MakeThisVid and Runway are both AI video generators, but they serve different workflows. MakeThisVid is built for fast, short-form video ad creation — 8-second clips from a prompt or photo, starting at $14.99/mo. Runway is a broader creative toolkit with longer clips, multiple models, and a steeper learning curve aimed at filmmakers and video professionals.

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

<p>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 plan.</p><p>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.</p>

How to Use MakeThisVid

From prompt to downloadable MP4, ready to deploy.

  1. Pricing structures differ significantly

    MakeThisVid plans: Lite ($14.99/mo, 20 credits), Standard ($29.99/mo, 50 credits), Pro ($79.99/mo, 200 credits). One-time packs from $9.99. Runway offers a free tier with limited credits, and paid plans starting at $15/mo (Standard) up to $95/mo (Unlimited), with additional credit purchases available.

  2. Output length and resolution

    MakeThisVid generates 8-second clips at 720p (1 credit) or 1080p (2 credits). Runway's Gen-3 Alpha can generate clips from 5 to 10 seconds depending on the plan, with resolutions up to 1280×768. Neither tool currently produces 4K output.

  3. 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.

  4. Audio handling

    MakeThisVid always includes AI-generated audio — it cannot be disabled. Runway's output audio handling varies by mode and model; audio generation is not always automatic.

  5. 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.

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

At the entry level, both start around $14.99–$15/mo. But Runway's free tier offers some credits at no cost, while MakeThisVid has no free tier. For high-volume generation, MakeThisVid's Pro plan at $79.99/mo for 200 credits (about $0.40/clip at 720p) competes well with Runway's per-credit pricing.
Runway has added audio generation capabilities, but it is not automatic on all modes. MakeThisVid always includes AI-generated audio — every render has a soundtrack by default.
Runway includes commercial use rights on paid plans. MakeThisVid also includes commercial use on every paid plan and credit pack.
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.
MakeThisVid is fixed at 8 seconds in Phase 1. Runway's Gen-3 Alpha can produce clips up to 10 seconds; some Runway plans support longer sequences with video-to-video chaining.
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 (credit packs, no subscription lock-in) is purpose-built for it.
Speed and simplicity vs depth and control. MakeThisVid does one thing fast — short video from a prompt or photo. Runway does many things with much more creative control. 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 1080p MP4 — audio included, commercial use licensed.

Try MakeThisVid