follow the steps we have mentioned below:

• Go to the Website

The Runway AI is easily accessible through its website. Hence, start by opening your web browser and clicking on the official Runway AI website.

• Sign Up or Log In

If you are a first-time user, you can ‘Sign Up’ to create a free account on the service. If you have an already existing account, then just use your email and password or simply your Google or Apple account.

• Access the Dashboard

After logging in to your account, head over to the main dashboard of the service. This is where you can access all the available tools and Runway AI tutorials for better guidance before you start working.

• Start Creating the Magic!

Once you have thoroughly understood everything, it will be time to bring your ideas to life and create the magic! 

Through the Application!

Another way to access the Runway AI service is through the Google Play or Apple Store. Here is what you need to do:

• Search for the App

Head over to your Google Play or Apple account and look for the Runway AI application.

• Download the Application

Now, select the download button to install the service on your device.

• Open the Application

Then, tap on the application to open it. It will ask you to sign up or create an account. Users can do this using their own mobile number, email or any social media account.

• Access the Versatile Features!

Once done, play around with the versatile Runway AI features and bring your digital visions to life.

Who Should Use Runway AI?

Given that Runway AI is a platform that enables the use of artificial intelligence for video creation and editing, anyone can utilize it. However, the platform is much more than just AI generative tools. It offers an exceptional blend of features, including Runway AI video editing and special effects, which can be beneficial for a particular group of creators. Want to know who can benefit the most from the services of Runway AI? Here is a list for you:

• Filmmakers Looking into Streamline Video Production

Filmmakers can significantly benefit from this service. With Runway AI text-to-video generation, filmmakers can quickly put in their story ideas in the form of text and generate rough cut video edits for pre-production planning. How cool is that, right?

Moreover, people in the film industry can also use this AI filmmaking software for creating high-quality aesthetic backgrounds and storyboards and also add several special effects to their full-length films. This is definitely a tool that the film industry will benefit from. So, if you are one from this line of work, we suggest you check it out today.

• Artists and Creators Wanting to Create Digital Art

Both artists and creators can utilize the excellent artistic style tools provided by Runway AI to create stunning digital artworks and videos. The best part? This tool is suitable for both beginner and professional-level creators, so you don’t have to worry about not knowing much as a newcomer to the industry. All you have to do is access the Runway’s easy-to-use tools to create beautiful designs, while your boss can use the advanced tools to develop theirs.

Example: We used the prompt “A beautiful cozy house surrounded by golden fields under a dreamy sunset sky, ultra-detailed, cinematic, masterpiece”

• Businesses Who Want to Create Impactful Campaigns

There is no denying that businesses constantly need to come up with new ideas, create impactful campaigns and eye-catching advertisements, to ensure that their target audience remains hooked.

Example: We used the prompt “A futuristic smartwatch ad poster with glowing neon highlights, sleek minimal design, bold typography, and a dramatic city skyline background that conveys innovation and lifestyle”

With Runway, you can use tools to do just that. Businesses can create high-quality videos, record voiceovers, and design images that align well with their marketing assets. It is also an excellent option for startups or small-scale businesses that lack a sufficient budget. They can simply use the free version to get started on the platform and create the campaigns they have in mind.

How to Use Runway AI?

There are several techniques and creations for which Runway AI can be used. Some of the best ones are:

• Product Shot Animation

One of the best use-case scenarios for Runway AI is using its video generating tools to create excellent product shot animations. How can you do this?

Well, all you have to do is simply upload the text or an image of the product you want to feature, and then let Runway work its magic to generate dynamic motions that help highlight the product's features. The service will help bring static images to life, giving your product appeal that will leave people wanting to tap the purchase button.

Example: We used the prompt “A cinematic product shot animation of a sleek perfume bottle rotating in slow motion, with dramatic lighting, glossy reflections, and floating particles creating a luxurious atmosphere.”

• Expressive Characters

Another great way to utilize Runway AI is by creating animated characters and live-action figures that hold expressions and can display emotions. Runway holds an Act-One tool that helps bring these characters to life. All you have to do is upload a video of you or someone else acting out the same expressions that you want on the fully generated character. Once done, your character will naturally mirror the emotions that you have uploaded. How cool is that, right?

• Repurpose Footage

If there is one thing we cannot deny, it is that trends constantly change, and keeping up with each of them is essential for better growth. However, people do not have the time to reshoot new content every time it changes, right? So, what should you do in this case to ensure that you are on top of your game without putting in much work?

