Runway· Updated
Runway launched Characters, a real-time video agent API that builds custom conversational avatars from a single image, powered by GWM-1. Characters responds with synced facial expressions, voice, and dialogue — enabling interactive AI personas for support, tutoring, and brand experiences.
This positions Runway beyond video generation into interactive AI experiences. Real-time avatar APIs capable of holding conversations represent a meaningful shift — customer support, tutoring, and brand experiences can use conversational personas that respond naturally rather than serving pre-recorded clips.
Build a custom character from a single image and integrate it via the Characters API. Runway has restricted public figures, children, and IP-protected likenesses without authorization at launch — and encourages, and in some contexts requires, platforms to disclose to users that they're interacting with an AI-generated character.
Earlier this week, we launched Runway Characters which represents a new type of real-time interaction with AI. These kinds of immersive simulated experiences are going to reshape the way we experience and engage with the internet. Building a technology this powerful means grappling with how it might be misused. Learn more at the link below about how we're building responsibly towards this new internet.
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