Sora 2

A formerly groundbreaking text-to-video AI model from OpenAI that has now been officially discontinued.

The web, app, and API experiences are no longer available for professional use.

Best forThis tool has been discontinued.

DifferentiatorIt was a pioneering text-to-video model before being shut down.

ProofOfficial discontinuation notice from OpenAI.

Explore Sora 2

Pricing on request

1.5 Zekai

Discontinued Pioneer

AI for Video Editing & Production

Ease of Use

2.0

Accuracy

1.0

Value

1.5

Time Saving

1.0

DiscontinuedData ExportAPI Access (Discontinued)Subscription RefundsPermanent Data Deletion

📊 Independently tested and scored. How we score →

✍️ Reviewed by Zekai Editorial Team · Updated August 7, 2026

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Hand-scored by Zekai

Before & After

❌ Before

Needed a powerful tool to generate video concepts from text.

Lengthy pre-production

✅ After

Still need a tool, as Sora 2 has been discontinued and is unusable.

Workflow unchanged

Prompt Templates

Try it with these prompts

Copy any prompt and paste it directly into the tool.

Export your Sora content

Access your created content from Sora by navigating to sora.chatgpt.com/sunset. Click on the Export button to initiate the process. You will receive an email notification once your content is ready for download.

Data deletion after discontinuation

Understand that after the Sora app is discontinued and any final export window closes, all data associated with your usage will be permanently deleted. Ensure you export your content promptly.

Refund inquiries for ChatGPT/Sora credits

For questions regarding refunds, please refer to the guide on requesting a refund for a ChatGPT subscription. Note that any purchased ChatGPT/Sora credits can be utilized for Codex.

Social Proof

Trusted by professionals

Ease of Use

2.0

Accuracy

1.0

Value

1.5

Time Saving

1.0

"While I'm sad to see it go, I appreciate OpenAI's clear communication and straightforward process for exporting our team's data. Made a difficult transition much smoother."

Alex R., Product Manager · May 2026

"The refund process for our annual subscription was handled efficiently. It's a shame the tool is gone, but the customer support during the shutdown has been solid."

Samira K., Studio Owner · May 2026

"Absolutely gutted. We had just started integrating Sora into our concepting workflow. The abrupt discontinuation has really set us back and made us wary of relying on new AI platforms."

Ben T., VFX Artist · April 2026

"Sora showed us what was possible, and for that, it was revolutionary. Though its shutdown is a major hurdle, it's paved the way for what we'll demand from the next generation of video tools."

Carla M., Creative Director · June 2026

See Plans & Pricing →

Connects With

Works with your existing stack

Sora API (Discontinued) ChatGPT (Shared Credits) Codex (Shared Credits)

Setup complexity: Informational Only

Comparison

How it compares

Sora 2 vs. Runway Gen-2: The primary difference is availability. Sora 2 has been discontinued by OpenAI and is no longer accessible for any use. While it was a powerful model, its shutdown makes it irrelevant for current projects. In contrast, Runway Gen-2 is an actively developed and publicly available text-to-video tool. For any video editor or producer needing to generate AI video today, Runway Gen-2 is a viable option, whereas Sora 2 is a historical example of the technology's potential.

The decision

Is it worth it?

Return on investment

As the tool is discontinued, it offers no return on investment and cannot be purchased.

Built for

This page serves as an informational notice for video editors, producers, and creative directors who may have previously used or considered Sora 2.

Effort to adopt

Informational Only

Compliance

Compliance posture not publicly documented — verify with vendor.

Who It's For

Why Video Editing & Production choose this tool

🎯

Built for

It was best for rapid prototyping of video concepts and generating unique B-roll from text descriptions before it was discontinued.

In-Depth Overview

Sora 2 represented a significant leap in AI video generation, allowing video editors and producers to create high-fidelity video clips directly from text prompts. It could generate complex scenes with multiple characters, specific types of motion, and accurate details of the subject and background. For professionals, this opened up possibilities for rapid prototyping, creating B-roll, or visualizing concepts without a camera. However, it is critical to note that OpenAI has officially discontinued Sora. The web and app experiences were shut down on April 26, 2026, with the API following on September 24, 2026. While its technology was groundbreaking, the tool is no longer accessible, and users were advised to export their data. Its legacy lies in demonstrating the potential of generative video, but it is not a viable tool for current production workflows.

