Can you imagine looking at an old photo from your childhood and suddenly seeing it start moving? As if by magic, your smaller self blinked, turned its head, or even smiled. Well, that’s no longer science fiction. Thanks to Runway ML, an artificial intelligence platform focused on visual creativity, you can now transform still photos into animated videos in surprising and emotional ways.
What is Runway ML?
Runway ML is an artificial intelligence-based tool that allows creators, artists, and anyone else to experiment with cutting-edge visual technologies. With an easy-to-use interface and a wide variety of pre-trained models, it has become one of the most popular platforms for AI-powered visual content creation.
One of its most viral and magical features is the ability to turn old photos into animated videos. This means you can take that picture of yourself as a child, or of a loved one, and literally see it “come to life.”
How does photo animation work?
The feature that allows you to animate photos in Runway is based on AI models like Gen-2, an evolution of its text-to-video and image-to-video technology. The system identifies facial features in the image—eyes, mouth, head—and generates fluid, natural movements such as:
- Soft blinks
- Realistic smiles
- Subtle head turns
- Emotional expressions
All without the need for an original video or manual animation. Just upload the image… and the magic happens.
Steps to animate a childhood photo in Runway ML
- Create an account:
- Go to and create a free or paid account, depending on your needs.
- Select the “Image to Video” tool:
- On the platform, look for the option that allows you to generate videos from still images. This is usually found under the “Generative AI” tools.
- Upload your photo:
- Choose a clear facial photo (ideally well-lit and in good resolution). You can use a scanned photo from a family album or a digital one you already have.
- Customize movement (optional):
- Some versions allow you to choose what type of expression or movement you want: a subtle gaze, a smile, or simply natural movement with no specific direction.
- Process and download:
- Once the model finishes generating the video, you can view and download it as an MP4 file. You can share it on social media, send it to your family, or simply save it as a special memory.
Why has this become so popular?
The phenomenon of animating old photos has gained popularity because it connects technology with emotion. Watching a deceased loved one, or oneself as a child, move, evokes a powerful sense of nostalgia.
Many people are using Runway ML not only for artistic content, but also for:
- Reliving family memories
- Paying tributes to loved ones
- Creating emotional content for social media
- Exploring the narrative power of a single image
Recommendations for best results
To get the most out of this technology, keep the following in mind:
- Choose good-quality photos: Blurry or poorly lit images can make it difficult to analyze the model’s face.
- Avoid busy backgrounds: A clean or out-of-focus background allows the model to better focus on the face.
- Experiment with different expressions: If you have multiple photos, experiment with them to see how the result changes depending on the expression or angle.
Is it safe to use Runway ML?
Yes, Runway ML has clear privacy policies and terms of use. However, like any artificial intelligence tool, it’s important not to upload sensitive or personal images without consent, especially if they involve other people.
It’s also recommended to use the platform for creative or personal purposes, avoiding creating fake animations that could be misinterpreted or manipulated for deceptive purposes.
Final reflection
Artificial intelligence is changing the way we interact with our memories. Runway ML is an example of how advanced technology can be used to create deep emotional connections with our past, through something as simple as a photograph.
Watching your 5-year-old self blink or smile on video may seem like a magic trick, but it’s a window into what AI can offer in terms of creativity and emotional memory.
If you have an old photo that means a lot to you, we invite you to try Runway ML. You might rediscover a memory in a whole new way.
