OpenAI launches Sora: the future of text-to-video is here

In a significant development in artificial intelligence, OpenAI has released Sora, its pioneering text-to-video generation tool, which became available today. Primarily aimed at ChatGPT subscribers in the United States and many other countries, Sora allows users to create high-resolution videos of up to 20 seconds in length. The launch coincides with OpenAI's 12-day product rollout event, during which the company aims to introduce various innovative applications. The new model not only facilitates video generation from textual prompts but also includes features for animating images and remixing existing videos, showcasing its versatility in content creation. Other functionalities include an explore page to view community-generated videos, storyboard sequences for video generation, and tools for blending and remixing content. Each generated video will contain a visible watermark along with C2PA metadata for identification purposes. To use Sora, potential users must abide by terms ensuring that uploads do not include prohibited content, such as explicit or copyrighted materials, or imagery featuring minors. Non-subscribers will still have access to explore the community's generated video feed, amplifying engagement and visibility around the new tool. However, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman warned that users in Europe and the UK may have to wait longer for a local launch due to regulatory and operational considerations. This release follows a wave of controversy, including backlash from a group of artists who claimed they were part of an alpha testing program and protested against what they perceived as exploitative practices by OpenAI, alleging that their work was used for unpaid research and development. The launch of Sora sets a new precedent in AI-driven content creation and expands OpenAI's impact on the technology landscape, drawing attention to the ethical implications and governance challenges surrounding such powerful tools.