Runway ML is one of the most powerful creative platforms for AI-driven video, image, and 3D content generation. Designed primarily for artists, filmmakers, marketers, and developers, Runway offers a wide set of tools to bring ideas to life through machine learning models without needing a deep technical background.

Whether you're editing videos, generating synthetic content, or experimenting with AI-assisted storytelling, Runway makes it easy to create high-quality assets through an intuitive web-based system.

This article offers a complete walkthrough of everything Runway ML provides — from the various models available to the pricing options that suit different needs.

What is Runway ML?

Runway ML is a browser-based creative suite focused on machine learning. It connects users with powerful AI models that can:

• Generate videos from text prompts
  

• Remove backgrounds from images and videos
  

• Create 3D assets from simple sketches
  

• Stylize footage
  

• Expand scenes beyond their original borders
  

The platform gives creatives access to advanced artificial intelligence without requiring them to set up complex environments or write detailed code.

How Runway ML Works

Runway ML provides access to AI models through a simple user interface or APIs. Models can be used individually or chained together, meaning users can combine video generation, editing, and 3D modeling into a single workflow without leaving the platform.

By offering cloud processing, Runway ensures that even users with minimal hardware can produce high-quality results.

Core AI Models and Tools on Runway ML

Here’s a breakdown of the main models and what they offer.

1. Gen-2: Text to Video

• Accepts text prompts, images, or video inputs to generate completely new video clips.
  

• Offers style control, camera movement simulation, and scene transitions.
  

• Users can input simple text like “a medieval castle at sunset” and get fully animated, coherent footage.
  

Best use cases:

• Short films
  

• Music videos
  

• Marketing visuals
  

• Concept exploration
  

Gen-2 offers multiple control modes, including:

• Text to Video: Create a clip purely from descriptive text.
  

• Image to Video: Start with a photo and animate it.
  

• Video to Video: Transform uploaded footage stylistically.
  

2. Inpainting for Video

• Allows users to erase unwanted objects from video frames.
  

• Fills in gaps intelligently by predicting background content based on surrounding frames.
  

• Works in real-time or can be set for batch processing.
  

Best use cases:

• Removing microphones, drones, or crew members from professional footage.
  

• Rebuilding damaged video files.
  

• Replacing background elements without reshooting.
  

3. Image Inpainting

• Similar to video inpainting but designed for still images.
  

• Useful for cleaning up photography, extending artwork, or altering visual compositions.
  

Best use cases:

• Fixing blemishes or distractions in portraits.
  

• Restoring old photographs.
  

• Reimagining compositions for ads and posters.
  

4. Green Screen (Background Removal)

• Instantly removes the background from video footage without requiring a green screen.
  

• Trained to detect human figures, animals, objects, and separate them cleanly from their environment.
  

Best use cases:

• Creating transparent background videos for social media.
  

• Placing actors into different environments without expensive setups.
  

• Producing video templates for advertising.
  

5. Super-Slow Motion

• AI-driven frame interpolation to create smooth slow-motion effects even from footage shot at normal speeds.
  

• Synthesizes new frames in-between existing ones, avoiding jerkiness.
  

Best use cases:

• Action sports footage
  

• Dramatic cinematic sequences
  

• Product demonstrations
  

6. Text to 3D (via 3D asset generation)

• Converts text descriptions into low-poly 3D models.
  

• Models can be exported for use in games, animations, VR, and AR applications.
  

Best use cases:

• Game asset creation
  

• Previsualization for animated films
  

• Prototyping 3D ideas quickly
  

7. Image-to-Image Transformations (Style Transfer)

• Change an image’s style or mood using references.
  

• Apply artistic styles to photographs or reimagine portraits in cartoon or fantasy aesthetics.
  

Best use cases:

• Stylized photo editing
  

• Concept art creation
  

• Animated series artwork
  

8. Motion Brush

• Apply directional movement to parts of a video.
  

• For example, users can make a waterfall flow, clouds move, or fire flicker inside a still video frame.
  

Best use cases:

• Dynamic ads
  

• Short visual effects
  

• Background movement for scenes
  

Pricing Plans

Runway ML offers a few flexible plans depending on your usage:

(Prices current as of April 2025.)

Credits System:

• Every model usage consumes credits.
  

• Example: Generating a short video clip might cost 5-20 credits depending on length and model complexity.
  

• Buying extra credits is possible on all paid plans.
  

Who Benefits Most from Runway ML?

Filmmakers and Video Editors

• Speed up post-production by automatically removing objects or backgrounds.
  

• Experiment with AI-generated sequences for pitches and concept reels.
  

• Cut costs by simulating locations, props, or extras.
  

Content Creators

• Produce YouTube intros, TikTok videos, and short films with cinematic effects.
  

• Reimagine personal brands through style-transferred visuals.
  

• Generate promotional videos without hiring large crews.
  

Game Developers

• Quickly generate textures and 3D models from simple prompts.
  

• Create background assets for rapid prototyping.
  

• Test visual concepts without committing resources to full asset production.
  

Marketers

• Build ad visuals in a fraction of the time.
  

• Personalize video content for different audiences.
  

• Craft viral short-form media pieces with minimal costs.
  

Educators and Researchers

• Demonstrate machine learning concepts visually.
  

• Create media-based course materials.
  

• Use AI-assisted editing tools for presentations.
  

Strengths and Benefits of Runway ML

• Accessibility: No heavy downloads or specialized GPUs are required. Everything runs in the browser.
  

• Speed: AI processing times are generally fast, even for more complex models like Gen-2.
  

• Creative Freedom: Mixing and matching models allows users to try endless ideas.
  

• Flexible Plans: Users can start free and scale up only when their projects grow.
  

• Community Resources: Templates, tutorials, and pre-trained models make getting started easier.
  

Potential Challenges

• Model credit limits: Video generation and 3D modeling can be credit-heavy, pushing users toward higher subscription tiers.
  

• Quality variance: Sometimes output may need fine-tuning, especially in complicated prompts for video.
  

• Limited fine control: While tools are powerful, deep customization for professional cinema-quality production may still require traditional editing workflows.
  

Roadmap Ahead for Runway ML

Runway ML’s public development plans focus on:

• Improving Gen-2 video fidelity.
  

• Expanding the length of generated videos.
  

• Adding more stylistic controls over AI outputs (lighting, composition, tone).
  

• Strengthening the quality of real-time inpainting for both photo and video.
  

The company continues refining its ability to turn simple prompts into detailed, coherent outputs while keeping the platform easy for all users.