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OpenAI · Video generation app and API (discontinued)

Sora

OpenAI's text-to-video app and API, discontinued in 2026.

AI Video Generators
Provider
OpenAI
Latest confirmed model
Sora 2 (discontinued)
Pricing
Paid only
Free plan
No
API
No
Status
Discontinued
Last verified
Oct 19, 2026
Visit official website

What is Sora?

Sora was OpenAI's video generation product, with the Sora 2 model powering a social video app on iOS, Android and the web, plus a Videos API. OpenAI discontinued the Sora web and app experiences on 26 April 2026 and scheduled the Sora API for shutdown on 24 September 2026. It is listed here for reference only.

It generated short videos with sound from text prompts; that service is no longer offered.

Why use Sora?

Practical benefits

  • None for new users: the product is discontinued
  • Past users can still request an export of their content while offered

Who it suits

  • Former Sora users exporting their content

When another tool may fit better

  • Any new video project (choose an active tool)
Learning curve
Beginner-friendly
Skills needed
None

Example workflows

  1. Go to sora.chatgpt.com/sunset -> click Export -> wait for email with archive

What can it do?

  • Sora 2 video generation LimitedDiscontinued in apps on 26 Apr 2026; API removal scheduled 24 Sep 2026.
  • Content export LimitedExport via sora.chatgpt.com/sunset; OpenAI may offer a final export window by email.

Good for

  • Exporting previously created videos

Pricing and plans

Paid only Sora is no longer sold. OpenAI says the web and app were discontinued on 26 April 2026 and the API was scheduled to end on 24 September 2026. Remaining credits may be refunded or usable with Codex per OpenAI staff.

Pricing not verified. We have not confirmed a plan-by-plan breakdown for Sora yet — the summary below comes from the provider's own pages.

Prices in USD · Not applicable · Taxes may apply · Verified Oct 19, 2026

Official pricing page (opens in a new tab)

API and developer access

Official API
No public API
Documentation
Not documented
Authentication
Not documented
Pricing model
Not documented
Free API quota
None documented — the free plan above (if any) is for the app, not the API
Rate limits
Not documented
Context / input limits
Not documented
SDKs
Not documented
Streaming
Not documented
Batch processing
Not documented
Structured output
Not documented
Tool / function calling
Not documented
Commercial use
See the provider terms
Data retention & privacy
OpenAI says it will permanently delete data associated with Sora use after discontinuation and any final export window.

A free Sora account is not the same thing as free API access. Unless a free API quota is listed above, API calls are billed separately.

Verified Oct 19, 2026

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages

  • Export option provided to past users

Disadvantages

  • Discontinued: no new generations in apps since 26 Apr 2026
  • API scheduled for removal on 24 Sep 2026
  • OpenAI says Sora data will be permanently deleted after discontinuation and any final export window

Privacy: OpenAI plans to permanently delete Sora data after the export period; export as soon as possible.

Real-world examples

A former user saving their videos

  1. Visit sora.chatgpt.com/sunset
  2. Click Export
  3. Wait for the email saying the archive is ready
  4. Download and store the files

free plan works

A developer migrating off the Sora API

  1. Identify calls to sora-2 or sora-2-pro
  2. Choose an alternative video API such as Runway or the Gemini API
  3. Re-implement generation and test output

needs API key

A creator choosing a replacement tool

  1. Compare active tools such as Google Flow and Runway
  2. Test with free credits where offered
  3. Move workflow to the chosen tool

free plan works

Sora alternatives

Google Flow

Google's AI creative studio for video and images, powered by Gemini Omni Flash and Veo, included with Google AI plans.

no free plan · offers an API

Sora vs Google Flow

Runway

AI video studio offering Runway's Gen-4.5 plus partner models, with a pay-per-credit developer API.

has a free plan · offers an API

Sora vs Runway

Adobe Firefly

Adobe's generative AI studio for images, video, audio and vectors, combining Adobe's own models with partner models.

has a free plan · offers an API

Sora vs Adobe Firefly

HeyGen

Create talking-avatar videos, digital twins and translated videos from a script.

has a free plan · offers an API

Sora vs HeyGen

Compare Sora with these side by side

Frequently asked questions

Is Sora still available?

No. OpenAI's help centre says the Sora web and app experiences were discontinued on 26 April 2026.

What happened to the Sora API?

OpenAI scheduled the Sora API to be discontinued on 24 September 2026, which has now passed.

Can I get my Sora videos back?

OpenAI directs users to sora.chatgpt.com/sunset to request an export by email. A final export window may be announced by email.

What happens to my Sora data?

OpenAI says it will permanently delete data associated with Sora after discontinuation and any final export window.

What can I use instead of Sora?

Active alternatives include Google Flow (Gemini Omni Flash and Veo), Runway and Adobe Firefly's video features.

What about unused Sora credits?

An OpenAI staff post says remaining credits can be used with Codex or refunded through the usual process; check OpenAI's help article for details.