Sora 2: OpenAI's Cinematic AI Video Generator
Realistic physics, up to 20 seconds, and the cinematic quality OpenAI is known for.
Sora made waves when it first leaked. Sora 2 delivers on that promise - longer clips, realistic physics, and the kind of cinematic quality that makes AI video feel less like a gimmick and more like a tool.
What is Sora 2?
Sora 2 is OpenAI's standard video generation model. It's known for two things: realistic physics simulation and cinematic visual quality.
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Max Duration | 20 seconds |
| Max Resolution | 720p |
| Speed | Standard |
| Token Cost | 12,000 |
| Native Audio | Yes |
| Reference Images | No |
| Realistic Physics | Signature feature |
What Makes Sora Different
Realistic Physics
Sora 2's standout feature is physics simulation. Objects move naturally:
- Fabric drapes and flows realistically
- Liquids pour and splash correctly
- Objects have weight and momentum
- Collisions look believable
This matters for any video where physical interaction is visible.
Longer Duration
20 seconds vs 8 seconds (Veo) is significant. You can tell a short story, show a complete product demo, or create content that doesn't feel truncated.
Cinematic Quality
OpenAI trained Sora on film and video data. The result looks more like something shot by a cinematographer than generated by AI.
When to Use Sora 2
Longer narrative content
When 8 seconds isn't enough. Product stories, mini-tutorials, brand narratives.
Physical interaction scenes
Anything involving objects moving, people walking, liquids, fabric - where physics matters.
Cinematic quality
When the video needs to look professionally shot, not just "good enough for AI."
Storytelling
20 seconds allows for beginning-middle-end structure that 8 seconds can't support.
When NOT to Use It
- Quick iteration → Use Veo 3.1 Fast (half the tokens, faster generation)
- Need reference images → Sora 2 doesn't support them. Use Veo 3.1 instead.
- Maximum resolution → Sora 2 tops out at 720p. Use Sora 2 Pro for 1792x1024.
- Video extension → Use Sora 2 Pro (the only model with this feature)
Prompt Examples
// Product story
A coffee cup being placed on a wooden table. Steam rises. A hand reaches in, picks it up, takes a sip. Natural morning light from a window. Cozy, warm, slow-paced. 15 seconds.
// Physical interaction
Slow-motion water pouring into a glass. Detailed physics - splashing, settling, bubbles rising. Studio lighting on black background. Commercial quality.
// Brand narrative
A designer at a desk, sketching ideas. Camera slowly pulls back to reveal a collaborative workspace. Team members join, pointing at screens. Warm, aspirational, startup culture. 18 seconds.
// Cinematic scene
Wide establishing shot of a modern city at night. Camera slowly pushes forward between buildings. Neon signs, rain on streets reflecting lights. Blade Runner aesthetic. Moody, atmospheric.
Physics-Heavy Prompts
Sora 2 excels when physics matters:
Liquids
"Coffee being poured into a mug. Focus on the pour, the splash, the settling. Realistic fluid dynamics."
Fabric
"Red silk curtain flowing in slow motion. Wind catches it, creating beautiful waves. Studio lighting."
Objects
"Dominos falling in sequence. Each impact triggers the next. Satisfying chain reaction. Close-up perspective."
Weather
"Rain falling on a city street. Splashes on pavement, drops running down windows. Evening light reflecting in puddles."
Duration Planning
20 seconds is longer than you think. Plan your content:
| Duration | Best For |
|---|---|
| 5-8 sec | Single moment, atmosphere, loop |
| 10-15 sec | Simple narrative, product reveal |
| 15-20 sec | Complete story, tutorial clip, brand video |
Tip
Describe the pacing in your prompt. "Slow, contemplative" vs "Fast-paced, energetic" dramatically changes how 20 seconds feels.
Sora 2 vs Veo 3.1
| Feature | Veo 3.1 | Sora 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Max Duration | 8 sec | 20 sec |
| Resolution | 1080p | 720p |
| Reference Images | Yes | No |
| Physics Realism | Good | Excellent |
| Cinematic Quality | Good | Excellent |
| Token Cost | 8,000 | 12,000 |
Decision guide
Choose Veo 3.1 when:
- You need reference image support
- 1080p resolution matters
- 8 seconds is enough
Choose Sora 2 when:
- You need longer clips (9-20 sec)
- Physics realism is important
- Cinematic quality is the priority
Sora 2 in ChilledSites
Select Sora 2 from the video model dropdown.
Token cost: 12,000 tokens per video.
Best for: Cinematic quality, longer narratives, and physics-heavy content.
Summary
Sora 2 delivers:
- Up to 20 seconds of video (longest standard option)
- Realistic physics simulation
- Cinematic production quality
- Native audio generation
It's the choice when you need video that looks genuinely produced, not generated.
Master Video AI Prompting
Learn advanced techniques that work across Sora, Veo, and other video AI models—5-part prompting formulas, timestamp scripting, and professional cinematography language.
Read Advanced Techniques Guide