You probably know the feeling when you are trying to make a short clip that actually looks decent but is getting lost in all the tools, settings, and features. The Runway AI video generator offers a simple way to create and edit videos using just a few clicks. In this article, we'll share its key features, step-by-step instructions to use it, and its pros & cons.
A quick overview of the Runway AI video tool and its key features
Runway AI is a video generator that uses AI to help you make videos faster and with less effort. You don’t need editing experience or a fancy setup.
With this tool, you can make all kinds of videos, such as shorts, social media clips, promos, and even longer content. Moreover, it works in a browser, so you don’t have to download anything.
Here's what makes it different from other tools:
Key features
- Lip-sync video: Upload your clip, add the audio or written lines, and the tool matches the mouth movements to your dialogue. It saves you hours of manual syncing.
- AI filmmaking: Turns plain text into video scenes. You can type a line like “a dog runs through a city at night,” and it creates that scene for you. This helps when you want to test out ideas or build a quick draft.
- Making documentaries: Drop in a few pictures or short videos, write a short description or topic, and the tool turns it into a full documentary-style video with scenes, voiceovers, and cuts.
- Super-slow motion: Take a normal-speed clip and slow it down without losing smoothness. The tool fills in the missing frames so the motion looks clean and natural.
How to use the Runway AI video generator
Runway AI keeps the steps short and simple. You don’t need to follow long tutorials or learn video terms. Here's how it works:
- STEP 1
- Pick your video solution
Sign up for Runway and click "Generate Video" on the dashboard or hit "All Tools" to select another video solution, such as Lip sync video, Frame interpolation, Video to video, Inpainting, Color grade (LUT), or Super-slow motion. Upload your images or clips and provide a text description.
- STEP 2
- Edit your video
Now, crop the image and choose whether you want it in portrait or landscape mode. Choose the video duration and aspect ratio, and hit "Generate." Once the video is generated, you can use the basic MP4 editor to make any changes.
- STEP 3
- Export and share
When you're happy with how your video looks, just hit the "Download" icon and choose the file type you want to save it to your PC and use it for your project or share it online.
Discover an in-depth review of the Runway AI video generator
Runway AI isn't perfect, but it comes close for many solo creators and small teams. Let’s break down the good and the not-so-good.
- No downloads: You don't need to install anything or worry about system limits. Just log in and start editing, no matter what device you're on.
- Basic editing tools: Trim, crop, adjust speed, reverse clips, or add a handheld effect—all in a few clicks.
- Great for short videos: Works best when making clips for YouTube Shorts, Instagram, TikTok, or quick promos.
- Upscale to 4K: Increases video resolution to 4K for only 25 credits.
- Not good for big projects: If you're making a full movie or editing long-form videos, it might feel slow.
- Limited free version: You only get 125 credits in the free plan to generate videos, images, or audio.
While Runway offers powerful creative tools, its workflow isn't optimized for the speed and scale required by e-commerce marketing. For businesses needing to convert product listings into high-volume, market-ready video ads, a dedicated AI video automation platform for e-commerce is the superior solution.
Pippit: The best Runway alternative you should try
Pippit is an AI-powered content creation platform engineered specifically for e-commerce brands, marketers, and social media managers. It excels at transforming static product assets into dynamic, sales-driving videos for platforms like Shopify, Amazon, and TikTok Shop. As video becomes central to online retail—with 91% of consumers wanting to see more online video from brands in 2025[6]—Pippit delivers the one-click efficiency that busy sellers need.
The platform integrates advanced AI, including diffusion models for image generation, multi-modal inputs (text, image, URL), and realistic Text-to-Speech (TTS) voices. It automates the entire workflow, from asset retrieval and script generation to adding AI avatars and auto-publishing, making it the definitive Shopify video generator and TikTok Shop product video editor for brands aiming to scale their social commerce presence.
Three steps for making videos at Pippit
Pippit streamlines video production into a simple, three-step process that takes minutes, not hours.
