Sora 2 is here Our latest video generation model is more physically accurate, realistic, and more controllable than prior systems. It also features synchronized dialogue and sound effects.
Sora 2: OpenAI's Next-Generation Video and Audio AI
OpenAI has launched Sora 2, a powerful new video and audio generation model that creates realistic, physics-aware videos with synchronized sound and dialogue. Unlike previous models, Sora 2 respects real-world dynamics, can follow complex instructions, and even lets users insert themselves or others into generated scenes with remarkable fidelity.
From Sora 1 to Sora 2: The Journey
The original Sora, launched in February 2024, was described as the "GPT-1 moment for video." It was the first time that video generation truly seemed possible on a large scale. Early versions showed signs of basic object permanence and emergent behaviors simply from scaling up training on massive amounts of video data.
But as impressive as Sora 1 was, it also revealed how early the field still was. Much like early language models, the outputs often bent reality to meet a prompt-objects would morph, physics was inconsistent, and video clips could look dreamlike rather than grounded in the real world.
With Sora 2, OpenAI believes it has now reached something closer to the "GPT-3.5 moment for video." This means not only smoother visuals but also a far deeper understanding of physical reality, motion, and cause-and-effect within generated scenes.
What Makes Sora 2 Different
1. Realistic Physics and World Simulation
Previous video models often prioritized completing prompts at all costs, even if that meant breaking the laws of physics. For instance, if a basketball player missed a shot, earlier models might "cheat" by teleporting the ball into the hoop. Sora 2 behaves differently: the ball now rebounds off the backboard, respecting real-world dynamics.
This ability to model not just success but also failure makes Sora 2 much more credible as a world simulator. It demonstrates a deeper grasp of physical reality-important not just for entertainment, but also for future AI systems designed to function in the real world.
2. Complex and Controlled Actions
Sora 2 can handle scenarios that were nearly impossible before:
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A gymnast performing a full Olympic routine
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A person doing backflips on a paddleboard with buoyancy correctly simulated
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A cat clinging to someone mid-triple axel
These aren't just visual tricks-the model respects the physics behind balance, weight, and motion. On top of this, Sora 2 allows for fine-grained controllability, meaning creators can give multi-step instructions across different shots while maintaining consistent environments and characters.
3. Audio and Dialogue Synchronization
Unlike earlier tools that focused only on visuals, Sora 2 generates coordinated soundscapes, dialogue, and effects. Explorers can shout into the snow with realistic echoes, or Viking armies can march with synchronized footsteps and clashing weapons. This integration of sound brings a new level of immersion.
4. Lifelike Cameos
One of the most striking features is the ability to insert real people into generated videos. With just a short video-and-audio sample, Sora 2 can reproduce a person's appearance and voice inside any generated environment. The system generalizes this capability to humans, animals, and even objects, creating seamless blends between reality and AI.
The Sora App
The Sora app brings Sora 2 to a social platform where users can:
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Generate, remix, and share AI videos
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Explore a customizable video feed
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Insert themselves or friends via cameos
Designed for fun and safe interaction, the app emphasizes community and creativity over endless scrolling. Parents can control content exposure for teens, and users retain full control over their likeness in cameo videos.
Responsible and Safe AI
OpenAI has implemented multiple safety measures:
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Feed personalization with natural language control
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Daily viewing limits and stricter cameo permissions for teens
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Human moderation alongside automated safety systems
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Transparent monetization focused on compute needs, not engagement maximization
Why Sora 2 Matters
Sora 2 represents a major leap in AI video generation, combining realism, controllability, audio synchronization, and social interactivity. It's not just a tool for creating videos-it's a step toward AI that better understands the physical world while offering a new way to express creativity and connect with others.
