Sora 2 Is Shutting Down. Here's What to Use Instead.
OpenAI removes the Sora 2 API on September 24, 2026, with no replacement model. AutoDirector has retired it — and every mode Sora 2 covered is available on newer models today.
Sora 2 was OpenAI's video generation model, known for physical realism and cinematic camera language. On March 24, 2026 OpenAI notified developers that the Videos API and every Sora 2 model alias would be removed on September 24, 2026; the Sora app and website had already closed on April 26. OpenAI's deprecation notice lists no successor model.
AutoDirector retired Sora 2 ahead of that date so nobody is left with a failing generation. Your existing Sora 2 videos stay in your library. New generations simply go to a different model — and the prompting style Sora 2 rewarded (subject, action, environment, lens, camera move) transfers directly.
The closest replacements on AutoDirector: MiniMax H3 for cinematic 2K clips with native audio at a similar per-second price, Seedance 2.5 for single-pass takes up to 30 seconds, and Veo 3.1 for Google's flagship quality. All three run text to video and image to video, on the same account and credits.
Sora 2 vs. its replacements
| Sora 2 | Discontinued — API removed September 24, 2026 |
|---|---|
| MiniMax H3 | Text · image · reference to video, 4–15s, 768P / 2K, native audio, from 4 credits/s |
| Seedance 2.5 | Text · image · reference to video, 4–30s, up to 1080P, native audio, from 8 credits/s |
| Veo 3.1 | Text · image to video, 4 / 6 / 8s, up to 4K, Fast and Pro tiers |
| Your Sora 2 videos | Kept in your library, downloadable as before |
What each replacement does best
MiniMax H3 — the price-for-price swap
Starts at the same 4 credits per second Sora 2 charged, adds native audio and a 2K tier, and supports reference to video, which Sora 2 never did.
Seedance 2.5 — longer takes
Up to 30 seconds in one uncut generation with native audio; the pick when a Sora 2 shot felt too short.
Veo 3.1 — physical realism
Google's model is the strongest match for the material and lighting realism people used Sora 2 for, with 4K output on the Pro tier.
Same prompts, same workflow
Director-style prompts written for Sora 2 work on all three. Pick the model in the generator; nothing else changes.
One account, one balance
No new signups or invite codes. Credits you already hold spend on any model in the list.
Nothing lost
Generated Sora 2 clips remain in My Creations with download and share intact.
How to move a Sora 2 workflow
- 1
Open Text to Video or Image to Video
The same two modes Sora 2 offered. Reference to video is available too on MiniMax H3 and Seedance 2.5.
- 2
Pick the replacement model
MiniMax H3 for a like-for-like price, Seedance 2.5 for length, Veo 3.1 for realism. The credit cost shows before you submit.
- 3
Paste your Sora 2 prompt
Subject, action, setting, camera move — the structure carries over. Physical detail still helps on every model.
- 4
Generate and compare
Run the same prompt on two models with one click each, then keep the take you prefer.
Sora 2-style prompts to try on the replacements
These were written for Sora 2's strengths — run them on MiniMax H3 or Veo 3.1.
Physics showcase
Slow motion: a glass of iced tea tips over on a wooden table, ice cubes tumbling, liquid spreading toward the camera, warm afternoon light through blinds, shallow depth of field
Cinematic tracking shot
Steadicam follows a woman in a red coat walking through a rainy Tokyo alley at night, neon reflections in puddles, steam from vents, cinematic color grade, 35mm look
Vertical product tease
Vertical video: sneaker drops onto wet asphalt from above, splash freezes mid-air, camera orbits the frozen splash, dramatic studio lighting, dark background
Replacement pricing
MiniMax H3: 4 credits per second at 768P, 6 at 2K — a 4-second test costs 16 credits, the same as Sora 2 did.
Seedance 2.5: 8 credits per second at 480P, 20 at 720P, 50 at 1080P.
Failed generations caused by system errors are automatically refunded.
See credit packs and plansSora 2 shutdown FAQ
Is Sora 2 really shutting down?
Yes. OpenAI's deprecation notice removes the Videos API and all Sora 2 model aliases on September 24, 2026, and names no replacement model. The Sora app and website closed on April 26, 2026.
Can I still generate with Sora 2 on AutoDirector?
No. We retired it ahead of the shutdown so generations don't fail mid-way. Videos you already made with Sora 2 remain in your library.
What is the closest Sora 2 alternative?
MiniMax H3 is the closest on price and modes, with native audio and a 2K tier on top. For physical realism specifically, Veo 3.1 is the strongest match.
Do my Sora 2 prompts still work?
Yes. Director-style prompts — subject, action, environment, lens, camera move — transfer directly to MiniMax H3, Seedance 2.5 and Veo 3.1.
Do I need a new account or invite code?
No. Every model runs on the same AutoDirector account and credit balance. Pick a different model in the generator and continue.
Models available now
Move your Sora 2 shots to a model that's staying
MiniMax H3, Seedance 2.5 and Veo 3.1 — same prompts, same credits.