Sora Discontinued: Best AI Video Alternatives for Creators in 2026
OpenAI shut down Sora's consumer experience on 26 April 2026. Here are the active alternatives — compared by use case, verified pricing, and what each is actually best for.
Using Sora API? The API remains active until 24 September 2026, when all Sora models (Videos API, sora-2, sora-2-pro and snapshots) are scheduled for removal. See our API migration guide →
Quick Answer
Quick Answer
OpenAI discontinued the Sora web and app experiences on 26 April 2026, and its API deprecation table schedules the Videos API, sora-2, sora-2-pro and related snapshots for removal on 24 September 2026 without listing an official replacement. Active video-generation options now include Runway for generative-video workflows, HeyGen for avatar-led and translated videos, Pika for short social-first creative clips, and Kling AI for current generative-video workflows; InVideo is an active multi-model video-creation platform for prompt-led marketing and production workflows.
Find Your Replacement by Use Case
Not every Sora use case maps to the same tool. Select the workflow that matches yours:
Product Ads & Marketing Videos
InVideo
AI video agent with 200+ models including Veo 3.1 and Kling AI. Built for prompt-to-video, product ads, and end-to-end marketing workflows.
Visit InVideo →
Generative / Cinematic Clips
Runway · Kling AI · Pika
Runway Gen-4.5 for cinematic generative workflows. Kling AI 3.0 for multi-shot generation. Pika 2.5 for short social-first creative clips and visual effects.
Compare tools below →
Avatar & Translated Videos
HeyGen
137M+ videos generated. Built for avatar-led content, localised and translated video, and narrated presentations. Different use case from Sora.
Visit HeyGen →
API Migration Before Sep 24
Developer Guide
The Sora API (Videos API, sora-2, sora-2-pro) is scheduled for removal 24 September 2026. OpenAI lists no official replacement. Start migration planning now.
View API migration guide → (coming soon)
Active Alternatives: Tool-by-Tool Breakdown
Runway
● Active
Runway is an active AI video platform for generative-video creation and cinematic workflows, currently running its flagship Gen-4.5 model.
Free: $0 (one-time credits, Gen-4 Video not included)
Standard: $12/user/month billed annually — includes Gen-4.5
Pro: $28/user/month billed annually
Max: $76/user/month billed annually (Max replaced Unlimited, effective June 1 2026)
Standard: $12/user/month billed annually — includes Gen-4.5
Pro: $28/user/month billed annually
Max: $76/user/month billed annually (Max replaced Unlimited, effective June 1 2026)
Best for: Generative-video creation and cinematic workflows.
Visit Runway
Pricing verified 4 June 2026 from official pricing page: runwayml.com/pricing
InVideo
● Active
InVideo is an active multi-model video-creation platform for prompt-led marketing and production workflows, with an AI video agent and 200+ models including Veo 3.1 and Kling AI.
Pricing: See official pricing page — invideo.io/pricing
Note: InVideo's site currently advertises Sora 2 integration. The Sora API is scheduled for removal 24 September 2026.
Note: InVideo's site currently advertises Sora 2 integration. The Sora API is scheduled for removal 24 September 2026.
Best for: Prompt-to-video, marketing videos, product ads, and end-to-end production workflows.
Visit InVideo
Pricing verified 4 June 2026 from official pricing page: invideo.io/pricing
HeyGen
● Active
HeyGen is an active AI video platform with 137M+ videos generated, built for avatar-led video, translated and localised content, and narrated presentations. It serves a different use case from generative cinematic video tools.
Free: $0 — 3 videos/month, up to 1 minute each
Creator: $29/month (or $24/month billed annually)
Pro: $49/month
Business: $149/month + $20/seat/month
Creator: $29/month (or $24/month billed annually)
Pro: $49/month
Business: $149/month + $20/seat/month
Best for: Avatar-led videos, translated and localised videos, narrated content.
Visit HeyGen
Pricing verified 4 June 2026 from official pricing page: heygen.com/pricing
Pika
● Active
Pika is an active AI video platform currently running Pika 2.5, built for short social-first creative clips and visual effects.
