Runway ML is the most popular AI video editing platform in 2026. Used by Hollywood studios, independent filmmakers, and content creators alike, it makes professional video production accessible to everyone.
What is Runway ML?
Runway is an AI-powered creative suite focused on video generation and editing. It can generate videos from text, remove backgrounds, edit footage with AI, and much more — all inside a browser with no software installation required.
How to Get Started with Runway ML
Step 1: Create a free account Go to runwayml.com and sign up with your email or Google account. The free plan gives you 125 credits to start.
Step 2: Choose your tool Runway offers dozens of AI tools. Start with Gen-3 Alpha — their most powerful video generation model.
Step 3: Generate your first video Type a description of the video you want, upload a reference image if you have one, and click Generate. Your video will be ready in about 30 seconds.
5 Best Runway ML Features
1. Gen-3 Alpha Video Generation Generate stunning 10-second videos from text descriptions or images. The quality is photorealistic and the motion is smooth and natural.
2. Background Removal Remove the background from any video instantly with one click. No green screen required — perfect for creating professional-looking content anywhere.
3. Inpainting Select any object in a video and remove it completely. Runway fills in the background automatically as if the object was never there.
4. Motion Brush Add realistic motion to any still image. Make clouds move, water flow, or hair blow in the wind with simple brush strokes.
5. Video to Video Upload any existing video and transform its entire visual style. Change a daytime scene to night, turn a realistic video into animation, or apply any artistic style.
Runway ML Pricing
| Plan | Price | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 125 credits |
| Standard | $15/month | 625 credits |
| Pro | $35/month | 2250 credits |
| Unlimited | $95/month | Unlimited |
Runway ML vs Sora vs Pika
| Feature | Runway | Sora | Pika |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video length | Up to 16s | Up to 20s | Up to 10s |
| Free plan | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Background removal | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Best for | Professional editing | Realism | Quick clips |
| Price | From $15/month | $20/month | From $8/month |
Tips for Better Results
- Use detailed, cinematic descriptions for best video quality
- Upload a reference image alongside your text prompt for more controlled results
- Use the Motion Brush tool to add subtle movement to still images
- Combine multiple Runway tools in sequence for complex video projects
Conclusion
Runway ML is the most complete AI video platform available in 2026. Whether you’re creating content for social media, producing short films, or building marketing videos, Runway has the tools to make it happen. Start free at runwayml.com today.