Runway ML has quickly become one of the most exciting AI tools for creators. Whether you’re a filmmaker, content creator, or just curious about the future of AI, its text-to-video feature opens up endless possibilities. In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to use Runway ML for text-to-video generation step by step.
What is Runway ML?
Runway ML is an AI-powered creative platform designed for artists, filmmakers, and digital creators. It offers tools like AI video editing, text-to-video generation, and image manipulation, making advanced creativity more accessible than ever.
Step 1: Create a Runway ML Account
- Go to Runway’s website.
- Click Get Started for Free.
- Sign up with your email or Google account.
- Verify your account and log in.
Tip: Runway ML offers a free plan with limited credits, perfect for testing before upgrading.
Step 2: Explore the Dashboard
Once logged in, you’ll land on the dashboard. Here, you’ll see options like:
- Gen-2 Text-to-Video: Generate video clips from text prompts.
- Image-to-Video: Animate an image with AI.
- AI Video Editing: Remove backgrounds, apply filters, or edit clips.
For this tutorial, we’ll use Gen-2 (Text-to-Video).
Step 3: Open Text-to-Video Tool
- On the dashboard, select Gen-2 Text-to-Video.
- A workspace will open with a prompt box on the left and preview panel on the right.
Step 4: Write Your Prompt
This is where the magic happens.
- Keep your prompt clear and descriptive.
- Add details about environment, style, camera angles, and mood.
Examples:
- “A cinematic shot of a spaceship flying through neon-lit clouds, futuristic vibe.”
- “A slow-motion video of waves crashing on a beach during golden hour.”
The more specific your prompt, the better the output.
Step 5: Adjust Settings
- Duration: Choose clip length (usually 4–16 seconds).
- Resolution: Higher resolution may consume more credits but looks sharper.
- Style Settings: Some models let you choose cinematic, realistic, or stylized outputs.
Step 6: Generate the Video
- Click Generate.
- Wait a few seconds to a few minutes (depending on your prompt and settings).
- Preview the output.
Tip: If you’re not satisfied, tweak your prompt and try again.
Step 7: Export and Use
- Once happy, click Download to save your video.
- Runway ML exports in MP4 format, ready to use in editing software, social media, or presentations.
Pro Tips for Better Results
- Be descriptive: Instead of “car on road,” try “a red sports car racing on a wet highway at night, cinematic lighting.”
- Experiment with camera angles: Add words like “aerial view,” “close-up,” or “wide shot.”
- Iterate: Runway’s strength is trial and error. Generate multiple clips and pick the best.
Who Should Use Runway ML?
- Content creators making reels, shorts, or TikToks.
- Filmmakers experimenting with concepts or pre-visualization.
- Marketers creating fast, engaging ad creatives.
- Educators and students exploring AI-driven storytelling.
Final Thoughts
Runway ML is more than just an AI toy—it’s a serious creative tool. With just a few words, you can generate visuals that once required expensive equipment and hours of production. While it has limits, the potential is huge for anyone ready to experiment.
If you haven’t tried it yet, start with the free credits and explore. The future of creative AI is already here—and Runway ML is at the center of it.