OpenAI Begins Selling Extra Credits for Sora Video Generation
Key Points
- OpenAI now sells a bundle of ten extra Sora video generations for $4 via the Apple App Store.
- The platform currently allows thirty free video generations per day for all users.
- Company officials warn that the free‑generation limit may be lowered in the future due to GPU constraints.
- OpenAI plans to let right‑sholders license their copyrighted material for cameo‑style uses within Sora.
- The cameo licensing idea is introduced while OpenAI faces a trademark infringement lawsuit from Cameo.
OpenAI has started offering paid extensions for its Sora AI video‑generation tool. Users can purchase an extra ten video generations for $4 through the Apple App Store, supplementing the existing limit of thirty free generations per day. Company officials say the free quota may be lowered in the future as GPU capacity becomes a constraint. OpenAI also hinted at a broader monetization strategy that would let right‑sholders license their copyrighted characters, artwork, or likenesses for cameo‑style uses, a move that comes amid a trademark lawsuit from Cameo.
OpenAI Introduces Paid Credits for Sora
OpenAI has opened a new revenue stream for its Sora AI video‑generation service by selling additional credits to power users. Through the Apple App Store, customers can buy a bundle of ten extra video generations for a price of $4. This purchase is intended to supplement the platform’s current offering of thirty free generations per day.
Potential Reduction of Free Generations
Company leadership has signaled that the existing free‑generation limit may be reduced over time. The rationale provided is a shortage of GPU resources needed to sustain the present level of usage. Executives emphasized that any changes will be communicated transparently to users.
Future Monetization via Licensing
Beyond selling extra credits, OpenAI is exploring a licensing model that would allow right‑sholders to monetize their copyrighted material within the Sora ecosystem. This could include artwork, characters, or personal likenesses, enabling a “cameo” feature where creators could charge for the use of their intellectual property in generated videos.
Legal Context and Controversy
The proposed cameo licensing approach arrives amid a trademark infringement lawsuit filed by Cameo against OpenAI. Critics have described the strategy as bold, noting the juxtaposition of a monetization plan that relies on copyrighted material while the company faces legal challenges over similar usage.
Implications for Users and Creators
For power users, the new credit purchase offers a straightforward way to exceed the daily free limit without waiting for the quota to reset. For creators and rights holders, the licensing model could open a new revenue channel, though its implementation remains subject to ongoing legal scrutiny.