Runway
Animate a still image into a short clip with Runway, using only images you have rights to
Runway offers image and video generation and editing apps in one place. Use it to explore animating a still, such as a product shot or storyboard frame, into a short clip.
Written from the tool's official pages, listed under Official sources at the end of this guide. Check them for current features, limits and terms.
Try it (opens in a new tab)Steps to try
- Pick one image you created or hold the rights to, such as your own product photo or illustration. Avoid recognisable people who have not consented.
- Write a one-sentence motion brief: what moves, what stays still, and the mood. Keep it modest, as a single subject is easier to judge.
- On Runway's site, find the video generation tools. The product page lists models such as Gen-4.5 and apps such as Reshoot Product and Multi-Shot Video; check which accepts an image on your plan.
- Generate one short clip and compare it against your brief. Look for distorted hands or logos, text errors and unwanted background changes.
- Change one thing per attempt, either the prompt or the input image, so you can tell what made the difference.
- Keep a note of the tool, date and settings used, and check Runway's terms for commercial use before publishing.
Limitations
The page reviewed is a marketing overview, so exact steps, tool names, durations and limits are not documented here; use Runway's help centre. Generated video can contain artefacts, and results vary between attempts. Model lists change quickly.
Pricing
The page mentions trying the product and cancelling anytime, plus separate pricing and enterprise pages. Credits, limits and commercial rights are not described there, so check the official pricing page.
Privacy and data
Uploaded images go to an online service. Do not upload client, personal or unreleased material without permission and checking the terms. Be careful not to make misleading synthetic footage of real people, and disclose AI generated video where audiences might be misled.
About the sources
Based on Runway's product page, which is vendor marketing and not a tutorial, and not hands-on testing. Exact steps are not documented there.
Alternatives
Other image-to-video generators exist, and editors like CapCut or Premiere Pro can add simple motion to stills without generation. Compare options using the same test image.
Official sources
The official pages this guide was written from. Read them for current features, limits and terms.