Summary

• Runway is an AI video generation platform now at Gen-4, known for creating consistent characters and objects
• Plans range from free to $95/month Unlimited, with 625 credits for first-time users
• Offers Gen-3, Gen-4, and Gen-4 Turbo versions, each with different speeds and quality levels
• The References feature lets you create consistent characters across multiple scenes from just one image
• If you need model videos, Draph Art's AI person video feature makes it easier and faster

 

AI technology has made it possible for anyone to create videos easily. Runway stands out in the AI video creation space—it's trusted enough that Hollywood studios actually use it. Today, we'll explore everything about Runway and show you how to use this AI video maker effectively.

 

Video content is more important than ever, but hiring models and organizing shoots can be overwhelming. If you run an online store, check out Draph Art. It's an AI-powered product image and model video service that cuts costs by over 90% compared to professional studio shoots while delivering high-quality promotional content. With the AI Person feature, you can choose from over 100 AI models to create product photos and videos in just 30 seconds—from wearing shots to product usage shots. You can even turn these images into videos right away. No prompt writing or complicated setup needed—just a few clicks to create your model videos.

 

→ Create Model Videos with Draph Art

 

 

1. What is Runway? The AI Video Platform Hollywood is Watching

Runway is an AI video maker created by a US-based generative AI company. In September 2024, they partnered with Hollywood studio Lionsgate, bringing AI into film production.

 

Key Runway Features

• Image to video conversion: Turn a single image into a video
• References feature: Create consistent characters across multiple scenes from one reference image
• Up to 10-second videos: Gen-4 can create 5 or 10-second videos
• 4K upscaling: Upgrade your videos to 4K quality
• Lip Sync feature: Naturally sync character lip movements with audio

 

How Does Runway Compare to Sora 2 and Veo 3?

Compared to Sora 2 or Veo 3, Runway has some clear advantages. You can start with a free plan to test it out risk-free, and you get 125 credits when you sign up to try the service. The References feature is especially powerful for storytelling—it maintains character consistency across different lighting, backgrounds, and camera angles using just one image.

 

 

2. Runway Pricing: Complete Breakdown

Runway pricing has 4 options based on usage. All plans are available monthly or annually, with about 20% off for annual subscriptions.

 

Free Plan

• Price: Free
• Credits: 125 credits/month
• Features: Access to Gen-4, Gen-4 Turbo, Gen-3 Alpha Turbo
• Limitations: Watermark included, lower priority processing

Standard Plan

• Monthly: $15 / Annual: $12 (per month)
• Credits: 625 credits/month
• Features: Generate 52 seconds with Gen-4, 125 seconds with Gen-4 Turbo, 62 seconds with Gen-3 Alpha
• Up to 5 users

Pro Plan

• Monthly: $35 / Annual: $28 (per month)
• Credits: 2,250 credits/month
• Features: Generate 187 seconds with Gen-4, 450 seconds with Gen-4 Turbo
• Custom Voices available
• Up to 10 users

Unlimited Plan

• Monthly: $95 / Annual: $76 (per month)
• Unlimited generation: Unlimited use of Gen-4 Turbo and Gen-3 Alpha Turbo
• Priority processing: About 70% faster queue times
• Up to 10 users

If you're looking for a free AI video maker, I recommend starting with the Free plan. The 125 monthly credits are enough for testing. If you need to create lots of videos, the Pro or Unlimited plans offer better value! Check the pricing page for detailed Runway costs.

 

 

3. How to Use Runway: Turning Images into Videos

Using Runway is simpler than you think. Here's a step-by-step guide to converting images to videos.

 

Step 1: Access Runway Website and Log In Go to the official Runway website and sign up with your email.

 

Step 2: Start a New Session Click "Sessions" in the left menu, then hit the "New Session" button to start a new project.

 

Step 3: Choose Your Video Creation Method Select from Chat, Tools, or Apps. I'll use Tools to upload an image and turn it into a video.

 

Step 4: Upload Image and Enter Prompt Upload the image you want to turn into a video and describe the movement you want in the prompt. For example, "Camera slowly pans left to emphasize the product" works well when you're specific. Then select your aspect ratio, generation model, etc.

 

Step 5: Generate Video Click the Generate button and your video will be ready in about 1-3 minutes!

 

 

 

4. Gen-2 vs Gen-3 vs Gen-4: Which Version Should You Use?

Runway keeps getting better. You can currently use Runway Gen-2, Runway Gen-3, and Runway Gen-4—each with its own pros and cons.

