Sora
DiscontinuedOpenAI text-to-video generation model for cinematic AI video
⚡ Quick Verdict
Filmmakers, content creators, marketing teams, concept visualization
Text generation, real-time video editing, or non-video creative tasks
Discontinued; API shut down Sep 24, 2026 at ~$0.10/sec (Sora 2)
No
Most photorealistic AI video quality
Consumer app discontinued April 26, 2026; API shut down September 24, 2026
Bottom line: Sora scores 4.6/5, a strong choice for Filmmakers, content creators, marketing teams, concept visualization. One of the top tools in its category.
⚠️ Sora has been discontinued
OpenAI shut down the consumer Sora experience (sora.com and the Sora apps) on April 26, 2026. ChatGPT Plus and Pro subscriptions no longer include Sora access, and there is no free tier. OpenAI shut down the Sora API on September 24, 2026; it was billed per second of finished video: $0.10 per second for Sora 2 at 720p, and $0.30 to $0.70 per second for Sora 2 Pro depending on resolution. On that date the models and the Videos API were removed and Sora shut down entirely.
If you are choosing a video generator today, pick an actively supported tool instead: see our best free AI video generators guide, or go straight to Kling AI or Runway.
Sora demo video
Watch OpenAI's official demo to see Sora in action before reading our full review.
Official video by OpenAI via YouTube, embedded for reference. ToolChase does not host or claim this video.
What is Sora?
Sora is OpenAI text-to-video generation model capable of producing photorealistic video clips up to 20 seconds long from text descriptions. It demonstrates understanding of physics, spatial relationships, and natural motion that sets a new standard for AI video quality. Sora generates videos with cinematic camera movements, realistic lighting, accurate reflections, and coherent object persistence across frames. The model creates video from text prompts, extends existing videos, fills in missing frames, and generates video from still images with natural animation. OpenAI discontinued the consumer Sora experience (sora.com and the mobile apps) on April 26, 2026, so ChatGPT Plus and Pro no longer include Sora access. The last remaining access was the developer API, which OpenAI shut down on September 24, 2026; it was billed per second of finished video: $0.10 per second for Sora 2, which is 720p only, and $0.30, $0.50 or $0.70 per second for Sora 2 Pro at 720p, 1024p and 1080p respectively. Output resolution supports up to 1080p in various aspect ratios optimized for different platforms. While Sora produces the most photorealistic AI video available, limitations include high cost per generation, occasional physics errors in complex scenes, and difficulty with precise text rendering and fine motor actions.
Sora Pricing
Sora no longer has consumer pricing: OpenAI discontinued the Sora web and app experience on April 26, 2026, and ChatGPT Plus and Pro no longer include Sora access. The last remaining option was the Sora API, which OpenAI removed on September 24, 2026. It billed per second of finished video, with no subscription and no free tier. Sora 2 cost $0.10 per second and was 720p only. Sora 2 Pro was tiered by resolution: $0.30 per second at 720p, $0.50 per second at 1024p and $0.70 per second at 1080p, so a 20 second 1080p clip cost about $14. Batch jobs were exactly half those rates ($0.05, $0.15, $0.25 and $0.35 per second). One caveat on the headline figure: the widely quoted $0.30 per second for Pro is the 720p rate, not the 1080p one.
Key Features
- Text-to-video generation
- Image-to-video animation
- Video extension
- Multiple aspect ratios
- 1080p output
- Cinematic camera movement
- Physics simulation
- Style control
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Most photorealistic AI video quality
- Natural motion and physics
- Integrated into ChatGPT ecosystem
- Multiple aspect ratio support
- Strong prompt adherence
Cons
- Limited generations even on paid plans
- Expensive at scale
- Occasional physics errors
- Difficulty with text and hands
- Long generation times
- No free tier for video
Best For
Filmmakers, content creators, marketing teams, concept visualization
📋 Good to know
The consumer Sora app was discontinued on April 26, 2026, and a ChatGPT Plus or Pro subscription no longer grants access. OpenAI shut down the Sora API on September 24, 2026.
