If you’ve ever wished you could turn words into cinematic videos in seconds, you’re going to want to hear about Sora. In this Sora review, I’ll walk you through my hands-on experience using OpenAI’s new video generation tool, what blew me away, what could be better, and how it stacks up against other AI video platforms.
Spoiler: It’s a game-changer.
My Experience Using Sora
I know that there are many AI tools that can make your life easier, but when I first got access to Sora, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’d seen some mind-blowing clips online, but I had to test it myself. So, I created two YouTube Shorts:
The video below explores the concept of quantum teleportation. I used Sora to visually depict particles moving through quantum states in a neon-lit, high-tech environment. The way the particles transitioned and reappeared across dimensions felt straight out of a sci-fi movie. The camera movement and ambient effects made it feel dynamic and immersive.
This second video dives into our journey to Mars. I prompted Sora to illustrate astronauts preparing for an interplanetary mission, showcasing red Martian landscapes, dust storms, and futuristic equipment. The details—from reflections on the visors to the texture of Martian soil—made it look like a real mission briefing.
Sora’s graphics engine is shockingly good at rendering realistic environments and subtle animation effects. From dust particles to soft shadows, every frame looked polished and purposeful, even without any post-production enhancements.
That said, even as a ChatGPT premium user, not all of Sora’s features are fully available. Right now, you can generate videos up to 10 seconds long, and more advanced tools like in-app editing, transitions, or audio aren’t included unless you go beyond the base version (which isn’t available yet).
To complete my videos, I generated a few short clips using different prompts, then stitched them together using CapCut. I also wrote my own script and layered it over the footage to give the final videos a cohesive narrative. It’s a bit of a manual process, but the end result felt smooth, professional, and surprisingly cinematic for a tool still in early rollout.
Sora Pros and Cons (From My Experience)
After spending time experimenting with Sora, I quickly realized it’s a powerful—but still evolving—tool. Like any cutting-edge AI, it has its strengths and its limitations.
Below, I’ve broken down my personal experience with Sora into clear pros and cons to help you decide if it’s the right video generator for your needs.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Incredibly realistic video quality | Accessible only to premium users |
| Highly responsive to detailed prompts | No built-in audio or sound generation |
| Natural camera motion and environmental lighting | Limited editing or fine-tuning options |
| Fast processing for high-quality results | Prompt crafting has a learning curve |
| Great for storytelling, sci-fi, and education | Occasional texture or lighting glitches |
As you can see, Sora absolutely excels at generating realistic, cinematic visuals from detailed prompts. It’s ideal for creative storytelling, education, and sci-fi worldbuilding.
However, it’s not without flaws—there’s currently no audio support, and you need some prompt-writing skills to get the most out of it. Still, for a first-gen release, it’s one of the most impressive AI video tools I’ve used.
Sora vs Other AI Video Generators
There are plenty of AI video generators out there—Runway, Pika Labs, Kaiber, and more. I’ve tested most of them, and while each has its own strengths, Sora really stands out in a few key areas. Below is a side-by-side comparison based on my firsthand experience with these tools.
| Feature | Sora (OpenAI) | Runway ML | Pika Labs | Kaiber AI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Resolution | Up to 1080p | 720p – 1080p | 720p | 1080p |
| Motion quality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Cinematic, fluid) | ⭐⭐⭐ (Basic transitions) | ⭐⭐⭐ (Short smooth sequences) | ⭐⭐ (Looped or static feel) |
| Prompt control | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (High fidelity) | ⭐⭐ (Vague results) | ⭐⭐ (Prompt occasionally ignored) | ⭐⭐ (Style > prompt) |
| Audio support | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Consistency | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Objects, shadows, flow) | ⭐⭐⭐ | ⭐⭐ | ⭐ |
| Best for | Storytelling, education, sci-fi | Music videos, concept clips | Social content, simple visuals | Lyric videos, visual loops |
This table makes it clear: Sora is miles ahead in terms of realism, motion quality, and how accurately it translates your prompts into cinematic video.
Tools like Runway and Pika are still useful, especially if you need quick content with built-in audio, but they don’t match Sora’s depth and consistency. If visual storytelling is your goal, Sora delivers an unmatched experience—even in its early stages.
However, while Sora presents exciting opportunities, it’s essential to consider the societal risks associated with such advanced AI models. The NTIA provides an in-depth analysis of these concerns in its report on dual-use foundation models.
Final Thoughts: Is Sora Worth Using?
After creating multiple videos with Sora, I can confidently say: this is not just another AI gimmick. It’s a glimpse into the future of storytelling.
From realistic environments to smooth motion and deep prompt control, Sora delivers video quality that left me genuinely impressed. Sure, it still lacks features like audio or a full editing suite, and it’s only available to ChatGPT premium users right now—but even in its current form, it’s one of the best AI tools I’ve ever used.
If you’re a content creator, educator, sci-fi nerd (like me), or someone who just loves experimenting with emerging tech, Sora is absolutely worth trying out.
FAQs About Sora
How do I access Sora?
Sora is currently available through ChatGPT’s premium plan (GPT-4). If you’re a paying user, you may already have access through the “video” capabilities inside ChatGPT.
Can Sora generate videos with sound?
Not yet. Sora creates high-resolution, silent videos. You’ll need to add music or voiceovers manually using editing software.
How long can the videos be?
Right now, Sora works best for short clips (10–20 seconds). It focuses on cinematic quality over long runtimes, which is ideal for Shorts, TikToks, or concept previews.