- OpenAI launches Sora, a groundbreaking text-to-video AI model that offers advanced creative capabilities
- Sora allows users to create videos up to 20 seconds long in 1080p resolution using text prompts, image uploads, or remix tools
- OpenAI aims to refine Sora while promoting responsible generative AI use, setting a high standard for future innovations
OpenAI, the Microsoft-backed AI powerhouse, has unveiled its highly anticipated text-to-video generation tool, Sora, marking a significant milestone in generative AI technology.
Launched on December 9, Sora is available to ChatGPT Plus and Pro users across most regions, excluding the European Union (EU), Switzerland, and the United Kingdom due to regulatory considerations.
Sora, originally introduced in February 2023 during a research preview phase, has evolved into Sora Turbo, a rebranded, faster, and more accessible tool designed for creators. It allows users to generate high-quality 1080p videos of up to 20 seconds in various aspect ratios, including widescreen, vertical, and square.
This innovative tool is free for current ChatGPT Plus and Pro users. It offers 50 monthly generations for Plus users and 500 fast generations (or unlimited slower ones) for Pro users. OpenAI plans to introduce tailored pricing for diverse user categories in early 2025.
OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, highlighted Sora’s collaborative potential in a post on X (formerly Twitter), describing it as “an exciting product” that simplifies co-creation.
“One of the most exciting things to me about this product is how easy it is to co-create with others; it feels like an interesting new thing!
“With an OpenAI plus account, you get 50 generations per month. With a pro account, you get 500 fast generations (or fewer at high resolution) and unlimited in a slower generation mode,” he said.
Sora’s features and capabilities
Sora aims to set a new benchmark in AI-powered video generation, enabling users to:
- Create videos from text prompts: Easily generate animations, photorealistic visuals, or abstract scenes.
- Remix existing videos: Adjust previously generated content using a “strength” slider for fine-tuned edits.
- Storyboard editing: Craft sequences for better consistency and coherence in multi-scene videos.
- Resolution customisation: Produce videos in up to 1080p resolution.
Renowned tech reviewer Marques Brownlee, who had early access to Sora, praised its versatility while noting areas for improvement, such as object permanence, physics simulation, and video sequence coherence.
Safeguards and ethical measures
To address concerns about misuse, OpenAI has implemented robust safeguards, including:
- Prohibition of harmful content like child sexual abuse material, violence, and explicit themes.
- Restrictions on generating content featuring real individuals, copyrighted materials, or public figures.
- Visible watermarks on all videos for transparency.
OpenAI also embeds C2PA metadata in all Sora-generated videos, enabling verification of their origin.
While the watermark can technically be cropped, the company has developed an internal search tool to identify videos created with Sora.
Performance and challenges
Despite its innovative features, Sora faces common generative AI challenges, including:
- Object permanence issues: Objects may appear or disappear unrealistically.
- Animation flaws: Walking figures may exhibit anatomically impossible movements.
- Visual coherence: AI-generated videos sometimes display inconsistencies that reveal their synthetic nature.
Brownlee described Sora as “both horrifying and inspiring,” noting its potential for creative applications like stylistic title slides, abstract visuals, and animations.
Regional rollout, accessibility
Due to regulatory concerns, Sora is currently unavailable in the EU, UK, and Switzerland. However, OpenAI plans to expand access as compliance measures are refined. The tool operates independently at Sora.com, where users can explore a curated gallery of generated content.
OpenAI emphasises that Sora is part of a broader initiative to give society time to responsibly explore the possibilities of generative AI.
By integrating Sora into its ecosystem, OpenAI is positioning itself as a leader in creative AI, directly competing with tech giants like Google, Meta, and Stability AI.
While limitations exist, Sora’s launch marks a new era in AI video technology, offering creators an unprecedented platform to unleash their creativity.
As the field advances, Sora is expected to shape the future of content creation, setting a high standard for competitors in the text-to-video market.
Elon Musk's xAI reportedly set to launch ChatGPT rival
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence company, xAI, was reportedly on the verge of unveiling a chatbot application designed to rival OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
The app, which could launch in December, marks a significant step in Musk’s ongoing competition with the AI giant he co-founded before departing in 2018.