Prompts and generated videos are processed on OpenAI's servers. Generated content is watermarked with C2PA metadata for provenance tracking.
There is no upgrade path anymore: ChatGPT Plus and Pro no longer include Sora, and there is no free tier. For ongoing AI video work, move to an actively supported alternative such as Kling AI or Runway.
Low, describe a scene and generate a video. Achieving specific camera movements, consistent characters, and cinematic quality takes prompt refinement.
🔄 Alternatives by use case
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FAQ
What is Sora AI?
Sora is OpenAI's text-to-video AI model. You type a scene description, characters, setting, camera angle, mood, and Sora generates a realistic video clip. It understands physics, lighting, and natural motion, producing cinematic results that look close to real footage. The consumer Sora app was part of the ChatGPT ecosystem until OpenAI discontinued it on April 26, 2026; OpenAI shut down the developer API, the last remaining access, on September 24, 2026.
How do I use Sora?
You can no longer use Sora through ChatGPT: OpenAI shut down sora.com and the Sora apps on April 26, 2026. The last way to generate Sora videos was the developer API, which OpenAI shut down on September 24, 2026. For an app-based workflow, switch to an actively supported video generator such as Kling AI or Runway.
How much does Sora cost?
Since April 26, 2026 there is no consumer Sora plan: the app was discontinued and ChatGPT Plus and Pro no longer include Sora. The last remaining option was the Sora API, which OpenAI shut down on September 24, 2026; it was billed per second of finished video. Sora 2 cost $0.10 per second and was 720p only. Sora 2 Pro was priced by resolution: $0.30 per second at 720p, $0.50 at 1024p and $0.70 at 1080p. Batch jobs were half those rates. There is no free tier and no subscription.
How do I access Sora?
You cannot access Sora as a consumer product anymore: OpenAI shut down sora.com and the Sora mobile apps on April 26, 2026, and no ChatGPT subscription restores access. OpenAI shut down the Sora API on September 24, 2026. If you want a comparable tool today, see our guide to the best free AI video generators or try Kling AI or Runway.
How long are Sora videos?
Through the Sora API (which OpenAI shut down on September 24, 2026), both models took the same clip lengths, and OpenAI's own documentation disagrees with itself about the list: the API reference allows 4, 8 or 12 seconds, while the video generation guide says both models support 16 and 20 second generations. A clip can then be extended up to a total of 120 seconds. Sizes are landscape or portrait only, 720p on Sora 2 and 720p, 1024p or 1080p on Sora 2 Pro; there is no square option. The former ChatGPT Plus and Pro plan limits no longer apply because the consumer app was discontinued on April 26, 2026, and longer clips cost more since the API bills per second of video.
Sora vs Runway, which is better?
Runway offers more granular control, camera keyframes, motion brushes, and style references, making it better for professional video production. Sora produced more photorealistic output from simple text prompts, but OpenAI discontinued the consumer Sora app on April 26, 2026, and shut down the API on September 24, 2026. For new projects the practical choice is Runway; Sora is no longer an option for anyone, including developers.
Can I use Sora videos commercially?
Yes. Videos generated with Sora can be used for commercial purposes, including ads, social media content, and marketing materials. OpenAI embeds C2PA metadata in all Sora outputs to indicate AI generation. Some platforms may require disclosure of AI-generated content, so check the platform's policies before publishing.
Who owns Sora?
Sora is developed and operated by OpenAI, the same company behind ChatGPT, GPT-4, and DALL-E. It was first previewed in February 2024 and launched publicly in December 2024 as part of the ChatGPT platform. OpenAI is headquartered in San Francisco and backed by Microsoft.
Is Sora available worldwide?
No. Since April 26, 2026 the consumer Sora app is not available anywhere: OpenAI discontinued sora.com and the mobile apps globally. The last remaining access was the developer API, which OpenAI shut down on September 24, 2026, retiring Sora entirely.
