Can I skip Midjourney and generate the video from text in Runway?

You can. It is usually more expensive and weaker. If you do not lock the shot as a still, the video model improvises subject, light and camera at once. A directed still (Midjourney or a real photo) cuts the variables.

Does Runway replace Midjourney for stills?

No. Runway is motion. Midjourney is built for grids, variations and a style you can iterate. If you only need images, do not spend video credits.

Is this pair enough for a client ad?

It is enough for a moodboard and an internal prototype. A pretty still or clip does not clear brand, likeness or someone else’s style. The campaign master still goes to an editor — and to a shoot if you need one.

Midjourney vs Runway

A still you can direct, or a short clip. They do not solve the same frame.

	Midjourney	Runway
Best for	Art direction, moodboards and campaign stills	4–8 s clips and motion prototypes
Unit of work	A locked frame you can vary and remix	A still + one action + one camera
Quality that matters	Subject, light and framing when the prompt is thought through	The gesture; physics and hands still fail
Risk	Minutes on vague prompts and a generic pretty look	Credits on blind takes; a «wow» clip is not a master
When to switch	When the still already holds and you want motion	When the base frame is weak: go back to the still, do not stack adjectives
Entry plan	Paid (Basic / Standard / Pro / Mega)	Free credits + Standard / Pro
Do not use it for	Logos, sharp type or pixel-perfect UI	A 60 s film for a final client with no post

Verdict

Start in Midjourney if the shot does not exist yet. Move to Runway when the still already holds and you only need a gesture or a camera move. If you generate video on a weak frame, you multiply the problem and burn credits. Do not pick by «who does visual AI»: pick by whether the deliverable is an image or a 4–8 second prototype.