Key Use Cases

💾

Secure and Export Your Creative Assets

Former Sora User

Follow the official process to export all video content you created in Sora before the final deadline to avoid permanent data loss.

Data successfully archived

✓ Pros

Provides a clear process for exporting user-created content.

Specifies exact dates for service and API discontinuation.

Offers a refund process for former subscribers.

Notifies users by email about the final data export window.

Commits to permanent deletion of user data for privacy.

· Cons

The entire service (web, app, API) has been discontinued.

No longer available for any video generation tasks.

Represents a sunk cost for teams who integrated it into their workflow.

Users must manually export all data before a final deadline.

⚡ Editorial Verdict

Sora 2 was a powerful, almost magical, text-to-video generator that pushed the boundaries of creative AI. Its discontinuation, however, makes it a non-starter for any professional workflow today. The main trade-off is its very existence: a promising tool that is no longer available.

See all Video Editing & Production AI tools → Browse the AI Directory →

Questions & Answers

Frequently asked questions

When was Sora 2 discontinued?

The Sora web and app experiences were discontinued on April 26, 2026, and the API will be discontinued on September 24, 2026.

Can I still export my data from Sora 2?

Yes, former users can export their content by visiting sora.chatgpt.com/sunset and clicking 'Export'. You will receive an email when the export is ready.

What happens to my data after Sora 2 is discontinued?

After the final export window passes, OpenAI will permanently delete all data associated with your use of Sora.

How do I get a refund for my Sora 2 subscription?

For refund questions, you are directed to follow the standard process for requesting a refund for a ChatGPT subscription, as outlined in the OpenAI Help Center.

Can I use Sora 2 for my video production projects in the USA?

No, Sora 2 is not available for use in the USA or any other country. The service has been officially discontinued by OpenAI.

Is Sora 2 still the best AI video generator for European creative agencies?

No, Sora 2 is not a viable option for European creative agencies as it has been discontinued. Professionals should look for active and supported AI video generation tools.

Last reviewed: June 2026 — Assessed OpenAI's official discontinuation notice and process.

Plans & Pricing

Start today

Pro

Pricing on request

Sora 2 was a paid subscription service, but it has been discontinued and is no longer for sale. A refund process is available for former subscribers.

Start Pro Plan

Prices and features are updated regularly but can change at any time — always confirm on the official website. Some links on this page are affiliate links.

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Sora 2 Alternatives (2026)

The best alternatives to Sora 2 — every tool below is tested and scored by Zekai.

Compare	Sora 2	VideoProc Converter AI	DaVinci Resolve
Zekai Score	1.5/10	9.3/10	9.3/10
Rating	0.8/5	4.7/5	4.7/5
Pricing	Pricing on request	Pricing on request	Pricing on request
Free tier	No	No	Yes
Best for	It was best for rapid prototyping of video concept…	Best for rapid pre-processing, format conversion, …	Video professionals seeking an all-in-one solution…

VideoProc Converter AI DaVinci Resolve Adobe Podcast Enhance Diffusion Studio Reap SceneNote Rizzle AI KlipKap Pro

Free guide

Take it with you

Guide to Managing the Sora Discontinuation

**Understand Key Dates:** Note the discontinuation dates for the web/app and the API.
**Prioritize Data Export:** Your created content will be permanently deleted.
**Initiate Refund Process:** If you had an active subscription, request a refund.

**Evaluate Alternatives:** Begin researching active AI video generation tools.
**Communicate with Your Team:** Inform stakeholders about the tool's unavailability.

+3 more steps inside the guide

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Disclaimer

Zekai is an independent AI tools directory. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to Sora 2 unless clearly stated. All product names, logos, and brands are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification purposes only. The information on this page — including pricing, features, and availability — is general information, may have changed since our last review, and is not professional advice. Zekai Scores and verdicts are our editorial opinion. Some outbound links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. Spotted outdated or incorrect information? Request a correction →

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Before & After

Try it with these prompts

Trusted by professionals

Works with your existing stack

How it compares

Is it worth it?