Updated July 2026. Sora 2 is OpenAI's flagship video generation model, capable of producing realistic video with synchronized audio from text or image prompts. The original Sora consumer app was discontinued on April 26, 2026, and the Sora 2 API was sunset on September 24, 2026. Avocado AI does not offer Sora 2. If you need an alternative, Avocado runs Veo 3.1, Seedance 2.5, and Kling 3.0 in one credit pool alongside image and audio models.
Jump to:
- What Is Sora 2?
- Sora 2 Key Features
- Sora 2 Pricing Breakdown
- Sora 2 alternatives on Avocado AI
- Sora 2 vs Other Video Models
- Best Use Cases for Sora 2
- How to Get Started with Sora 2
- FAQ
What Is Sora 2?
Sora 2 is the successor to OpenAI's original Sora video generation model. It creates realistic video clips from text prompts or still images, with native synchronized audio including dialogue and sound effects. The model supports both portrait and landscape orientations and generates clips from 4 to 25 seconds depending on the tier.
OpenAI launched Sora 2 as a dedicated social app on iOS in late 2024, but discontinued the consumer product on April 26, 2026. The API remains available until September 24, 2026. After that date, OpenAI will no longer accept new Sora 2 requests. This timeline is important for anyone planning long-term video production workflows: Sora 2 is available now, but alternatives should be evaluated before the sunset date.
Avocado AI does not offer Sora 2. Its model catalog includes alternatives such as Veo 3.1, Seedance 2.5, and Kling 3.0.
Sora 2 Key Features
Native Audio Generation
Unlike many video generation models that produce silent clips, Sora 2 generates synchronized audio alongside video. This includes dialogue, sound effects, and ambient audio that match the visual content. For marketers and content creators, this eliminates a separate audio editing step in most workflows.
Text-to-Video and Image-to-Video
Sora 2 accepts both text prompts and still images as input. Text-to-video generates clips purely from written descriptions. Image-to-video takes a reference photo or illustration and animates it into a video clip. Both generation types are available through the API and through partner platforms.
Extended Duration (Up to 25 Seconds)
Sora 2 Pro supports clips up to 25 seconds, a significant improvement over the original Sora's 6-second limit. Sora 2 Standard generates clips at 4, 8, or 12 seconds. Longer clips open up use cases like product demos, explainer sequences, and social media content that need more than a quick visual.
Resolution Options
Sora 2 Standard maxes out at 720p resolution. Sora 2 Pro supports 720p, 1024p (1792x1024 widescreen), and 1080p (1920x1080). The resolution you choose affects both quality and cost: higher resolutions consume more compute and cost more per second.
Cameos
Sora 2's "Cameos" feature allows inserting real people into AI-generated scenes. This is useful for personalized marketing content, branded spokesperson videos, or creative projects that need a specific person's likeness integrated into generated environments.
Portrait and Landscape Orientations
Sora 2 supports both portrait (9:16) and landscape (16:9) aspect ratios, covering the primary formats needed for social media platforms, YouTube, and advertising placements.
Sora 2 Pricing Breakdown
Sora 2 pricing varies significantly depending on how you access it. There were three main paths: the OpenAI API (usage-based, billing per second, sunset September 24, 2026), ChatGPT subscription bundles (included with Plus or Pro), and partner platforms that resold API access. Avocado AI does not offer Sora 2.
OpenAI API Pricing (Usage-Based)
The Sora 2 API bills per second of generated video. These are the current rates before the September 24, 2026 sunset:
| Model | Resolution | Standard Rate | Batch Rate (24h SLA) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sora 2 Standard | 720p | $0.10/sec | $0.05/sec |
| Sora 2 Pro | 720p | $0.30/sec | $0.15/sec |
| Sora 2 Pro | 1024p (1792x1024) | $0.50/sec | $0.25/sec |
| Sora 2 Pro | 1080p (1920x1080) | $0.70/sec | $0.35/sec |
A standard 8-second clip at 720p costs $0.80 via the API. A 10-second Sora 2 Pro clip at 1080p costs $7.00. The batch tier offers 50% savings but requires a 24-hour processing window.
ChatGPT Subscription Access
Sora 2 is bundled into OpenAI's ChatGPT subscriptions:
- ChatGPT Plus ($20/month): Includes Sora 2 Standard generation with compute-based limits.
