Sora
: How to use it, features, and the business problems it solves

How to Use

1. Access and choose your environment

   Access Sora via the dedicated app (sora.com, iOS/Android) or through ChatGPT. A qualifying paid ChatGPT plan is required (as of June 2026).

2. Choose your generation method (text or image)

   Select "Text to Video" to generate from a text prompt, or "Image to Video" to animate an existing image.

3. Enter your prompt and settings

   Describe the video you want in a prompt, then configure duration, aspect ratio, resolution, and other settings. Use Storyboard to plan shots and timing scene by scene.

4. Generate, review, and iterate

   Run generation to produce a video with audio. Adjust your prompt as needed, or use Remix to rework an existing generation.

5. Export and share

   Download the finished video and share it on social media or post it to the Sora in-app feed.

Features

• Text to Video

  Generate video from a written description alone.

• Image to Video

  Upload a still image and animate it with natural motion.

• Audio generation (sync)

  Generates sound effects, ambient audio, and dialogue synced to the video, including lip sync.

• Cameo

  With identity verification, add your own likeness and voice to scenes in the generated video.

• Storyboard

  Design cuts, shot durations, and transitions using multiple scene cards on a timeline.

• Remix

  Rework an existing generated video by adjusting the prompt to change parts of it.

• High resolution and longer duration (higher plans)

  Higher-tier plans support greater resolutions (1080p and above) and longer output durations.

Pricing

Pricing as of June 2026, in USD. Exchange rates may affect local currency equivalents. Resolution, duration, and generation limits vary by plan and may change over time. Check the official pricing page for the latest.

※ Free plan availability varies by period. Generation rate limits and simultaneous generation counts differ by plan. Confirm commercial use terms in the latest Terms of Service.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Generate video with audio in one step from text or images
• Cameo lets you appear in the generated video as yourself
• Storyboard enables detailed, scene-by-scene creative control
• Integrates naturally with the ChatGPT ecosystem

Cons

• A paid ChatGPT plan is required — regular free access is not available
• UI is primarily in English
• High-resolution and long-duration generation may require higher-tier plans or waiting
• Copyright and likeness considerations must be observed

Reviews & Reputation

• "The polish of generating video with audio included is impressive" and "Cameo is unlike anything else" — frequently cited as one of the most talked-about video generation AI tools.
• "Storyboard lets you build out scenes, so you can craft a real structure."
• Common caveats: "Pro plan required for serious use — cost is high," "English-only UI," and "it takes several attempts to get the video you want."

FAQ

Q. Is Sora free to use?

As of June 2026, using Sora generally requires a qualifying paid ChatGPT plan such as Plus or Pro. Free access scope may change — check the official site for the latest.

Q. Can I use it in Japanese?

The UI is primarily in English. Prompts tend to work more reliably in English; Japanese nuance may not always translate well.

Q. Can I appear in the video myself?

Yes. The Cameo feature lets you add your own likeness and voice to generated scenes after identity verification.

Q. Is commercial use allowed?

Commercial use terms vary by plan and are governed by the Terms of Service. Always review the current Terms of Service before use.

Sora vs. Other Video Generation AI

For more detailed comparisons, see the pages for related services.