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Runway ML has established itself as a key player in the world of AI-assisted video and visual creation, positioning itself at the forefront of generative tools. But at the start of 2025, with the explosion of creative AI solutions, does Runway ML still deliver on its promises for our designer and web agency workflows? From its ease of use to the power of its features, not to mention its limitations, I had the opportunity to put it through its paces at Easy Web. Expect candid feedback and practical advice on whether Runway ML really has a place in your creative arsenal this year.
My experience with Runway ML
Runway ML—I've seen it evolve since its inception a few years ago, when video AI was just a promise. What has always impressed me is its ability to democratize AI-assisted video creation, making accessible what was once complex.
It excels for professionals who want to prototype quickly or integrate motion design without cumbersome tools. Generating clips from text and editing existing videos is ideal for quick concepts or innovative content on a controlled budget.
Let's be clear, this is not yet a complete post-production studio. For highly specialized projects requiring absolute precision or pixel-by-pixel control, you will quickly reach its limits. It is a powerful springboard, not the ultimate solution for all productions.
Is Runway ML really useful for my needs?
The real question to ask yourself before using Runway ML is: what is your goal? Its relevance depends on how you use it. If you need to quickly generate videos (text/images) or apply impressive AI effects to your rushes, then yes, this is the tool for you. It excels at visual prototyping and creative exploration.
Video editor, motion designer, content creator, or agency art director: Runway ML will transform the way you work. Imagine generating a complex animation for a client pitch in minutes, or producing endless variations of a sequence for your social media channels. It saves you time and gives you incredible creative freedom.
Its other major asset is its user interface. Despite its powerful generative AI, Runway ML remains surprisingly intuitive. You don't need to be an expert to use it. It democratizes AI-assisted video creation, opening new doors for every creative professional.
Is Runway ML suitable for beginners?
You know, when I saw the first demos of Runway ML, I immediately thought of the incredible opportunity it represented for non-specialists. This tool is a real gateway to video creation and visual effects for everyone. Want to generate a video from a simple text, or remove a complex background without tearing your hair out? Runway ML makes it super accessible, even if you've never used editing software before. That's the magic of AI at the service of creativity.
The interface is so intuitive that the learning curve is virtually non-existent for beginners. For them, it's a godsend. You can prototype complex visual ideas in just a few clicks and explore bold concepts without being held back by technical limitations. This allows you to focus fully on the idea and the message, rather than on tedious software manipulation, which is revolutionary in democratizing the production of quality content.
How much does Runway ML cost?
Let's talk about the budget! A powerful tool is great, but the price has to be right. Runway ML is well structured to support every profile.
You have the "Free" plan. This is your discovery: a few credits to test the basic features (generation, cropping). Perfect for getting started with creative AI or exploring without pressure.
Next, the "Creator" plan, around $15/month (annual). More credits, access to advanced templates, HD exports without watermarks. Ideal for regular freelancers or small studios aiming for professional quality.
Finally, for intensive needs, there is the "Pro" plan. It costs $35/month. It unlocks massive generation times, custom model training, and priority support. For agencies like Easy Web, it is an essential investment for large volumes.
What are the key features of Runway ML?
AI video generation is the first thing that really blew me away with Runway ML. We're no longer just talking about traditional editing, but transforming text into video clips or even radically changing the style of an existing sequence with disconcerting ease. For us at Easy Web, this is a revolution in rapid prototyping and creative exploration, far beyond what we were doing a few years ago.
Beyond generation, their "Magic Tools" are incredibly effective. Inpainting, which removes unwanted objects with a single click, and motion brush, which animates specific elements of a static image, are real time-savers. These tools simplify tasks that previously required complex software and hours of work, a valuable asset when deadlines are tight.
What really impressed me about Runway ML is its ability to transform your ideas into video, almost like magic. Generating video from text or images is a huge step forward. We've integrated it for some of our clients who needed quick prototypes or unique animations. It saves an incredible amount of time and opens up creative possibilities that we couldn't have imagined a few years ago.
And let's talk about the Motion Brush. It's this kind of detail that changes everything. You can bring specific elements of your image to life in just a few clicks, with just a brush stroke. For motion designers or even for animating static illustrations, it's a game changer. No need to master complex software anymore, Runway makes it accessible and incredibly smooth.
Runway ML is powerful, but I feel its limitations on certain projects. For animation requiring pixel-perfect control or ultra-precise storytelling, it cannot replace the finesse of After Effects. Think of short films or commercials with strict requirements. Its limitations quickly become apparent.
For total control, tools such as After Effects and DaVinci Resolve remain essential. They offer the precision required. But Runway ML excels at quickly prototyping ideas and generating visual concepts. It saves a huge amount of time in the exploratory phase and is an excellent creative starting point nonetheless.
In short:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
FAQ
Is it reliable and secure?
Reliability and security are my top priorities, and they should be yours too. Runway ML offers transparency. They use robust encryption to protect your projects and training data. Their infrastructure is designed for stability, and they release frequent updates to fix potential vulnerabilities. On the privacy side, they comply with standards such as the GDPR, which is essential in 2025. In our experience at Easy Web, we have never encountered any major flaws that would jeopardize our productions or those of our clients. That's a strong point for them.
Is it compatible with my other tools?
Absolutely. This is a crucial question for any designer. Runway ML is designed to integrate seamlessly into your existing workflow.
We're talking about exports to standard formats such as MP4 videos or image sequences (PNG, JPG), which can be easily imported into Premiere Pro, After Effects, or DaVinci Resolve. They also have open APIs for more advanced integrations, which is a major advantage for us. This flexibility is non-negotiable for optimizing your productivity and not disrupting your habits. That's what makes the real difference in the field.
Is there responsive customer support?
Frankly, Runway ML's responsive support is a real strength. Our teams have had the opportunity to contact them with various questions, particularly about specific exports or advanced features, and responses are generally prompt. We receive feedback within 24 hours for most requests, which is very helpful when a project is urgent. Their knowledge base is also an excellent resource for more common issues, making for a smooth user experience.
What do other users think?
I can tell you that the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive! Our designers, and many others, praise its power, particularly for AI-generated video, whether it's "Text-to-Video" or "Image-to-Video." It's a real creative lever. The points to watch out for often concern the budget for large projects, and sometimes a slight learning curve if you're new to AI. But in 2025, no one can ignore the impact of Runway ML on the creative workflow. It has become a benchmark.
Can I easily change later?
Absolutely. The strength of Runway ML is its flexibility. Whatever you produce—videos, images, textures—can be exported in standard formats. You can then integrate these assets into your usual post-production software, such as Adobe Premiere Pro or After Effects, for fine tuning or complex editing.
Editing a project directly in Runway ML often means restarting a generation with adjusted parameters. But exportability is key: it gives you complete freedom for the rest of your creative pipeline. You are never "locked in" by the tool. That's what matters.
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Specializing in business creation, sales and digital marketing, he puts his expertise at the service of users to help them identify the solutions best suited to their needs. Passionate about digital innovation and online performance optimization, Alexis is committed to providing detailed, transparent and unbiased comparisons.
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