- ChatGPT Pro (from $100/month): Bundles Sora 2 Pro with higher-quality output and more headroom.
Note: OpenAI's consumer Sora app was discontinued in April 2026. Subscription access is through ChatGPT directly.
Avocado AI Pricing (Credit-Based)
Avocado AI does not offer Sora 2. Its shared credit pool covers these alternatives instead:
| Model | Credits per Clip | Clip Length | Available Tiers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seedance 2.0 | 16-19 credits | 5 seconds | All paid plans |
| Veo 3.1 (with audio) | 48 credits | 8 seconds | Growth, Pro |
Credits roll over for one year, so unused credits from a slow month carry forward.
Cost Comparison: OpenAI API vs Avocado AI
For an 8-second Sora 2 Standard clip at 720p:
- OpenAI API (standard): $0.80
- Avocado AI: Sora 2 is not offered
For an 8-second Sora 2 Pro clip at 1080p:
- OpenAI API (standard): $5.60
- Avocado AI: Sora 2 Pro is not offered
The OpenAI API was the direct way to buy raw Sora 2 access before the sunset. The value of Avocado AI is consolidation: one credit pool for Seedance 2.0, Hailuo, Veo 3.1, Kling 3.0, plus 15+ image models and audio generation. If you run multiple models in a creative workflow, a single Avocado subscription replaces multiple API keys and billing relationships.
Sora 2 alternatives on Avocado AI
Sora 2 is not available on Avocado AI. The closest options in the same credit pool are:
- Seedance 2.0 (16-19 credits per 5-second clip): Good for drafts, social media clips, and rapid iteration.
- Veo 3.1 with audio (48 credits per 8-second clip): Suited for client deliverables, hero content, and final-production video.
Avocado AI's Studio lets you generate clips with several video models in the same project. You can compare Seedance 2.0, Hailuo Pro, and Veo 3.1 output without switching platforms. Director mode in Flows helps plan multi-clip sequences, and the MCP server enables programmatic access for automation workflows.
How Avocado's Credit System Works
Avocado plans start at EUR 19.99/month (100 credits) and scale to EUR 249/month (2,000 credits). Credits roll over for one full year, so a slow production month does not waste your budget. Every plan includes access to all AI image, video, and audio models. The difference between tiers is credit volume and feature access (like Super Agent on Growth and Pro).
Sora 2 vs Other Video Models
Sora 2 competes with several video generation models available on the market. Here is how it compares on key dimensions:
| Feature | Sora 2 Standard | Sora 2 Pro 1080p | Seedance 2.0 | Veo 3.1 | Hailuo Pro |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Resolution | 720p | 1080p | 720p (5s clips) | 1080p | 720p |
| Max Duration | 12 seconds | 25 seconds | 5 seconds | 8 seconds | 6 seconds |
| Native Audio | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | No |
| Avocado Credits/Clip | Not on Avocado | Not on Avocado | 16-19cr/5s | 48cr/8s | 7cr/6s |
| Image-to-Video | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Sora 2's strongest differentiators are native audio generation and longer clip durations. If your workflow needs synchronized sound design without a separate audio step, Sora 2 is one of the few models that delivers this natively. The 25-second max on Sora 2 Pro is also the longest single-clip duration among mainstream video generation models.
On Avocado AI, where Sora 2 is not offered, Veo 3.1 (48 credits per 8 seconds) covers native audio. For high-volume social media content where audio is added in post, Seedance 2.0 (16-19 credits per 5 seconds) or Hailuo Pro (7 credits per 6 seconds) offer better per-second economics.
Best Use Cases for Sora 2
Product Demonstrations with Voiceover
Sora 2's native audio makes it well-suited for product demo videos where the visual and audio track need to stay in sync. A text prompt describing a product in use can generate a clip with matching ambient sound and narration-style dialogue.
Social Media Ads with Sound
Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts prioritize content with audio. Sora 2 generates clips with built-in sound design, reducing the number of tools needed to produce ad-ready content.
Explainer Sequences
The longer clip duration (up to 25 seconds on Pro) supports explainer-style content where a concept needs visual demonstration over time. Combine multiple Sora 2 clips in a video editor for longer sequences.
Personalized Marketing (Cameos)
Sora 2's Cameos feature allows integrating real people into generated scenes. This is useful for personalized video ads, branded content with a specific spokesperson, or creative campaigns that blend real and AI-generated elements.
