AI video generation is no longer just a research experiment. In 2025, tools like Runway ML and Pika Labs let creators produce short clips, animated avatars, and marketing videos with nothing but a text prompt or a single image. If you want to add motion graphics to your content strategy without learning After Effects, this guide will get you started.
What You Need Before You Start
Both Runway ML and Pika Labs work through web interfaces, so no special hardware is required. You will need:
- A free account on Runway ML or Pika Labs
- A browser with stable internet
- A short text prompt or a reference image
Step 1: Generate a Video with Pika Labs Text-to-Video
Pika Labs is famous for its Discord-based text-to-video experience, though it now also offers a web app. To generate your first clip:
- Join the Pika Labs Discord server or go to pika.art
- Type /create in the prompt box
- Enter a descriptive prompt like: A cinematic drone shot over a snowy mountain range at sunrise, golden light, 4K
- Add aspect ratio flags such as –ar 16:9 for widescreen
- Send the prompt and wait 1-3 minutes for generation
Pika Labs excels at stylized motion and fantasy scenes. It also supports image-to-video, where you upload a still image and the AI animates it.
Step 2: Refine with Runway ML Gen-3
Runway ML Gen-3 model is one of the most photorealistic video generators available. It is better suited for realistic human motion, product demos, and cinematic storytelling. Here is how to use it:
- Sign up at runwayml.com and open the Gen-3 Alpha tool
- Choose Text to Video or Image to Video
- Write a prompt with camera movement cues, for example: Slow push-in on a coffee shop counter, steam rising from a latte, shallow depth of field
- Select your duration: 4 seconds or 10 seconds depending on your plan
- Click Generate and then trim or extend the clip in the timeline
Runway also offers Motion Brush, which lets you isolate movement to specific parts of the frame. Use this to animate a character hands while keeping the background still.
Step 3: Export and Edit Your Video
Both platforms export in MP4 format. For social media, 1080p vertical video works best for Reels and Shorts. For YouTube, export at 1920×1080 or higher. You can import the clips into CapCut, Premiere Pro, or DaVinci Resolve for color correction, music, and voiceovers.
Tip: Always generate more clips than you need. AI video can be unpredictable, so having three variations gives you editing flexibility.
Pricing Snapshot
Pika Labs offers limited free credits through Discord and a web app subscription for heavier use. Runway ML gives limited free seconds per month, with a Standard plan at 12/month for regular creators.
Final Thoughts
AI video tools are advancing fast. Start with free credits on both platforms to understand their strengths. Pika Labs is playful and artistic; Runway ML is polished and professional. Together, they cover almost every content need in 2025.
Looking for more AI workflows? Check out our AI Tools guides on DeepAI.