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Runway ML

by Runway AI Inc.
Freemium Video
★★★★½ 4.6 (3,100 reviews)

Runway is the go-to platform for AI video creation and editing. From text-to-video and image-to-video generation to AI-powered editing tools, Runway is used by filmmakers, content creators, and marketing teams worldwide.

How to Get the Most Out of Runway ML

Generate Cinematic B-Roll from Text for Video Projects

Use Runway's Gen-3 Alpha with a detailed scene prompt: "Aerial drone shot over misty mountain peaks at sunrise, golden hour light, slow pan left, cinematic aspect ratio." Generate several variations and select the best clip for your edit. For documentary, commercial, and corporate video work, AI-generated b-roll can replace expensive location shoots for establishing shots and abstract sequences that set tone rather than tell story.

Remove Backgrounds and Objects from Video with AI Tools

Upload any video to Runway and use the Background Removal tool to isolate subjects without a green screen — it handles complex edges like hair and moving backgrounds reliably. Use the Inpainting tool to remove unwanted objects (a microphone stand, a bystander, a logo) automatically. These post-production capabilities used to require expensive software and hours of manual masking; Runway handles them in minutes.

Use Motion Brush to Control Exactly What Moves in Your Video

Upload an image, click the Motion Brush tool, and paint over specific areas to tell Runway which elements should move and in what direction — paint the clouds to drift left, the water to flow down, the hair to move in the wind. This level of directorial control over AI-generated motion is unique to Runway and produces more intentional results than text-only motion prompts.

Our Take

Runway is the most complete AI video platform — it combines generation with professional post-production tools in a way no competitor matches. The Motion Brush and background removal features are genuinely useful for working video editors, not just AI novelty. For pure generation quality on cinematic clips, Luma AI sometimes produces more impressive single outputs, but Runway's full toolkit makes it more valuable for professional workflows. The credit-based pricing can add up quickly for high-volume use — calculate your expected usage before committing to a plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Runway ML and what can it do?+
Runway is an AI creative platform specializing in video generation and editing. It offers text-to-video and image-to-video generation (Gen-3 Alpha), plus editing tools including AI background removal, object inpainting, motion brush for controlled video animation, frame interpolation, and color grading. It's used by filmmakers, content creators, and marketing teams for AI-assisted video production.
How much does Runway cost?+
Runway has a free plan with 125 one-time credits. The Standard plan is $15/month for 625 credits, the Pro plan is $35/month for 2,250 credits, and the Unlimited plan is $95/month with unlimited Standard generations and more Fast generations. Credits are consumed per second of generated video, with higher resolution and longer clips costing more.
How does Runway compare to Luma AI for video generation?+
Both produce high-quality cinematic video, with Luma slightly ahead on pure generation quality for many use cases. Runway's advantage is its complete professional production suite — editing tools beyond generation that Luma doesn't offer. For a complete AI video workflow including editing and effects, Runway is more capable; for pure generation quality on single clips, Luma is competitive.
Can Runway remove backgrounds from video?+
Yes. Runway's AI background removal tool isolates subjects from video backgrounds without requiring a green screen, handling complex edges like hair and movement reliably. This is one of Runway's most practically useful features for video editors — it enables compositing previously filmed footage onto new backgrounds without reshooting.
Try Runway ML Today
The leading AI video generation platform. Free to start — no credit card required.
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Opens official website · Freemium · 2018 · 3M+ users
Pros & Cons

✓ Pros

  • Best AI video generation quality
  • Text-to-video and image-to-video
  • Professional editing suite included
  • API available
  • Regular model updates

✗ Cons

  • Credits run out quickly
  • Expensive for heavy users
  • Short video clips only (max ~16s)
  • Rendering can be slow
Pricing
Free Plan
Yes — 125 credits on signup
Paid Plan
From $15/month (Standard)
Who Is It For?
✓ Best For
Short video clips, creative content, marketing
✗ Not Ideal For
Long-form video, tight budgets
Pricing
Free tier: Yes — limited credits · Last verified: July 2026
Free
$0/mo
~125 credits (one-time)
POPULAR
Standard
$15/mo
625 credits/month
Pro
$35/mo
2,250 credits/month
Unlimited
$95/mo
Unlimited generations
⚠️ Prices change frequently — verify at the official site before purchasing.
Community Reviews
Real reviews from PromptAndTool members