How to Use Sora in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide
Sora was OpenAI’s AI video generation model that created photorealistic video clips from text descriptions, still images, and existing footage. Launched publicly in December 2024 and integrated with ChatGPT Plus and Pro plans, Sora was discontinued on April 26, 2026.
Sora was OpenAI’s AI video generation model, capable of producing cinematic-quality video clips up to one minute long from text prompts, still images, or existing video footage. When it launched publicly in December 2024, it represented a significant leap over earlier video AI tools — matching or exceeding Runway, Kling, and Luma Dream Machine on photorealism and temporal coherence.
Sora was integrated directly into ChatGPT Plus and Pro subscriptions, with Plus users getting access at reduced resolution and Pro users ($200/month) unlocking 1080p output and longer generation times. A dedicated web app at sora.com provided a storyboard interface, gallery of example generations, and remixing tools. A second generation (Sora 2) launched to select users in September 2025, with an API made available to developers at $0.10–$0.70 per second of video.
On March 24, 2026, OpenAI announced it was shutting down Sora. The consumer app at sora.com was discontinued on April 26, 2026. The developer API is scheduled to shut down September 24, 2026. Reports attributed the decision to unsustainable compute costs (estimated at approximately $1 million per day to operate), declining user numbers (peak of around one million before falling below 500,000), and a strategic shift toward OpenAI’s core enterprise products.
If you’re looking for alternatives: Runway Gen-3 and Kling AI offer granular professional editing controls. Luma Dream Machine remains accessible with a free tier. Pika Labs focuses on short-form social video. As of mid-2026, these tools have largely absorbed former Sora users following the shutdown.
What You'll Need
- A Sora account (starting from Service discontinued April 2026)
- A modern web browser or the Sora app
- Payment method for paid features
Getting Started
Create Your Account
Visit https://help.openai.com/en/articles/20001152-what-to-know-about-the-sora-discontinuation and sign up for a discontinued account. You'll need an email address to register.
Start Your First Conversation
Once logged in, you'll see the main chat interface. Type a question or task in the input box and press Enter. Sora supports video, image — start with a simple text prompt to get familiar.
AI Video Generation
Sora generates or edits video from text prompts and reference media. Describe the scene, subject, style, and duration you want. Start with short clips (4–10 seconds) to test results quickly before generating longer outputs.
Image Generation
To generate images, describe what you want in detail: 'Create an image of a futuristic city at sunset.' You can specify style, mood, colors, and composition.
Pro Tips
- Be specific: The more context you provide, the better the response. Instead of "write an email," try "write a professional follow-up email to a client who hasn't responded in two weeks."
- Iterate: If you don't get what you need, ask for clarification or refinement: "Make it shorter" or "Use a more formal tone."
- Use examples: Show Sora what format you want by including an example in your prompt.
- Save useful conversations: Most platforms let you name and revisit conversations — organize by project or topic.
Common Use Cases
Art & Design
AI tools for visual design guidance, art critique, color theory, and creative direction.
Browse Art & Design chatbots →Entertainment
Fun and engaging chatbots for humor, trivia, games, and casual interaction.
Browse Entertainment chatbots →Troubleshooting
- Responses seem generic or unhelpful
- Add more context to your prompt. Specify the audience, tone, length, and format you need. Try starting over with a clearer description of your goal.
- The tool isn't responding or is slow
- AI chatbots can experience high traffic. Refresh the page and try again. Check the service's status page if issues persist.
- Output is too long or too short
- Explicitly specify the length: "in 100 words," "as a brief summary," or "in detail with examples."
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Sora free to use?
- Sora requires a paid subscription, starting from Service discontinued April 2026.
- Do I need an account to use Sora?
- Yes, you need to create an account to use Sora.
- What can I use Sora for?
- Sora was OpenAI’s AI video generation model that created photorealistic video clips from text descriptions, still images, and existing footage. Launched publicly in December 2024 and integrated with ChatGPT Plus and Pro plans, Sora was discontinued on April 26, 2026.
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