 

Runway Gen-2 Features

• First video generation model released in 2023
• Creates videos from text and images
• Relatively fast generation speed
• Good for basic video creation

Runway Gen-3 Features

• Released in early 2024
• Much more natural movement and higher resolution than Gen-2
• Understands complex prompts accurately
• Can generate 5 or 10-second videos

Runway Gen-4 Features (Latest in 2025)

• Latest model released in April 2025
• References feature maintains character and object consistency
• Accurately recreates the same character across multiple scenes
• Realistic physics simulation
• Cinema-quality camera movements

Runway Gen-4 Turbo Features

• Same features as Gen-4 but 7x faster
• Creates 10-second videos in just 30 seconds
• Credit cost is less than half of Gen-4 (5 credits per second)
• Optimized for quick prototyping

Recommendation: Use Gen-4 Turbo for quick testing, Gen-4 when you need the highest quality final output!

 

 

5. Runway Prompt Writing Guide & Examples

Writing good Runway prompts is key to creating great videos. Check out AI prompt generators or follow this guide.

 

Runway Prompt Writing Tips

• Write in English: Runway works best with English prompts
• Specify camera movement: "slow zoom in," "pan left," "tracking shot," etc.
• Describe lighting and mood: "golden hour," "soft shadows," etc.
• Be specific: Include details rather than vague descriptions
• Keep it physically natural: Describe movements that are possible in real life

Runway Prompt Examples

For Product Ads "A luxury watch slowly rotating on a marble table, soft studio lighting from above, camera slowly zooms in on the watch face, elegant and sophisticated atmosphere"

 

For Fashion Brands "A model walking down a city street in stylish outfit, confident stride, camera follows from behind, urban background with blurred lights, cinematic feel"

 

For Social Media Short-form "Close-up of hands holding a coffee cup, steam rising, morning sunlight through window, slow motion, cozy and warm atmosphere, 5 seconds"

 

Recommended Runway Prompt Keywords

• Camera: close-up, wide shot, slow zoom, pan, dolly, tracking shot, aerial view
• Lighting: golden hour, soft light, dramatic shadows, backlight, studio lighting
• Movement: floating, rotating, walking, running, slow motion
• Mood: cinematic, elegant, energetic, peaceful, mysterious, dreamy

 

 

6. Need Model Videos? Try Draph Art's AI Person Video Feature

 

Runway is a powerful AI video maker, but getting perfect results requires good prompt writing skills and multiple attempts. It's especially tricky when creating videos of models wearing or using products. From preparing images to writing prompts and regenerating multiple times—it takes more time than you'd expect.

 

If you run an online store and need videos of models wearing products or using them, I recommend Draph Art's AI Person video feature. Unlike general-purpose free AI video makers like Runway, Draph Art specializes in creating model videos for e-commerce.

 

Benefits of Draph Art AI Model Video Creation

• No prompt writing needed: Just a few clicks—no complicated English prompts required
• 30-second model image generation: Choose from over 100 AI models and just upload your product image
• One-click image to video: Convert your generated model images into videos instantly
• Automatic pose adjustment: Clothing automatically becomes wearing shots, cosmetics become usage shots
• Cost-effective: Save over 90% compared to professional model shoots

 

How to Create Model Videos with Draph Art

Step 1: Select AI Person Go to the "AI Person" menu in Draph Art and choose from over 100 AI models that match your brand image. Models from Korea, Russia, France, Japan, and more are available.

 

Step 2: Upload Product Image Upload your product image and AI automatically generates model images. For clothing, you'll get images of the model wearing it; for cosmetics, the model holding the product.

 

Step 3: Convert to Video Click the "Create Video" button at the bottom of the finished image, then hit "Generate Video." Enter a simple prompt and your model image becomes a video with natural movement.

 

Runway excels at creative video production, but when you need e-commerce model videos, Draph Art is much more efficient. You can quickly create model videos optimized for product promotion without complicated prompt writing. Among AI image generators, using Draph Art—which specializes in product and model images—saves you time you'd otherwise spend searching free image sites.

 

→ Try Creating Model Videos with Draph Art

 

Runway is a powerful AI video creator you can start using for free. You can make high-quality videos without expensive subscriptions like Veo 3 or Sora 2. Runway's References feature is especially useful for creative video production and storytelling. But if you're running an online business, it's important to choose the right tool for the job.

 

I recommend using Draph Art's AI Person video feature when you need AI-generated model images or videos, and Runway when you need creative video production. Combining general AI with specialized AI tools makes your content marketing much more effective!