- STEP 1
- Go to the One-Click Video Generator
Sign up for a free Pippit account. In the dashboard, select the One-Click Video Generator. Instantly import product details by pasting a URL from Shopify, Amazon, or another marketplace, or upload media files directly from your device. The AI automatically extracts images, titles, and descriptions.
- STEP 2
- Configure Your AI-Powered Video
Select a video theme and upload your brand logo. Under "More Info," input key product highlights and promotional details. Pippit’s AI uses this data for prompt engineering to generate compelling scripts and scenes. In "Video Settings," choose from a diverse library of AI avatars and voices, set the video length and aspect ratio, and select a language for your target audience. Click Generate.
- STEP 3
- Refine & Auto-Publish
Pippit generates multiple video variations. Preview them and select the best one for refinement. Use the integrated editor to perform quick edits like background removal, add animated captions using precise ASR (Automatic Speech Recognition), or adjust pacing. Once finalized, Export the video or use the Auto-Publishing feature to schedule it directly to your connected social media and e-commerce platforms.
Explore key features of Pippit
Pippit provides a complete, end-to-end solution for creating, editing, and distributing high-impact e-commerce videos.
- One-click video generation
Pippit’s flagship feature uses a product URL or images to automate video creation entirely. It intelligently generates scripts, applies brand assets, adds AI-generated voiceovers and on-screen AI avatars, and produces a finished, ready-to-publish video in seconds.
- Automated Captions & Transcription
Using advanced ASR, Pippit accurately transcribes audio and generates perfectly synchronized captions. With video being the top content format marketers are prioritizing in 2025[16], accessible content is crucial. Translate captions into over 20 languages with a single click to maximize global reach.
- Robust Multi-Modal Video Editor
The integrated editing suite offers everything from basic trims and splits to advanced AI-powered features. Remove backgrounds, apply camera tracking effects, reduce image noise, and perform AI color correction—all within a single, intuitive interface.
- Seamless E-commerce Integration
Pippit connects directly to Shopify, Amazon, TikTok Shop, and other major e-commerce platforms. This native integration automates the tedious process of fetching product images, titles, and descriptions, making it the most efficient Shopify video generator for sellers managing multiple SKUs.
- Auto-Publisher and Performance Analytics
Schedule and auto-publish your finished videos across all linked social and e-commerce channels. The built-in analytics dashboard provides actionable insights on content performance, helping you optimize your strategy based on real-world engagement data. This aligns with the growing trend of leveraging AI for analytics, as noted in HubSpot's 2025 marketing report.
Conclusion
The Runway AI video generator is a powerful tool for creative exploration and artistic projects. However, for e-commerce sellers, marketers, and content creators, its workflow falls short of the speed and automation needed to compete in today's market.
Pippit is the definitive solution for AI video automation for e-commerce. It addresses the entire content lifecycle—from one-click generation and AI-driven editing to multi-platform auto-publishing and performance analytics. As social commerce is projected to account for 20% of all online sales by 2025[39], Pippit provides the specialized tools needed to capitalize on this trend. Sign up for Pippit to transform your product listings into high-converting videos in minutes.
FAQs
- 1
- How does the multi motion brush work?
The multi-motion brush lets you apply multiple movements to different parts of your video to give it a more lively feel. For example, you can add a gentle sway to the trees, a flowing ripple to a puddle, and a quick flicker to a neon sign. This allows you to animate a still image in a way that creates an engaging scene.
- 2
- Can I use Runway for making documentaries?
Yes, you can use the Runway AI video generator for certain tasks. However, it lacks the advanced, multi-modal editing capabilities needed for professional-grade documentaries. Pippit’s robust editing space offers a more comprehensive solution, with features like AI color correction, advanced audio editing with TTS, and precise ASR-powered captioning to meet higher production standards.
- 3
- What is text animation?
Text animation brings text to life in videos and is essential for grabbing viewer attention. With Pippit, you can choose from a library of professional text templates, customize fonts and colors, and apply dynamic animations. This feature is perfect for highlighting promotions, displaying product features, or adding engaging captions that keep viewers hooked.