Updated for 2026

MakeThisVid and Runway are both AI video generators, but they serve different workflows. Want more after your first? $6.99 adds 3 more takes — any photo, any look. Runway is a broader creative toolkit with longer clips, multiple generation models, and a steeper learning curve aimed at filmmakers and video professionals.

MakeThisVid vs Runway: Which AI Video Generator Is Right for You?

By MakeThisVid Editorial Updated June 7, 2026 Methodology

Choosing between MakeThisVid and Runway depends on what you're trying to accomplish. If you need a short, polished video ad — something to run on Meta, TikTok, or YouTube — MakeThisVid gets you from prompt to downloadable MP4 in under two minutes, with audio included and commercial use licensed on every purchase. Runway is a more expansive platform built for video editors, filmmakers, and creative professionals who want granular control: longer clips, multiple generation models, image editing, video-to-video transformation, and tools like motion brush and inpainting. That depth comes with higher pricing and a longer learning curve. Here's an honest breakdown of how the two tools compare.

Make a video from one prompt. $2.99 a video · Ready in about a minute · No subscription.

MakeThisVid vs Runway comparison

Tool	Free tier	Watermark	Audio included	Editor required	Starting price
MakeThisVid	No free tier — $2.99 per video	No watermark	Yes, automatic on every clip	No (prompt only)	$6.99 — 3 more takes
Runway	125 one-time credits (no Gen-4 video)	Yes on free tier; removed on paid plans	Gen-4.5 paid plans only; older models silent	Full editor UI	From $15/mo

How to Use MakeThisVid

From prompt to downloadable MP4, ready to deploy.

Pricing structures differ significantly

MakeThisVid plans: every video is a flat $2.99 — a clean 1080p download with no watermark, a 9:16 vertical version, and commercial use, ready in about a minute — and $6.99 adds 3 more takes. Pay once, no subscription. Runway includes a no-cost entry option with 125 one-time credits (no Gen-4 video access), plus paid plans starting at $15/mo (Standard) and scaling to $35/mo (Pro) and $95/mo (Max) billed monthly, with additional credit purchases available.
Output length and resolution

MakeThisVid generates 8-second, 1080p clips. Runway's Gen-4 model generates clips of 5 or 10 seconds; Gen-4.5 (available on paid plans) offers similar duration options with resolutions up to 1080p on Standard and above. Neither free-tier tool currently produces 4K output natively.
Input modes

MakeThisVid supports text-to-video and photo-to-video (first-frame). Runway supports text-to-video, image-to-video, video-to-video (transformation), and additional editing tools. Runway's input flexibility is broader.
Audio handling

MakeThisVid always includes AI-generated audio — it cannot be disabled. Runway's Gen-4.5 model (available on paid plans) includes native audio generation; Gen-4 and older models produce silent output by default, requiring separate audio work.
Ease of use and target user

MakeThisVid is a two-field interface — prompt and generate. No timeline, no export settings. Runway has a full editor interface with layers, brush tools, and model selection. MakeThisVid prioritizes speed; Runway prioritizes creative control.

Make a video — $2.99

Who Uses MakeThisVid for This

MakeThisVid is better for fast ad creation

If you're running paid social campaigns and need to produce multiple short video ads quickly, MakeThisVid's single-prompt flow gets a ready-to-upload MP4 in under two minutes — no editing required.

Runway is better for complex creative projects

If you need longer clips, multi-model workflows, video-to-video transformation, or fine-grained editing control for films, trailers, or agency work, Runway's toolkit is more capable.

MakeThisVid is better for non-technical users

No timeline to learn, no export pipeline to configure. If your team isn't made of video editors and you need consistent output fast, MakeThisVid has a smaller surface area to master.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is MakeThisVid cheaper than Runway?

Want more after your first? $6.99 adds 3 more takes — any photo, any look. Runway offers a free tier with 125 one-time credits, though free clips include a watermark and are restricted to personal use. Factor in that MakeThisVid includes audio (always included) and licensed commercial use on every purchase.

Can Runway generate audio automatically?

It depends on the model. Runway's Gen-4.5 (available on paid plans) introduced native audio generation integrated into the video output. Older Gen-4 and Gen-3 models produce silent video by default, requiring a separate audio step. MakeThisVid always includes AI-generated audio — every render has a soundtrack.

Does Runway allow commercial use?

Runway includes commercial use rights on all paid plans (Standard and above). The free tier is restricted to personal, non-commercial use. MakeThisVid also includes commercial use on every purchase.

Which tool generates video faster?

MakeThisVid renders typically complete in 45–90 seconds. Runway generation times vary by model and queue load, typically ranging from 30 seconds to a few minutes.

Can either tool make videos longer than 6 seconds?

MakeThisVid renders 8-second, 1080p clips — that's the fixed output. Runway's Gen-4 model produces clips of 5 or 10 seconds. Runway also supports extended sequences by chaining clips together.

Which is better for TikTok and Instagram ads?

Both produce 9:16 vertical output. MakeThisVid's workflow is optimized specifically for short ad creation — prompt, generate, download, upload. If your primary use case is social ad production at volume, MakeThisVid's speed and pricing model (one-time purchase, no subscription lock-in) is purpose-built for it.

What's the main trade-off between the two tools?

Speed and simplicity vs depth and control. MakeThisVid does one thing fast — short video from a prompt or photo, with audio baked in, no watermark, commercial use included — $6.99 adds 3 more takes. Runway does many things with much more creative control across multiple models. The best choice depends on whether you're producing ads at volume or crafting individual creative pieces.

Try MakeThisVid for fast video ad creation

Type a prompt or drop a photo. 45 seconds to a downloadable MP4 — audio included, no watermark, commercial use licensed.