Runway failed due to heavy demand again? You're not alone. Many users experience slow processing, errors, and failed tasks—especially during peak hours. It's frustrating when you're in the middle of creating something, and the platform just won't work.
But don't worry. There are ways to fix these issues and keep your workflow smooth. In this detailed guide, you will learn why Runway fails, how to fix it, and an even better alternative that won't leave you waiting. Keep reading!
Why Is Runway Failing Due to Heavy Demand?
When Runway fails, there's usually a reason. Let's go over the key causes one by one:
Limited Processing Capacity
Runway doesn't treat all users the same when it comes to processing power. Free-tier users have lower priority, so their tasks take longer. When demand is high, the system may delay their requests or even cancel them to make room for paid users.
This happens because Runway has limited processing capacity. When the servers are busy, free users face long wait times or see their tasks fail.
Insufficient GPU Resources
Runway relies on GPUs to process tasks like image and video generation. However, GPUs are expensive and limited in number. If too many users try to run GPU-heavy tasks at once, there aren't enough resources to go around.
When GPU availability runs low, the system struggles to process new requests. Some tasks get delayed, while others fail completely.
Pending Maintenance Updates
Runway requires regular updates to improve performance and fix technical issues. However, when the system undergoes maintenance, it can slow down or even stop processing tasks. Users may notice delays, errors, or missing features during these periods.
How to Fix Runway Failing Due to Heavy Demand?
If you can't use Runway properly, don't get worried. There are a few solutions to this problem, and we are now discussing them in detail. Let's have a look:
Check Runway's Server Status
Before troubleshooting, check if Runway is facing a system-wide issue. The platform has a status page that shows if there's an ongoing server outage or maintenance update.
If the issue is with Runway itself, there's nothing you can do except wait. Refresh the status page occasionally to see when services are restored.
Avoid Peak Usage Hours
Runway experiences the most traffic between 12 PM – 6 PM (UTC). During these hours, thousands of users submit requests, causing processing delays and failures. To improve your chances of smooth operation, try using Runway during off-peak hours.
Upgrade to a Paid Plan
Free-tier users have lower processing priority, which means their requests take longer or fail during heavy traffic. Upgrading to a Pro or Team plan gives you priority access, reducing delays and improving reliability.
If you frequently use Runway for work or projects, a paid plan can make a big difference.
Reduce the Complexity of Your Requests
Larger files and high-resolution requests require more processing power. If your task is too complex, it can take longer to process or fail completely.
You should start by lowering your resolution. This helps the system process your request faster and makes everything run more smoothly. If that doesn't work, try breaking your task into smaller parts.
When you do this, you give the system an easier job. Smaller tasks are easier to handle and more likely to be processed without issues.
Use a Stable Internet Connection
If your internet isn't stable, Runway can struggle to process your request. If your connection drops in the middle of a task, it might fail completely. To avoid this, make sure you're using a stable internet connection before you start working.
Disable Browser Extensions and Ad Blockers
Some browser extensions, like ad blockers or privacy tools, can mess with how Runway works. They might block important scripts, which can lead to errors or failed requests.
Try turning off any extensions you don't need, refresh the page, and run your request again. If Runway starts working after that, you'll know an extension was the problem. You can then re-install that extension (after you are done using Runway).
Alternative Solution: Use Pollo AI for Reliable Video Generation

If Runway keeps letting you down when you need it the most, it's time for a better option. Pollo AI is an all-in-one AI video generator that works without constant crashes and slowdowns. It runs smoothly, even when a lot of people are using it. On top of that, it packs multiple powerful AI video models into one platform, so you get everything in one place.
Pollo AI supports some of the best AI video models out there, including different models from Runway, Kling AI, Hailuo AI and more.
Now, let's look at Pollo AI's main features in detail:
Text to Video
Ever wanted to turn a simple text prompt into a full video? With Pollo AI's text-to-video feature, you can. Just describe what you need, and it generates high-quality videos for marketing, social media, or storytelling—no editing skills required. Learn from this video to grasp Pollo AI's text-to-video feature:
Image to Video
If you have an image and want to turn it into a moving video, Pollo AI can handle that, too. It transforms static pictures into animated visuals with smooth motion, making it perfect for presentations, artistic projects, or visual content creation.
Video to Video
Got an existing video that needs a new style? Pollo AI's video-to-video tool helps you turn any video into something new. It is quick and super easy to use.
Consistent Character Video
A common headache with AI video generation is that characters randomly change between scenes. One moment, your character has short hair; the next, they look completely different. That's frustrating, right? Pollo AI fixes this issue by keeping your characters consistent across all your video sequences.
Whether you're creating animations, brand content, or a full story, this feature makes sure your characters stay the same from start to finish. No more weird transformations—just smooth, professional-looking videos.
AI Video Enhancement Tools
Pollo AI includes different video enhancement tools to make sure your videos look sharp and professional. This means you can improve resolution, smooth out animations, reduce noise, and stabilize footage without needing complicated editing skills.
40+ Video Effects
Need a great-looking video without starting from scratch? Pollo AI provides 40+ video effects so you can quickly create visually appealing content with just a few clicks. You can use these effects to help you create amazing social media clips.
Community
Pollo AI is more than just a tool—it's a creative space where you can connect with other creators. Here's what you can do:
- Share your AI-generated videos and show off your work.
- Explore what others are making to get fresh ideas.
- Create similar content with one click if you see something that inspires you.
It's the perfect platform to learn, get inspired, and make your own videos even better. So, if Runway fails due to heavy demand, don’t get worried. Just head over to Pollo AI and level up your AI video generation experience.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, Runway keeps crashing because too many people are using it at once, and its servers can't handle it. This guide has covered the best ways to deal with that.
If you're sick of Runway failing or making you wait forever, try Pollo AI. It works better and has way more features. It gives you lots of video models to choose from, faster results, and more creative control without the stress of overloaded servers.
Why waste time waiting and refreshing Runway, hoping it works? Try Pollo AI instead and get your videos done smoothly, quickly, and reliably.