Rapid Creative Iteration
For rapid iteration on Avocado AI, where Sora 2 is not offered, Hailuo Pro (7 credits per 6 seconds) or Seedance 2.0 are affordable enough. Generate multiple versions of a concept, review them, and refine prompts before committing to higher-resolution production clips.
How to Get Started with Sora 2
Alternatives via Avocado AI
- Sora 2 is not offered on Avocado AI. To use an alternative, sign up for an Avocado AI plan.
- Open the Studio and select Veo 3.1, Seedance 2.5, or Kling 3.0 from the video model list.
- Enter your text prompt or upload a reference image.
- Generate, review, and iterate. Export your final clip for use in ads, social content, or presentations.
Via OpenAI API
- Create an OpenAI API account and add billing.
- Use the Sora 2 API endpoint to submit generation requests.
- Set resolution, duration, and orientation parameters.
- Note the September 24, 2026 sunset date: plan your migration path to alternatives like Google Veo 3.1 or other models available on Avocado AI.
Via ChatGPT Subscription
- Subscribe to ChatGPT Plus ($20/month) or ChatGPT Pro (from $100/month).
- Access Sora 2 generation directly within the ChatGPT interface.
- This path is best for casual use; for production workflows, the API or a platform like Avocado AI offers more control.
FAQ
Is Sora 2 still available in 2026?
The Sora 2 API was sunset on September 24, 2026, and the original Sora consumer app was discontinued on April 26, 2026. Check ChatGPT for current access. Avocado AI does not offer Sora 2.
How much does Sora 2 cost per video?
Via the OpenAI API, Sora 2 Standard costs $0.10 per second at 720p (about $0.80 for an 8-second clip). Sora 2 Pro at 1080p costs $0.70 per second (about $5.60 for 8 seconds). Avocado AI does not offer Sora 2.
What is the maximum video length for Sora 2?
Sora 2 Standard supports clips at 4, 8, or 12 seconds. Sora 2 Pro supports 10, 15, or 25 seconds. For longer videos, you can edit multiple clips together in a video editor.
Does Sora 2 generate audio?
Yes. Sora 2 generates synchronized audio alongside video, including dialogue, sound effects, and ambient sound. This is a key differentiator from models like Seedance 2.0 and Hailuo Pro, which produce silent clips.
What resolution does Sora 2 support?
Sora 2 Standard generates at 720p. Sora 2 Pro supports 720p, 1024p (1792x1024 widescreen), and 1080p (1920x1080).
Is Sora 2 available for free?
OpenAI offered a free tier in the Sora iOS app with compute-based limits, but the consumer app was discontinued in April 2026. The API was sunset on September 24, 2026, so remaining access depends on ChatGPT subscriptions ($20-$100+/month). Avocado AI does not offer Sora 2.
Can I use Sora 2 for commercial purposes?
Yes. Video generated via the OpenAI API includes commercial usage rights. On Avocado AI, all generated content includes commercial usage rights and no watermarks.
What happens after Sora 2's API sunset on September 24, 2026?
After the sunset, OpenAI will no longer accept new Sora 2 API requests. Google Veo 3.1 is the most actively developed mainstream alternative. Avocado AI offers Veo 3.1 alongside other video models in the same credit pool, providing a straightforward transition path.
How to Pick Sora 2 vs Alternatives in Under 30 Seconds
- Need native audio in your video? Sora 2 is one of the few models that generates synchronized sound natively.
- Clips longer than 10 seconds? Sora 2 Pro goes up to 25 seconds; most competitors cap at 5-8 seconds.
- High-volume social content at low cost? Seedance 2.0 (16 credits per 5 seconds) or Hailuo Pro (7 credits per 6 seconds) are more cost-effective.
- Budget-conscious with audio needs? Veo 3.1 (48 credits per 8 seconds with audio) is the native audio option on Avocado AI.
- Need 1080p for client deliverables? Veo 3.1 and Kling 3.0 are your options on Avocado AI.
- Running multiple models in one workflow? A single Avocado AI subscription covers Seedance, Hailuo, Veo, Kling, and 15+ image models in one credit pool.
If you want one workspace for video, image, and audio generation with Sora 2 alternatives like Veo 3.1 included, start with Avocado AI. Plans start at EUR 19.99/month with credits that roll over for a full year.
Wanderson Jackson is the founder of Avocado AI, an AI media-generation workspace for creators and marketing teams.