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Last checked: October 2026. Prices are US list prices on each official site.
OpenAI no longer offers Sora. The company announced the shutdown on March 24, 2026, closed the Sora app and website on April 26, 2026 and switched off the Sora API on September 24, 2026. This guide covers what Sora was, why it ended and which AI video tools to use instead.
Sora at a glance
| Date | What happened |
|---|---|
| February 2024 | OpenAI shows Sora as a research preview |
| December 2024 | Sora opens to ChatGPT Plus and Pro users in the US |
| Fall 2025 | Sora 2 launches with sound, dialogue and a social video app |
| March 24, 2026 | OpenAI announces Sora is being discontinued |
| April 26, 2026 | The Sora app and website shut down |
| September 24, 2026 | The Sora API shuts down, ending the product completely |
What was Sora?
Sora was OpenAI’s text-to-video model. You described a scene in plain words and it generated a short video clip. Sora 2 added matching dialogue and sound effects, along with an app where people could remix each other’s videos, scroll a feed and place themselves in scenes with a feature called characters.
It was one of the most talked-about AI launches of 2024 and 2025. It also drew steady criticism over deepfakes and videos of real people.
Why did OpenAI shut down Sora?
OpenAI did not give a detailed reason in its shutdown notice. News reports point to a few causes:
- Cost: video takes far more computing power than text or images. The Wall Street Journal reported that Sora was losing about $1 million a day.
- Revenue: paid use did not come close to covering those costs.
- Focus: OpenAI moved its computing power toward its core ChatGPT and business products.
- Risk: deepfake and copyright concerns followed the app from its launch.
OpenAI’s licensing deal with Disney, which let Sora users create videos with Disney characters, ended along with the product. OpenAI has not announced a Sora 3.
What it means if you used Sora
- Your videos: OpenAI said it would permanently delete Sora data after shutdown, so any clips not exported in time are gone.
- Apps built on the Sora API: these stopped working on September 24, 2026. OpenAI did not name a replacement model.
- Subscriptions: details on refunds and credits are in OpenAI’s help article on the shutdown.
The best Sora alternatives
These four tools cover what most people used Sora for, from quick social clips to polished ad footage.
| Tool | Best for | Starting price | Free option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gemini Omni (Google) | Editing a video by chatting with it | Included with Google AI Plus, Pro and Ultra | Yes, inside YouTube Shorts and YouTube Create |
| Runway | Creative and film work | $15/mo ($12/mo billed yearly) | 125 one-time credits |
| Kling AI | Low cost per clip | $8.80/mo (first month $6.99) | Yes, small daily credits |
| Luma Dream Machine | Cinematic, realistic shots | $30/mo | No |
1. Gemini Omni (Google)
Google launched Gemini Omni at I/O in May 2026, and it replaced Veo as the video model in the Gemini app. It takes text, images, audio and video as input, and you can keep changing a clip by asking for edits in plain words. Every video carries Google’s SynthID watermark.
- Price: included with Google AI Plus, Pro and Ultra plans; free inside YouTube Shorts and the YouTube Create app
- For developers: about $0.10 per second of 720p video through the Gemini API
2. Runway
A full AI video studio used by filmmakers and agencies. Its own Gen-4.5 model sits next to partner models such as Google Veo 3.1 and Kling, so you can switch models in one workspace. It also has tools to edit existing footage.
- Price: free plan with 125 one-time credits; Standard $15/mo; Pro $35/mo (about 20% less billed yearly)
- Watch for: Gen-4.5 uses credits quickly, so Standard covers under a minute of video a month
3. Kling AI
Kling 3.0 produces strong motion and realistic people at one of the lowest prices per clip. It supports native audio and up to 4K on higher plans.
- Price: free Basic plan with daily credits (watermarked, personal use only); Standard from $8.80/mo, with larger Pro, Premier and Ultra plans
- Watch for: free credits expire daily, and commercial use needs a paid plan
4. Luma Dream Machine
Luma’s Ray3 models are known for lifelike lighting, HDR output and smooth camera moves. Plans also include partner models like Veo and Kling, along with Luma’s creative agents.
- Price: Plus $30/mo, Pro $90/mo, Ultra $300/mo (about 17% less billed yearly)
- Watch for: flagship Ray3 clips use a lot of credits
Which one should you use?
- Short videos for social media: start with Gemini Omni, since it’s free inside YouTube Shorts.
- Lowest cost per clip: Kling AI.
- Client or film work: Runway, for its editing tools and model choice.
- The most cinematic look: Luma Dream Machine.
FAQs
Is Sora still available?
No. The Sora app and website closed on April 26, 2026, and the API closed on September 24, 2026. There is no way to use Sora through OpenAI today.
Will there be a Sora 3?
OpenAI has not announced one. Some reports mention a new internal video model, but OpenAI has not confirmed a product or a date.
What is the best free alternative to Sora?
Gemini Omni is free to use inside YouTube Shorts and the YouTube Create app. Kling AI also gives free daily credits, though clips carry a watermark.
Can I still download my old Sora videos?
No. The export window has passed, and OpenAI said it would permanently delete Sora data after the shutdown.
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