OpenAI’s Sora: Now Offering Paid Credits for More AI Video Generation
OpenAI is expanding the capabilities of its AI video platform, Sora, by introducing a paid credit system. According to Bill Peebles, who leads the Sora team at OpenAI, the current free video generation allowance is unsustainable, and the company plans to reduce these limits in the future. To counteract this, users can now purchase extra credits to generate more AI videos.
The Economics of Sora
The decision to offer paid credits stems from the platform’s economics. Users of the higher-end Pro model currently receive 100 free generations per day, while other users get 30. However, many users, as Peebles noted, are not satisfied with these limits. To address this, OpenAI is allowing creators to purchase additional credits.
Ten extra video generations will cost $4, as listed on the Apple App Store. The number of credits used per video depends on factors like length and resolution. These credits are valid for 12 months and can also be used on OpenAI’s coding platform, Codex. Users will be notified within the app when they approach their free limit, with an option to purchase more credits.
Monetization and the Creator Economy
This move is part of a broader strategy to monetize and scale Sora, aiming to cultivate an AI-powered creator economy. OpenAI has been steadily adding features to achieve this goal, including clip stitching, leaderboards for popular videos, and cameos. The company is also working on a monetization model for creators, with the potential for rightsholders to charge extra for cameos of popular characters.
This push towards monetization comes as OpenAI addresses earlier issues related to copyright and likeness. The platform saw a proliferation of questionable depictions of fictional characters and deepfake videos of public figures. The new features and monetization plans are designed to move away from the initial hands-off approach to these issues.
Future Plans
Peebles has warned that free generation limits will eventually be reduced to accommodate growth. OpenAI plans to be transparent about these changes. The introduction of paid credits is a significant step in the evolution of Sora, balancing user demand with the platform’s long-term sustainability and the need to address copyright concerns.
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