Sora's Future: Debunking Discontinuation Rumors and Understanding OpenAI's Roadmap for AI Video
There are a lot of rumors going around that Sora is being stopped. But what do OpenAI's own papers and instructions for using their tools really say about what's next for their amazing AI video maker?
Quick Summary
- OpenAI's Sora is NOT being stopped; they are actively working on it with Sora 2 and Sora 2 Pro.
- The rumors probably started because some older versions of the AI were stopped, and the separate Sora app was also shut down.
- The Sora API has two options: Sora 2 for quick videos and Sora 2 Pro for fancy 1080p videos.
- There are strict rules to stop people from making videos of real people, copyrighted stuff, or adult content.
Table of Contents
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Rumors vs. What OpenAI Says: Is Sora Being Stopped?
Let's get straight to the point: OpenAI's Sora is NOT being stopped. I've checked all the official places, and the fact that there's no news about it being stopped is a big clue. The confusion likely comes from the recent news that OpenAI stopped the Sora App. But the main AI tool and its instructions for developers are still the focus.
What I did find is clear proof that they are still working on it. OpenAI's instructions clearly talk about models like sora-2 and sora-2-pro. Any mention of 'deprecation' just means they are stopping older, specific versions of the AI, like sora-2-2025-12-08, to make way for newer ones. This is normal for fast-changing AI, as it lets developers stick with a version that works well while new, better versions are being made.
Sora 2 and Sora 2 Pro: What They Can Do and How to Use Them
Sora is OpenAI's latest step in making videos with AI. It's a super-advanced video tool that can create detailed, moving clips with sound, all from simple text or pictures. Sora is built on years of research and understands 3D space, movement, and how scenes connect, making it great at turning text into video.
The Sora API lets developers use these powerful features. You have two main choices:
- Sora 2 (
sora-2): This one is made for speed and being flexible. It's great for making videos for social media or quick tests where you need things done fast. - Sora 2 Pro (
sora-2-pro): Use this when you need top-quality results. It makes better, more polished videos, perfect for professional-looking 1080p movies.
How to Use the Sora API
If you're a developer, using Sora's API is pretty simple, though it works in the background. To start making a video, you'll use a command called POST /videos. This starts a task and gives you a jobid.
- Checking In: You'll need to keep asking for updates by using the
GET /videos/{video_id}command until it says the job iscompleted. - Getting Notified: You can set up alerts (called webhooks) to get a message automatically when a job is done (
video.completed).
import OpenAI
openai = OpenAI()
video = openai.videos.create(
model='sora-2',
prompt="A video of the words 'Thank you' in sparkling letters",
)
print('Video generation started: ', video)Costs, How Well It Works, and Rules
It's important to know how much it costs. Sora's price depends on how long the video you create is.
| AI Model | Cost Per Second (for 720p/1280p) | Best Quality Size | Longest Video |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sora 2 | $0.10 | 720x1280 / 1280x720 | 20 seconds |
| Sora 2 Pro | $0.30 | 1920x1080 / 1080x1920 | 20 seconds |
OpenAI also has strict rules about what you can create. These rules are a key part of making sure Sora 2 is used responsibly. They prevent people from making fake videos or using copyrighted material. You can't make videos of real people, famous people, or use copyrighted music.
Sora Compared to Other AI Video Tools
Sora is up against tools like RunwayML and Google Veo 3.1. RunwayML is popular, but its system of paying with credits can get expensive quickly. Google Veo 3.1 is powerful, but it's often only available to people in the U.S. or with certain subscriptions. Sora's clear pricing through its API and its ability to understand 3D scenes give it an advantage for people who make videos professionally.
Understanding Older Versions and Updates
To keep things stable, OpenAI uses something called "snapshots." This lets developers choose a specific version of the AI so that how it works stays the same. However, older snapshots, like sora-2-2025-10-06, will eventually be stopped to encourage people to move to newer versions. This is just how they manage the AI's life cycle, not a sign that the product is being abandoned.
What This Means for You:
Sora is not only still here, but it's also a powerful tool that's actively being improved. It understands 3D space and movement in a way that other tools are still trying to catch up to. My advice? Use Sora 2 for quick projects and save Sora 2 Pro for when you need really high-quality videos. The future of AI video is here, and Sora is a big part of it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sora really shutting down?
No. OpenAI did stop the separate Sora mobile app to focus on professional tools, but Sora 2 and Sora 2 Pro are still being worked on and can be used through the API.
What's the difference between Sora 2 and Sora 2 Pro?
Sora 2 is faster and cheaper ($0.10/sec), while Sora 2 Pro gives you high-quality 1080p videos for a higher price ($0.30/sec).
Can I make videos of famous people with Sora?
No. OpenAI has strict rules that stop you from making videos of real people or famous figures to make sure it's used responsibly.
Sources & References
Yousef S. | Latest AI
AI Automation Specialist & Tech EditorSpecializing in enterprise AI implementation and ROI analysis. With over 5 years of experience in deploying conversational AI, Yousef provides hands-on insights into what works in the real world.
