Discontinued product
Sora is gone — what to use instead
OpenAI closed Sora's consumer product on April 26, 2026 and is retiring the API on September 24, 2026. Here are the Official sources alternatives creators are moving to.
How this list works
Google Veo
The closest direct replacement for cinematic text-to-video: Veo 3.1 via Google AI plans (Plus $4.99/mo, Ultra from $99.99/mo) with 10 free clips/month in Google Vids.
Starting point: Consumer access via Google AI plans (Google AI Plus $4.99/month, Pro $19.99/month, Ultra from $99.99/month... · Free tier: Free tier available
Kling AI
Strong all-round video generation with native 4K output and an all-in-one workflow; check the official site for current plans and credits.
Starting point: Standard membership starts at $5.99/mo (660 credits), Pro at $37/mo (3,000 credits), and Premier at $92/mo... · Free tier: Yes — Free tier with daily free credits for registered users (official 'KlingAI Daily Free Credits'...
Runway
The most established creative-production platform for AI video: free 125 one-time credits, Standard from $12/mo annual, with per-model credit costs and editing tools built in.
Starting point: Free plan available. · Free tier: Yes — Free plan ($0, 'Free forever'): 125 one-time credits that don't expire to explore a selection of...
Luma
Powerful generation plus agent-style iteration tools under one credit system: Plus $30/mo with 10,000 credits and commercial use included.
Starting point: Paid plans from $30/month (Plus, 10,000 credits/month, commercial use included), Pro $90/month (40,000... · Free tier: Free tier available
Pika
Cheap, fast, playful generation for 5-second clips and effects: free plan with 80 monthly credits, watermark-free downloads.
Starting point: Free plan (80 monthly credits, 480p, image-to-video focus, watermark-free downloads, commercial use listed). · Free tier: Yes — Free (Basic) plan: 80 monthly video credits, access to Pika 2.5 at 480p only with Image-to-Video...
Sources
Every claim on this page traces to the official product page of each listed tool. Free-tier details and pricing change often — open the official source before relying on a number.
Frequently asked questions
Why was Sora discontinued?
OpenAI's Help Center confirms the Sora web/app closed on April 26, 2026 and the API retires on September 24, 2026; sora.com now serves only data export. OpenAI did not offer a direct replacement product under the Sora name.
What is the best free alternative to Sora?
Runway offers 125 one-time free credits and Pika offers 80 free monthly credits; Google Vids includes 10 free Veo 3.1 clips per month on Google AI plans. All require checking current terms on the official site.
Can I still use my Sora credits?
Per OpenAI's Help Center record in the catalog, unused credits could be used in Codex; sora.com is limited to data export. Check OpenAI's current guidance for the exact credit handling.