On the third day of its "12 Days of Shipmas" event, OpenAI officially launched Sora, its AI-powered video generation platform. First previewed in February, Sora introduces a new, separate interface from ChatGPT, and includes standout features aimed at giving creators control while streamlining the creative process and pushing the boundaries of AI-driven storytelling.
Key Points:
- The tools available include Remix, Re-cut, Loop, Blend, Storyboard, and Style Presets.
- The platform supports resolutions up to 1080p and 20-second durations.
- At launch, Sora is not available in select countries including the EU, and UK.
Nearly a year after OpenAI first demoed its groundbreaking text-to-video model Sora, the company's measured approach to public release has proven strategic. During this time, similar models from Google, Runway, Kling AI, and Tencent captured market attention and headlines. Yet, OpenAI remained focused on building a comprehensive creative toolkit around Sora's core capabilities.
This extended development period has yielded features that transform Sora from a research project into a practical tool. The platform now includes C2PA metadata, sophisticated moderation systems, and default watermarks — critical safeguards that address concerns about AI video authenticity and potential misuse.
Here’s a closer look at Sora, and the six key features you should know about:
- Remix: This tool enables users to modify existing videos by replacing or removing elements, ensuring visual consistency without starting from scratch. It’s perfect for creators looking to fine-tune their work.
- Re-cut: Aimed at precise timing and scene composition, Re-cut identifies the best frames and extends scenes to craft seamless narratives.
- Loop: Social media enthusiasts will appreciate Loop, which trims and creates perfectly repeating video sequences.
- Storyboard: This feature introduces frame-by-frame control with a timeline-based interface, allowing users to direct their video narratives with precision—a significant upgrade for professional users.
- Blend: With Blend, creators can merge two videos into one cohesive clip, opening up possibilities for dynamic storytelling.
- Style Presets: Users can save and share visual styles, ensuring consistency across projects—a boon for teams managing brand identities.
Sora isn’t just about generating videos; it’s about giving creators control and the tools they need to realize their visions. The new interface, paired with the upgraded Sora Turbo engine, offers faster processing and supports resolutions up to 1080p with videos up to 20 seconds long.
Despite its impressive feature set, Sora’s availability is currently limited. The platform is included with ChatGPT Plus and Pro subscriptions, with Plus users generating up to 50 videos per month at 480p resolution, and Pro users gaining access to 1080p resolution, longer video durations, and watermark-free downloads.
Yes, but: Sora is not yet available in the EU, UK, or through Teams, and Enterprise plans, or API integrations, which restricts its reach among businesses and developers. OpenAI says it plans to expand availability and introduce tailored pricing options early next year, but for now, its adoption is constrained to specific regions and subscription tiers.
The Bottom Line: Sora represents a significant leap forward in AI video generation, blending innovative tools with a deliberate focus on safety and practicality. OpenAI’s commitment to refining the technology before release and its thoughtful feature set highlight its potential as a transformative platform for creators. While its limited availability may frustrate some users, the launch lays the groundwork for broader adoption in the future.