To use Runway AI, go to app.runwayml.com in Chrome (or open the Runway app), choose a mode such as Tools, upload an image or write a prompt, pick the Gen-4.5 model in the bottom left and click the purple Generate button. Your videos appear in a session, where you can upscale, adjust or reuse them.
Runway is an AI video platform. You can turn a written description into a video clip, animate a still image, edit footage and generate images and audio. For a small business, that means short clips for social posts, ads and product pages without a film crew. Here's how to make your first one and how to avoid burning through your credits.
Step 1: Open Runway
Runway recommends using app.runwayml.com in a Chrome browser for the best experience. There are also iPhone and Android apps for making videos on the go. Sign up for an account, and you'll start on the Free plan.
Step 2: Pick a mode
After you log in, Runway gives you four ways to work:
| Mode | What it's for |
|---|---|
| Tools | The traditional interface, with precise control over inputs and settings |
| Apps | Ready-made experiences for specific jobs, with less prompting |
| Agent | An AI partner that builds complete, multi-shot videos through conversation |
| Workflows | A node-based editor for automated, repeatable pipelines |
If you're new, start with Tools to learn how prompts change the result, or Agent if you'd rather describe the video you want and let Runway plan the shots. Using Tools, Apps or Agent automatically creates a Session, which keeps your outputs organised as you go.
Step 3: Choose your model
Runway says Gen-4.5 is its most advanced video model, and it supports Text to Video and Image to Video. Gen-4 and Gen-4 Turbo are older models that are faster and use fewer credits. Switch between them with the model switcher in the bottom-left corner while you're in Tools mode.
My tip: test your idea on Gen-4 Turbo to save credits, then make the final version on Gen-4.5.
Step 4: Write the right kind of prompt
This is the detail that makes the biggest difference, and Runway's own guide spells it out:
- Image to Video: upload your image and describe the motion you want. You don't need to describe what's in the image, because Runway can already see it.
- Text to Video: describe both what we should see and how it should move.
Copy this prompt
Image to Video prompt for a product photo of a coffee cup: slow push-in towards the cup, steam rising gently, soft morning light shifting across the table, camera stays steady.
Then click the purple Generate button. Your clips appear in the session and you can scroll through them as they finish.
Step 5: Improve and upscale
Click Use under a finished clip to see options for working with it further, or tweak your prompt and generate again. Runway says its generated videos are created in 720p and can be upscaled to 4K: select Upscale beneath a finished generation, and the upscaled version appears as a new clip. For footage you didn't make in Runway, there's an Upscale App for videos up to 40 seconds.
One thing to know: exporting in 4K from Runway's video editor doesn't upscale footage that isn't already 4K. Use the Upscale option first.
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Common mistakes to avoid
- Describing everything in the photo in an Image to Video prompt. Runway can see the image, so spend your words on the movement.
- Asking for too much action in one clip. One clear camera move and one clear subject movement work better than five.
- Making every test on Gen-4.5. Use the faster, cheaper models while you're still finding the right prompt.
- Exporting in 4K from the editor and expecting sharper footage. Upscale the generation first.
If you get stuck, Runway's help centre points to its Discord community, its Runway Academy video tutorials and a full library of prompting guides and examples.
How Runway credits work
Everything you generate in Runway uses credits. Here's what each plan includes, as of October 2026, from Runway's help centre.
| Plan | Credits |
|---|---|
| Free | 125, one time only |
| Standard | 625 a month |
| Pro and Unlimited | 2,250 a month |
| Max | 9,500 a month |
The catch with the Free plan is that its 125 credits are a one-off deposit. Runway says they don't expire, but they don't renew or refresh once you've spent them, and the Free plan only includes a limited set of tools plus 5GB of storage. So treat it as a trial and plan your test clips before you start.
Can you use Runway videos commercially?
Yes. Runway's usage rights page says the content you create is yours to use without any non-commercial restrictions from Runway, and that you keep ownership of what you upload and generate. It also says you're not required to credit Runway. If you make content for clients, check the terms on every AI tool you use, because they're not all this open.
If you also make AI images, Midjourney's plans are explained in the Midjourney plans.
My advice
Use your free credits on Image to Video with a photo you already own, such as a product shot, because it gives the most predictable result. Describe only the movement, keep it simple, and upscale only the clip you'll use. If you're comparing video tools before you commit, see my roundup of Veo 3 alternatives, and my guide on where to create AI videos for free covers the free options.
Frequently asked questions
Is Runway AI free?
There's a Free plan with a one-time deposit of 125 credits, a limited set of tools and 5GB of storage. The credits don't expire but don't refresh once spent.
What is the best Runway model?
Runway says Gen-4.5 is its most advanced model and recommends it for the highest quality. Gen-4 and Gen-4 Turbo are faster and use fewer credits.
How should I write a Runway Image to Video prompt?
Describe the motion you want. Runway says you don't need to describe what's in the image. For Text to Video, describe both the visuals and the motion.
Can Runway make 4K videos?
Runway generates videos in 720p and lets you upscale them to 4K by selecting Upscale beneath a finished generation.
Can I use Runway videos for my business?
Yes. Runway says the content you create is yours to use without non-commercial restrictions, and you're not required to credit Runway.