Well, you use the repurpose footage tactics on Runway AI. The service enables creators to repurpose existing content into new, original material. You can easily convert your horizontal videos into vertical formats for social media, adjust the lighting or color grading system, or enhance your low-resolution footage to your liking. The service features exceptional AI tools that make working through all of this much easier.

Example: We used the product shot animation idea to repurpose a new image “Perfume bottle animation repurposed with bright minimal background and soft natural lighting”

Price Model for Runway AI

The Runway AI pricing is divided into monthly and yearly models with several tiers. Users can choose the one that they find most suitable for them. The price model for Runway AI is as follows:

Free Plan

The Free plan is designed for individuals who want to explore Runway AI's services and exceptional features, but have not yet made a full commitment. It can also be used by fresh startups or small businesses to help them grow.

• Cost: The price for this package is $0 monthly or annually.

• Credits: It includes 125 credits (one time)

• Features: The free service offers generative video (image-to-video) and generative image (text-to-image) capabilities, as well as three video editor projects and 5GB of asset storage.

Standard Plan

This is ideal for individuals or small teams seeking enhanced access and improved tools beyond the free version without incurring significant costs.

• Cost: The price for this package is $15 per month. (Billed at $12/month if you take a yearly subscription)

• Credits: This plan includes 625 credits per month.

• Features: Everything included in the free version, along with high-resolution images, watermark remover, 100 GB asset storage, unlimited video editor projects, and technical support through the service's dashboard.

Pro

The Pro version is best suited for individual business teams looking to integrate all Runway AI features into their workflow.

• Cost: It costs $35 per month (Billed at $28/month if you take a yearly subscription)

• Credits: It includes 2,250 credits per month.

• Features: Everything included in the standard plan, along with customizing voice options, lip sync, text-to-speech, and 500 GB asset storage.

Unlimited

The service is perfect for those who want all the access of the pro plan, along with the ability to generate unlimited videos.

• Cost: It costs $95 per month (Billed at $76/month if you take a yearly subscription)

• Credits: It includes 2250 credits monthly

• Features: All features included in the Pro version, followed by access to the Explore Mode.

Pros and Cons of Runway AI

Now that you know what Runway AI is, along with all the other essential details related to it, it is time to decide whether the service is worth using.

Well, what better way to do this than by comparing the pros and cons of the service, right? Below, we have listed all the pros and cons that users have mentioned about Runway AI for you to go through before you make a decision:

Pros of Runway AI

Here are some of the best reasons as to why Runway AI is a great pick:

• Runway AI is easy to use and understand. Hence, it is a perfect choice for beginners.

• It comes with excellent video generation and editing features, which help generate stunning and high quality results.

• Runway AI offers a diverse range of models for users to select from.

Cons of Runway AI

While the pros are excellent, you might want to look into a few cons as well:

• Runway AI is not available offline; therefore, you will always need internet connectivity to work on it.
  

• The service is dependent on pre-built modals.

What Alternatives Can You Use?

There is no denying that Runway AI is a user-friendly tool. However, there may be times when some aspects or features of it do not sit well with you. In such cases, you would want to find a suitable alternative. To make your search easier, we have listed some of the most notable Runway AI alternatives for you:

X-Design

To begin, we would like to discuss X-Design. This new and recent development in the world of AI has taken it by storm and can be a perfect pick for you. From its user-friendly interface to its high-quality video editing features, X-Design has it all.

VEED

The ever-famous VEED follows this service as an alternative. The service is outstanding when it comes to creating videos for social media, providing users with a vast array of templates to choose from for their Instagram stories or YouTube Shorts.

Synethsia

Synethsia is also a really great option on our list. This London-based AI service is ideal for non-technical users seeking to create high-quality, professional-level images and videos quickly and easily. So, check this out today as well.

Comparison of Runway AI vs. Veo 3

Here is a comparison table between Runway AI vs Veo 3:

How Runway AI is Paving the Way for Tomorrow?

The world of AI is constantly advancing, and with tools like Runway AI, we are shaping creativity in ways that have never been seen before. The Future of AI image and video generation looks bright, with cinematic-quality videos that can be created without expensive tools or years of training, courtesy of tools like Runway AI. Moreover, for professionals in the industry, it is also a way to work more efficiently.

Wrapping Up!

If you are someone who wants to learn about Runway AI, we hope this article was helpful for you. Runway AI has become one of the leading AI tools on the market because of its exceptional features and high-quality results. However, if you are still uncertain and want to explore another alternative, we recommend using X-Design AI for sure.