Runway Review
Video Generation · Video & Audio
Text-to-video and AI video editing — the most capable generative video tool for marketers.
Our take
Impressive and expensive to actually use. Budget several failed generations per usable second, and treat it as a source of short accent shots rather than finished films.
At a glance
- Category
- Video & Audio
- Type
- Video Generation
- Pricing
- Freemium
- Free option
- Yes
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Best for
- Creative video, b-roll
What Runway does
Runway is the one to reach for when you need moving imagery that does not exist and cannot be filmed. Beyond generation it has genuinely useful editing tools — removing objects, replacing backgrounds, extending a shot — that solve real problems on footage you already have.
How marketers actually use it
Where it earns its place is fixing footage you already have — removing an object from a shot, replacing a background, extending a clip that ran a second short. Generation is the headline feature, but the editing tools solve more real problems.
Best for
- Short generative b-roll and atmospheric clips for ads
- Removing an object or background from existing footage
- Turning a still product shot into subtle motion
- Concept films for pitching a campaign
Watch out for
Credits burn fast, clips are short, and generative video still fails on hands, faces and text.
Runway pricing
Free plan with starter credits; Standard starts at $12/mo.
Checked August 2026. Pricing changes constantly — confirm on the official site before you buy. There are no affiliate links on this page.
Check current Runway pricingRunway FAQ
Is Runway free?
There is a free plan with starter credits. Standard starts at $12/mo, and credits go quickly once you are generating seriously.
Is AI video good enough for client work?
For short accent shots and b-roll, increasingly yes. For anything featuring hands, faces or on-screen text, expect several failed attempts per usable second.
Runway or Descript?
Different jobs entirely. Runway generates and manipulates footage. Descript edits and cleans recordings you already made. Most marketers need Descript first.
How long can Runway clips be?
Short — measured in seconds per generation, with extension options. Plan around accent shots and b-roll rather than complete films.
Runway or Midjourney for visuals?
Midjourney for stills, Runway when the shot needs to move. Runway also edits existing footage, which Midjourney cannot do at all.
Runway alternatives
Other video & audio tools worth comparing before you commit: