OpenAI's Sora Arrives: Create Videos Up to 20 Seconds Long with AI

San Francisco, CA – December 9, 2024 – OpenAI today announced the highly anticipated launch of Sora, a cutting-edge AI model capable of generating realistic videos from text prompts, images, or existing videos. While access is currently limited during this initial rollout, the company has opened the doors to select ChatGPT Plus and Pro subscribers, marking a significant leap forward in AI-powered content creation.

Sora is designed to generate complex scenes with multiple characters, detailed backgrounds, and specific types of motion, all based on user input. The model demonstrates a sophisticated understanding not only of the prompt's instructions but also of how objects and actions exist within the physical world.

Creating Videos with Sora

The Sora Video Editor allows users to generate videos up to 20 seconds long. The process is straightforward: users can describe their desired video using text, upload an image, or even provide an existing video file as a starting point. Strict content guidelines are in place, prohibiting the use of copyrighted material or unauthorized images of individuals.

Once a prompt is submitted, users can customize various settings, including aspect ratio, resolution, duration, and the number of video variations generated. These settings directly impact the number of "credits" required for each generation. OpenAI has introduced a credit-based system to manage resource allocation.

Advanced Features: Storyboard and Editing Tools

Beyond basic video generation, Sora offers a suite of advanced features. The Storyboard function allows users to create videos frame by frame, providing granular control over the narrative flow. Users can upload images, videos, or use text to describe each scene, and adjust the pacing by manipulating the timeline.

A set of editing tools further enhances the creative process, enabling users to:

• Re-cut: Trim and extend videos within a new storyboard.
• Remix: Modify existing videos based on text descriptions.
• Blend: Transition elements between different videos.
• Loop: Create seamless loops from any part of a video.

Credit System and Tiered Access

Sora operates on a credit system, with each video generation consuming credits based on its length and resolution. Currently, access is exclusive to ChatGPT Plus and Pro users, with varying credit allocations:

• ChatGPT Plus: Up to 50 priority videos (1,000 credits), up to 720p resolution, and 5-second duration.
• ChatGPT Pro: Up to 500 priority videos (10,000 credits), unlimited relaxed videos, up to 1080p resolution, 20-second duration, and 5 concurrent generations. Pro users can also download videos without a watermark.

Relaxed videos, available to Pro users, are queued for processing during off-peak hours and do not consume credits.

Addressing Potential Issues

OpenAI acknowledges that during peak hours, users might experience slower response times or encounter "service at capacity" messages. The company recommends several troubleshooting steps, including clearing browser cache and cookies, checking the OpenAI Status Page, trying different browsers or devices, and disabling browser extensions.

Future Plans and Availability

OpenAI has stated that they are "slowly enabling access to Sora during initial launch." While ChatGPT Free, Enterprise, and Edu accounts are currently ineligible, the company has indicated that broader access will be available in the future. They have also emphasized that they do not currently support one-time credit purchases, suggesting users upgrade to a higher tier for increased access.

The launch of Sora represents a major milestone in the evolution of AI and content creation. With its powerful features and intuitive interface, Sora has the potential to revolutionize how videos are produced, offering new possibilities for filmmakers, marketers, educators, and anyone looking to bring their visual ideas to life. As OpenAI continues to refine and expand access to Sora, the world eagerly awaits the creative explosion that is sure to follow.