OpenAI has officially released Sora, its much-anticipated text-to-video AI model, as part of its 12-day “ship-mas” product release series. Sora debuted on Monday, offering ChatGPT subscribers in the US and most other countries access to cutting-edge video generation technology. Accompanying Sora is Sora Turbo, an upgraded version that introduces advanced features like video creation from text, image animation, and video remixing.
Subscribers to ChatGPT Plus can generate up to 50 priority videos (1,000 credits) with resolutions of up to 720p and durations of five seconds. Meanwhile, the premium ChatGPT Pro plan, priced at $200 per month, provides unlimited generations, 500 priority videos, and supports resolutions up to 1080p with durations of 20 seconds. Pro users also benefit from watermark-free downloads and simultaneous multi-generations.
During the launch livestream, OpenAI showcased Sora’s new explore page, featuring a feed of community-generated videos, and unveiled tools like “storyboards” for sequential video creation and “remix” for customizing outputs. Other notable features include blending two scenes together with AI and transforming photos into videos.
Despite its creative potential, OpenAI has implemented strict guidelines. Videos generated through Sora carry visible watermarks and C2PA metadata, signaling their AI origin. Users are required to agree that uploaded content avoids explicit, violent, or copyrighted material, with violations risking account suspension.
OpenAI acknowledges the challenges of moderation, balancing creativity with ethical concerns. “We want to prevent illegal activity of Sora, but we also want to balance that with creative expression,” said Sora product lead Rohan Sahai.
Although widely available, the rollout in Europe and the UK may take longer due to regulatory hurdles. This launch follows controversy involving artists claiming to have been used for unpaid testing during Sora’s development.
Sora’s release marks a significant leap in AI creativity, offering a glimpse into the future of video content generation while navigating the complexities of ethical innovation.