How To Use Runway AI Video Generator
Ready to turn ideas into moving pictures? With the Runway AI Video Generator, you can sketch a scene in your head, type a few words, and watch it move. You get fast results, practical controls, and a clear path from prompt to polished clip.
What Is Runway AI Video Generator?
In short, it is a creative tool that turns an image plus a prompt into a short video. The current engine, Runway Gen-4, focuses on control and consistency, so your characters and scenes feel like they belong together. If you have worked with text to video before, this will feel familiar, just more stable. And because the interface acts like an AI video editor with guided steps, you can iterate quickly without getting lost. Gen-4 supports 5 or 10 second generations from an image and prompt, which is perfect for tests, story beats, and social cuts.
How To Set Up Your First Runway AI Video Generator Project In Minutes
Follow these quick steps for a clean first run:
- Create a new session, then choose Gen-4 in the video tools.
- Upload a starter image that matches the vibe you want.
- Write a clear prompt with subject, action, camera, and mood.
- Pick 5 seconds first, then iterate.
- Generate, review, and keep the best takes.
- Use Actions to refine or continue the shot inside the app.
How Long Are Runway AI Generator Clips?
Beginners often ask about duration first. Gen-4 creates clips in 5 or 10 seconds. Start with 5. It burns fewer credits and lets you try more ideas fast. When a direction looks right, switch to 10 seconds for a fuller beat. Also, the Runway Gen-4 prompt responds well to crisp camera language, so mention lens, angle, and motion. This helps any text to video run feel less random and more cinematic.
When To Use Runway AI Gen-4 Turbo, Full Gen-4, Or Aleph
Use the table below as a quick cheat sheet.
| Mode | What It Is | Best For | Why Choose It |
| Gen-4 Turbo | Faster, lower cost variant of Gen-4 | Drafts, many prompt tries | Great for quick iteration and budget control. |
| Full Gen-4 | Flagship generation mode | Final 5 or 10 second shots | Strong control and consistency across shots. |
| Aleph | In-context video editing and novel views | Reverse shots, low angles, object adds | Edits and new views of existing footage with prompts. (Runway) |
How Much Does Runway AI Video Generator Cost And How Do Credits Work?
You can start on a Free plan with 125 one-time credits. That equals about 25 seconds of Gen-4 Turbo testing. Paid plans add monthly credits and features. Also, monthly plan credits refresh on your billing date, while purchased credits do not expire. Practical tip: bank your best prompts and reference sets, then run batches at once to stretch credits. The Runway AI Video Generator rewards planned sessions over random pokes.
How To Prompt Runway AI Video Generator Gen-4
Use this fast list when writing prompts for Runway Gen-4:
- Lead with subject and action, then add camera and lighting.
- Mention time of day and mood for cleaner text to video tone.
- Add style references only when they are essential
- Keep language simple, then iterate in short jumps.
- Reuse the same saved References to keep people and places aligned.
- Treat the tool like an AI video editor that needs scene notes, not poetry.
Where VidAU AI Can Help Your Process
Sometimes you want a specific motion from a still image before you finalize inside Runway. That is a great moment to reach for VidAU AI. Use its Image to Video tool to animate a key frame, then bring that motion idea into your Runway session for continuity and polish. The two play well together, since Runway Gen-4 handles consistency and VidAU kickstarts movement.
CONCLUSION
You now have a clear map from idea to video. Start with quick drafts in Turbo. Then lock your look with References. After that, polish tricky angles with Aleph. With a little planning, the Runway AI Video Generator becomes a steady way to ship beautiful clips on time and on budget.
Ready to level up your flow even more? First, shape your scene inside the Runway AI Video Generator. Then register for VidAU AI to animate key stills and spark motion ideas before your final pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) Is Runway AI free for creators who are just starting?
There is a Free plan with limited credits so you can explore. When you need more exports, upgrade to a paid plan that fits your goals.
2) How many seconds can I generate per run?
Gen-4 supports 5 or 10 second generations from an image plus prompt. Creators often explore at 5 seconds, then finalize at 10.
3) What are References and do I need them?
References help maintain character, outfit, and location across shots. You tag images, then ask for new scenes that still match those visuals. Most teams use them for continuity.
4) What is the difference between Gen-4 and Gen-4 Turbo?
Turbo is faster and cheaper, which is great for drafts. Full Gen-4 is better for final quality. Many teams draft in Turbo, then switch to full Gen-4.
5) Can I edit existing footage too?
Yes. Aleph lets you request new views or edits like reverse shots or low angles on existing video. It is handy after you rough out a scene with the generator.
