A brand new AI-powered video generator was introduced on Monday, but due to overwhelming interest, new user registrations are currently on hold.

On Monday, OpenAI, the company behind popular tools such as ChatGPT and DALL-E, unveiled Sora, an AI video creation tool that allows users to produce “realistic videos” using text, images, and other videos.

As of Tuesday morning, new account sign-ups for Sora were halted due to a surge of registrations initiated on Monday.

“We are experiencing high traffic and have temporarily disabled the creation of new Sora accounts,” read a pop-up message on the Sora website. “If you’re new to Sora, please check back soon.”

An OpenAI representative informed YSL News on Tuesday that specific figures regarding Sora sign-ups on Monday are not yet available.

Want to learn more? Here’s a breakdown of Sora, OpenAI’s latest video-generating software.

How does Sora operate?

Sora works as a diffusion model, which means it begins with a video that resembles static noise and gradually refines it by diminishing the noise over multiple iterations, according to OpenAI. Similar to DALL-E, Sora applies a technique called “recaptioning” to interpret descriptive captions from text for training visual data. This enables the software to adhere “more accurately” to user instructions.

Users can prompt Sora to create videos from text input or existing images and clips. For instance, Sora can take an already made video and complete missing segments or lengthen an unsatisfactory ending.

OpenAI states that Sora can create videos in resolutions up to 1080p, available in widescreen, vertical, and square formats, with each video capable of lasting up to 20 seconds.

How was Sora developed?

All AI software undergoes “training” to learn its functionalities. OpenAI reveals that Sora was developed using openly accessible internet data, exclusive proprietary data from partners, and user input (feedback).

What is the cost for using Sora?

Sora is available exclusively for ChatGPT Plus and Pro members. A ChatGPT Plus plan costs $20 a month, while the Pro plan is priced at $200 per month. Additionally, Sora access is limited to adults aged 18 and older, as per OpenAI’s guidelines.

Members of ChatGPT Plus and Pro can generate up to 50 Sora videos monthly at a resolution of 480p, or a reduced number of videos at 720p.

Check out the initial Sora videos

This week, Sora’s creations shared on X have shown a variety of styles ranging from video game-inspired perspectives to extraordinary art pieces. Here are some examples of the initial content produced:

How does OpenAI aim to prevent potential misuse?

AI technologies have faced scrutiny for their potential for misuse, highlighted by instances such as the deepfake of President Joe Biden urging citizens not to vote, and explicit AI-generated images involving Taylor Swift.

In response to these concerns, OpenAI emphasizes its commitment to safety by implementing certain measures. These include restricting access to individuals 18 and older, limiting the uploading of likenesses and facial images, and applying stricter moderation standards for prompts involving minors at launch.

Each video generated by Sora will also include C2PA metadata to signify its software origin, along with visible watermarks, according to OpenAI.

What is OpenAI?

OpenAI, established in 2015 by prominent tech leaders including Elon Musk, is an organization focused on artificial intelligence research. The group introduced ChatGPT in November 2019 and DALL-E in January 2021.