Runway ML

What it is

Runway is a web-based creative platform focused on AI video. It offers its own generative video models, such as Gen-4.5 and Gen-4 Turbo, alongside image generation, audio tools and access to selected third-party models. Runway positions itself for filmmakers, designers and content creators who want to generate footage, extend ideas and edit with AI in one place.

Key features

Based on Runway's official pricing page (October 2026):

• AI video generation with Runway's Gen-4.5, Gen-4 and Gen-4 Turbo models.
• Third-party models listed on paid plans, including Kling 3.0, Nano Banana Pro and, on Pro and above, Seedance 2.5.
• Image generation with Gen-4 Images.
• Music, voice and sound effects generation; Pro adds a custom voice clone.
• "Agentic creative collaborator": an assistant that helps plan and execute creative tasks.
• Upscaling: 4K upscaling from Standard; unlimited 4K video upscaling and Topaz AI Upscale on Pro.
• Parallel generations: 5 on Standard, 15 on Pro, 20 on Max.
• Brand Kit and Runway MCP on Pro.

Pricing (verified October 2026)

• Free: $0, with 125 one-time credits and 5 GB of storage.
• Standard: $15/month, or $12/month billed annually. 625 credits per month, which Runway equates to about 52 seconds of Gen-4.5 video. No watermarks; 20 GB storage; up to 3 projects.
• Pro: $35/month, or $28/month billed annually. 2,250 credits per month (about 187 seconds of Gen-4.5); 100 GB storage; up to 5 projects.
• Max: $95/month, or $76/month billed annually. 9,500 credits per month, with up to one month of unused credits rolling over; early access to new models.

Runway's FAQ says Gen-4.5 uses 12 credits per second of video. Standard and Pro credits do not roll over; extra credits can be bought (minimum 1,000) and never expire. Team, Enterprise and API pricing are listed separately; Runway was advertising an Enterprise promotion at the time of writing, so check the official site for current offers.

What the credits mean in practice

Runway's plan cards translate credits into output. The Standard allowance equals about 52 seconds of Gen-4.5, 104 seconds of Gen-4 Turbo or 78 Gen-4 images at 1080p. Max's 9,500 credits equal about 791 seconds of Gen-4.5, 1,900 seconds of Gen-4 Turbo or 475 Nano Banana Pro images at 2K. Because creative work usually means generating several versions of each shot, budget for discarded attempts, not just your final runtime. Max also raises limits to up to 10 projects, 3 Brand Kits and 3 custom voice clones.

Who it's for

• Filmmakers and video editors creating concept shots, b-roll and experimental pieces.
• Agencies and marketers producing short visual content.
• Designers who want image, video and audio generation in one browser tool.
• Teams that want access to several leading video models without separate subscriptions.

Pros

• Transparent credit costs with seconds-of-video equivalents for each plan.
• Access to Runway's own models plus partner models.
• Watermark-free output from the $12 annual Standard tier.
• Max plan credit rollover reduces waste for heavy users.
• Purchased top-up credits never expire.

Cons

• Video credits are used up quickly; the Standard allowance covers under a minute of Gen-4.5.
• Monthly credits on Standard and Pro do not roll over.
• Generated footage may need several attempts to get a usable take.
• Project limits on lower plans.
• Free plan is a one-time allowance, not monthly.

Alternatives on AIMAPER

• Adobe Firefly: video generation inside the Adobe ecosystem.
• Google Gemini (Flow): video generation bundled with Google AI plans.
• Synthesia: avatar-presenter videos from scripts.
• Descript: AI-assisted editing of real recordings.

Compare them in our best AI video tools category.

Bottom line

Runway is one of the most complete AI video platforms, with clear credit pricing and a broad model line-up. Start with the free credits to learn how many attempts your projects need, then pick a plan based on the seconds of footage you realistically generate each month.