Sora
openai.com
OpenAI's text-to-video model for generating cinematic short videos from a single prompt.
Quick Information
- Category:
- Video Creation
- Pricing:
- Paid
- Platforms:
- ChatGPT integration, API (sunsetting)
- Free Plan:
- No
- API Available:
- Yes
- Last Verified:
- September 2026
What Is Sora?
Sora is OpenAI's text-to-video model for generating cinematic short videos from a single prompt, with significant access changes throughout 2026: as of January 10, 2026, free-tier video generation ended, requiring a paid ChatGPT plan — ChatGPT Plus ($20/month) provides video generation access, while Sora 2 Pro (the higher-quality version) is bundled with ChatGPT Pro (starting at $100/month). Direct API pricing runs Sora 2 Standard at $0.10/sec (720p) or $0.05/sec on Batch, and Sora 2 Pro at $0.30-$0.70/sec depending on resolution (roughly half on Batch).
Two critical access changes are genuinely important to understand: the standalone Sora consumer app was discontinued April 26, 2026, and the Sora 2 API is scheduled to sunset September 24, 2026 — after that date, no Sora API endpoints will accept new requests. This means video generation now happens exclusively through a ChatGPT subscription (Plus for standard Sora 2, Pro for Sora 2 Pro) rather than a standalone app or ongoing API access.
It's aimed at users wanting cinematic AI-generated video specifically through an active ChatGPT subscription, given that both the standalone consumer app and the direct API have been or are being wound down — anyone with existing API integrations should migrate away before the September 24, 2026 sunset date, and anyone wanting to use Sora going forward should plan around accessing it through ChatGPT Plus or Pro rather than a dedicated Sora product. See our Video tools directory for related tools like Runway and Kling AI.
What Can You Use Sora For?
Cinematic AI video generation
Generates cinematic short videos from a single text prompt.
ChatGPT-integrated video creation
Creates videos directly through a ChatGPT Plus or Pro subscription.
API-based video generation
Generates video via API, though access is sunsetting September 24, 2026.
Sora Features
- Text-to-video generation — Generates cinematic video content from a single text prompt.
- Sora 2 Pro — Provides higher-quality video generation, bundled with ChatGPT Pro.
- ChatGPT integration — Accesses video generation through an active ChatGPT subscription rather than a standalone app.
Who Is Sora For?
- ChatGPT Plus/Pro subscribers — Uses video generation bundled into their existing ChatGPT subscription.
- Developers with existing API integrations — Needs to migrate away from the Sora API before its September 24, 2026 sunset.
Sora Pros & Limitations
What We Like
- Genuinely cinematic-quality video generation from OpenAI
- Bundled into existing ChatGPT Plus/Pro subscriptions rather than requiring a separate purchase
- Batch API pricing offers roughly half the cost of Standard for less time-sensitive generation needs
Limitations
- Standalone consumer app was discontinued April 26, 2026
- Direct API access is sunsetting entirely on September 24, 2026, requiring migration for existing integrations
- Video generation now requires a paid ChatGPT plan, with free-tier access ended January 10, 2026
Sora Pricing
| Plan | Price | Main Features |
|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT Plus | $20/month | Sora 2 video generation |
| ChatGPT Pro | $100/month | Sora 2 Pro bundled |
| API (Standard) | $0.10/sec (720p) or $0.05/sec Batch | Direct API access, sunsetting Sept 24, 2026 |
| API (Pro) | $0.30-$0.70/sec (varies by resolution) | Higher-quality API access, sunsetting Sept 24, 2026 |
Pricing was last verified September 2026. Check the official website for the latest pricing.
AI Listing Jungle Ranking
- Global Rank:
- #115
- Overall Score:
- 75.4/100
- Monthly Users:
- 5M+
- Rank Change:
- ▼ 5
This ranking reflects AI Listing Jungle's own independent scoring methodology and is not an endorsement by Sora or its company. How Our Rankings Work
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sora still a standalone app?
No, the standalone consumer app was discontinued April 26, 2026.
Is the Sora API still available?
It’s scheduled to sunset entirely on September 24, 2026 — no new requests will be accepted after that.
How do I access Sora now?
Through a ChatGPT Plus ($20/month) or Pro ($100/month) subscription.
Is there a free tier?
No, free-tier video generation ended January 10, 2026.
Our Take
Sora's access model has changed dramatically in 2026 — the standalone app is gone, the direct API is sunsetting entirely on September 24, 2026, and video generation now requires an active ChatGPT Plus or Pro subscription.
Anyone with existing API integrations should migrate immediately given the imminent sunset date, and new users should plan around accessing Sora through ChatGPT rather than a dedicated product.
Sora Alternatives
Sora Comparisons
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