Runway Gen-4

Runway Gen‑4 is one of the most capable AI video models currently available. It lets you generate clips from simple prompts and reference images, with smooth movement and consistent characters. In this guide, you’ll learn how the model works, how to use it inside Freepik, and how it compares to other top models like Veo 3 or Kling 2.1.

What is Runway Gen-4 Video?

Runway Gen‑4 is the most advanced AI video generation model developed by Runway, launched in March 2025 as the direct successor to Gen‑3 Alpha. It represents a significant leap forward in Runway’s efforts to make AI-generated video more coherent, visually consistent, and narratively useful.

This model can generate short clips from a text prompt and a still image, supporting dynamic camera movement and improved frame-to-frame continuity. Unlike earlier versions, Gen‑4 focuses heavily on temporal consistency, ensuring characters, environments, and objects remain stable across shots. This makes it more suitable for storytelling, product showcases, and creative experimentation.

Video generation features of Runway Gen-4

Key capabilities of Runway Gen‑4 include:

• Character and scene consistency: The model excels at preserving visual identity (faces, outfits, backgrounds) across frames using a single reference image.
• Improved motion realism: Physics-aware rendering ensures smooth, natural transitions in movement like walking or flying.
• Flexible camera control: Prompts may specify camera actions (close-up, tracking, zoom) and the model respects those cinematic directions.
• Varied style support: Gen‑4 simplifies video creation in styles like live action, animation, and VFX, which makes it perfect for cinematic scenes and brand storytelling.

While Runway Gen‑4 performs well across a variety of scenes, it does show some limitations. Clips are restricted to 5–10 seconds, and the quality of the output may depend on the clarity and framing of the uploaded start image. Complex or abstract prompts might also require refinement to achieve accurate results.

Pros and cons of Runway Gen-4

How to access Runway Gen-4?

You can access Runway Gen‑4 directly inside the Freepik AI Video Generator. There’s no need to leave the platform or manage external tools.

How to create a video with Runway Gen-4 inside Freepik

Runway Gen‑4 is built into Freepik, allowing you to generate videos in just a few guided steps:

Examples of video prompts for Runway Gen-4

If you’re unsure how to structure your prompts, these real examples can help. Each one demonstrates how Runway Gen‑4 responds to specific inputs like subject, motion, or framing:

Prompt: Rightward panning shot: A woman holds a diamond-shaped mirror, its surface reflecting her face against a vibrant red wall. The camera glides through the room, capturing the interplay of light and shadow while revealing the striking colors and textures of the space.

Prompt: Close-up shot: A cartoon character in a brown coat stands in an urban alley, holding a newspaper that is catching fire. The camera slowly zooms in on the flames, capturing the intensity of the moment, while the warm sunlight casts dramatic shadows on the weathered buildings behind him.

Prompt: Dynamic tracking shot: A bride in a flowing gown embraces a motorcyclist in a red suit as they speed through a vivid flower-filled field. The camera glides alongside them, capturing the thrill and romance of the moment beneath a bright, sunlit sky.

Prompt: POV shot: A stylish animated character in a blue dress gracefully descends an escalator in a sleek, minimalist environment. The camera gently tilts to capture her confident expression, as soft light casts dynamic shadows across the clean architectural surfaces.

Prompt: POV shot: A character wearing glasses and an apron pushes a shopping cart down a colorful grocery aisle lined with various products. The camera gently sways side to side, mirroring the character’s movements as they scan the shelves, creating an immersive shopping experience.

Runway Gen-4 vs. other AI video models: Feature Comparison

Runway Gen‑4 is optimized for visual consistency and prompt interpretation. But how does it compare to other high-performing video models like Veo 3 or Kling 2.1? This table highlights the main differences across resolution, generation length, audio support, and creative control.

Want to compare Runway Gen‑4 with other models? You can read the full guides to Google Veo 3 and Kling 2.1 for a closer look.

Conclusion

Runway Gen‑4 is a reliable model for visually consistent video generation. It’s ideal for creators who want to generate clips using minimal input, with enough control over motion, composition, and visual style. Try it today inside the Freepik AI Video Generator.