If you find yourself consistently exceeding your video generation allowance on Sora, OpenAI has exciting news for you. The company is now offering the option to purchase extra credits, allowing users to create even more AI videos. This move comes as OpenAI anticipates a reduction in free allowances in the future, making it essential for power users to have a way to continue their creative endeavors without interruption.
Bill Peebles, the head of the Sora team at OpenAI, has acknowledged that the platform's current economics are "completely unsustainable." Users of the higher-end Pro model currently receive a daily limit of 100 free generations, while other users are restricted to just 30. To address the dissatisfaction among power users regarding these limitations, Peebles stated that OpenAI will allow creators to "get as much usage as they want to pay for."
According to the listing on the Apple App Store, purchasing ten extra video generations will cost $4. It's important to note that the number of credits required per video may vary based on factors such as video length and resolution. If you reach your free limit, a prompt will appear, allowing you to buy more credits directly through the App Store. These credits are valid for 12 months and can also be utilized on OpenAI’s coding platform, Codex.
Peebles has issued a warning that users may soon find themselves hitting their free limits more frequently. He mentioned, “Eventually, we will need to bring the free gens down to accommodate growth,” emphasizing that users should "enjoy the crazy usage limits" while they can. Although he did not provide specific details, Peebles assured users that OpenAI would be "transparent as it happens." This shift towards monetization aligns with OpenAI's broader strategy to scale Sora and nurture an emerging AI-powered creator economy.
To support this growing creator economy, OpenAI has been steadily enhancing Sora with new features. Recent additions include clip stitching and leaderboards for popular videos, as well as "cameos," a term that refers to a feature allowing users to create deepfake avatars of themselves and others. This feature has sparked legal discussions due to its potential for misuse, particularly with questionable depictions of well-known fictional characters and public figures.
Looking ahead, Peebles announced that Sora would soon pilot monetization options for creators. He envisions a future where rightsholders have the ability to charge extra fees for cameos featuring beloved characters and personalities. This anticipated feature is part of OpenAI's ongoing efforts to move away from its initial hands-off approach to copyright and likeness, which previously inundated the platform with inappropriate content.
In conclusion, the introduction of extra video credits for Sora users represents a significant step in OpenAI's evolution towards a sustainable and profitable platform. As the company continues to innovate and refine its offerings, users can look forward to a more robust and creative experience on Sora.