Sora 2 is the faster, exploration-oriented version of the Sora 2 architecture. For the highest final output quality, use Sora 2 Pro. Both models include integrated audio generation.
Faster exploration with OpenAI physics
Sora 2 is designed for the creative development phase — faster output speeds make it practical to explore multiple directions, test prompt variations, and iterate on a concept before committing to a final production render with Sora 2 Pro. The underlying Multimodal Diffusion Transformer (MM-DiT) architecture is shared with Sora 2 Pro, meaning physics-aware motion and synchronized audio generation are present in both. The distinction is output polish: Sora 2 may produce slightly less refined textures or rendering stability in complex scenes, but at the speed advantage that makes iteration practical.Capabilities
Physics-aware motion
Objects behave with physical accuracy — gravity, collisions, and spatial relationships render naturally throughout the clip.
Integrated audio generation
Generates synchronized dialogue, sound effects, and ambient audio alongside the video — no separate audio production needed.
Up to 25 seconds
One of the longest native generation windows available — supports more developed narrative sequences in a single generation.
Fast iteration speed
Faster than Sora 2 Pro — built for exploring directions quickly before committing to final-quality output.
Multimodal input
Accepts text prompts alone or combined with an image reference as the starting frame.
MM-DiT architecture
Multimodal Diffusion Transformer — the same foundational architecture as Sora 2 Pro with different quality/speed tradeoffs.
Sora 2 vs. Sora 2 Pro
| Feature | Sora 2 | Sora 2 Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Audio generation | Yes | Yes |
| Physics awareness | Yes | Yes |
| Generation speed | Faster | Slower |
| Texture quality | Good | Better |
| Complex scene stability | Moderate | High |
| Duration | Up to 25s | Up to 25s |
| Best for | Iteration, exploration | Final production output |
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer | OpenAI |
| Architecture | Multimodal Diffusion Transformer (MM-DiT) |
| Resolution | Up to 1080p (480p and 720p also available) |
| Duration | Up to 25 seconds |
| Aspect ratios | Portrait (720×1280), Landscape (1280×720) |
| Audio | Dialogue, SFX, ambient (synchronized) |
| Input modes | Text-to-video, image-to-video |
How to use
Write your prompt
Describe the scene, camera behavior, audio environment, and motion. Include physics-heavy actions for the strongest results from the physics engine.
Set duration and resolution
Choose your clip length (up to 25 seconds) and resolution based on your needs.
Prompting tips
- Use it for direction testing — Generate 4–6 variations of a scene at lower cost and faster speed to find the best approach before using Sora 2 Pro for the final.
- Include audio context explicitly — “The scene opens with rain sounds and distant thunder, building to a dramatic climax” guides the integrated audio generation effectively.
- Physics descriptions work well — “A ball rolls down a ramp, bounces off the floor twice, and comes to rest” will produce physically accurate behavior.
Example prompts
A father and young daughter walk through a field of sunflowers at golden hour. Wide shot panning slowly right. Gentle wind rustling leaves. Warm, emotional atmosphere. 15 seconds.
POV shot of a kayaker navigating rapids. Water churning realistically, paddle splashing, rush of the river audible. Exciting and dynamic. 12 seconds.
Compare models
| Model | Speed | Quality | Audio | Duration | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sora 2 | Faster | Good | Yes | 25s | Iteration, exploration |
| Sora 2 Pro | Standard | Maximum | Yes | 25s | Final production output |
| Google Veo 3.1 | Standard | Premium | Yes | 60s | Long-form, 4K |
| Wan 2.5 | Standard | High | Yes | 10s | Efficient audio-visual |