Free: $0
Basic: $8/month billed yearly
Standard: $28/month billed yearly
Pro: $76/month billed yearly
Basic: $8/month billed yearly
Standard: $28/month billed yearly
Pro: $76/month billed yearly
Best for: Short social-first creative clips and visual effects.
Visit Pika
Pricing verified 4 June 2026 from official pricing page: pika.art/pricing
Kling AI
● Active
Kling AI is an active generative-video platform currently running the Kling AI 3.0 Series (launched February 2026), built for multi-shot generation and cinematic-style workflows.
Pricing: See official pricing page — klingai.com
Best for: Multi-shot generation and cinematic-style workflows.
Visit Kling AI
Model and launch date verified 4 June 2026 from official site: klingai.com
Side-by-Side Comparison
Columns reflect verified facts only. No ranking or "winner" designation — no independent testing has been conducted.
| Tool | Active | Free Plan | Pricing (from) | Best For | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Runway | Yes | Yes (one-time credits) | $12/user/mo (annual) | Generative-video creation, cinematic workflows | runwayml.com |
| InVideo | Yes | — | See pricing page | Prompt-to-video, marketing videos, product ads | invideo.io |
| HeyGen | Yes | Yes (3 videos/mo) | $24/mo (annual) | Avatar-led, translated & localised videos | heygen.com |
| Pika | Yes | Yes | $8/mo (annual) | Short social-first creative clips, visual effects | pika.art |
| Kling AI | Yes | — | See pricing page | Multi-shot generation, cinematic-style workflows | klingai.com |
⚠ Developer Notice — Sora API Deprecation
The Sora API (Videos API, sora-2, sora-2-pro) was announced for deprecation on 24 March 2026 and is scheduled for removal on 24 September 2026. Models affected: sora-2, sora-2-pro, sora-2-2025-10-06, sora-2-2025-12-08, sora-2-pro-2025-10-06. OpenAI's deprecation table lists no official replacement. Developers using Sora API integrations should begin migration planning now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sora completely shut down?
The Sora web and app experiences were discontinued on 26 April 2026, as confirmed by OpenAI's Help Center. The Sora API (Videos API, sora-2, sora-2-pro and related model snapshots) remains active but is scheduled for removal on 24 September 2026. After that date, all Sora access will be unavailable. Source: help.openai.com
When does the Sora API stop working?
OpenAI announced the Sora API deprecation on 24 March 2026. The Videos API, sora-2, sora-2-pro, sora-2-2025-10-06, sora-2-2025-12-08, and sora-2-pro-2025-10-06 are all scheduled for removal on 24 September 2026. OpenAI's deprecation table lists no official replacement. Source: developers.openai.com
What is the best Sora replacement for marketing videos?
InVideo is an active multi-model video-creation platform for prompt-led marketing and production workflows, supporting 200+ models including Veo 3.1 and Kling AI. For generative cinematic clips, Runway (Gen-4.5) and Pika (2.5) are active alternatives. No independent testing comparison has been conducted, so the best tool will depend on your specific workflow, content type, and budget. Visit each tool's official site to evaluate free plans before committing.
Can I still access Sora through other platforms?
Some third-party platforms that previously integrated Sora may currently advertise Sora availability. However, the Sora API is scheduled for removal on 24 September 2026, and OpenAI has not listed an official replacement. Any platform using the Sora API will lose access after that date. Do not rely on third-party Sora integrations as a long-term solution — begin evaluating active alternatives now.
What should developers using Sora API do now?
Developers should begin migration planning immediately. The Sora API deprecation was announced 24 March 2026 and all models (Videos API, sora-2, sora-2-pro and snapshots) will be removed on 24 September 2026. OpenAI has not listed an official replacement in its deprecation table. Active video generation APIs worth evaluating for migration include Runway, Pika, and Kling AI. See our API migration guide for a developer-focused comparison.
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This page contains verified information sourced from official product pages as of 4 June 2026. Pricing and availability are subject to change — always verify on the tool's official site before purchasing. Some links on this page may be affiliate links. Sources: help.openai.com · developers.openai.com