OpenAI Introduces Paid Packs for Sora After Free Video Limit Reached
Key Points
- OpenAI adds paid "video generation packs" to Sora after free daily limit is reached.
- Free limit: ~30 videos per day; Pro limit: ~100 videos per day.
- A bundle of ten extra generations costs roughly $4 via the App Store.
- Bill Peebles explained the change on X, citing rising demand and GPU constraints.
- Free quotas are described as temporary; future adjustments will be communicated transparently.
OpenAI has begun monetizing its AI video app Sora by offering paid "video generation packs" once users hit the daily free limit. Previously, users could create up to 30 videos per day for free, or up to 100 with a Pro subscription. When the cap is reached, the app prompts users to buy additional generations through the App Store, with a bundle of ten extra videos costing roughly $4. Bill Peebles explained on X that the change reflects growing demand and the need to manage GPU resources, noting that free quotas are likely temporary.
OpenAI Expands Sora’s Monetization Model
OpenAI is shifting the economics of its AI‑driven video platform Sora by introducing paid "video generation packs" that let users purchase additional video generations after they exceed the daily free allowance. The move comes shortly after Sora opened its service to the broader public, removing the earlier invite‑only restriction.
Current Free Limits and New Pricing Structure
Until now, Sora allowed users to generate roughly 30 videos per day at no cost, with a higher ceiling of about 100 videos per day for users who subscribed to a Pro tier. When a user reaches these caps, the app displays a prompt directing them to the App Store to buy extra "gens." A small bundle of ten additional generations is listed at approximately $4, according to the App Store entry. OpenAI’s support documentation clarifies that the exact credit consumption per video varies based on factors such as video length and resolution.
Reasoning Behind the Change
Bill Peebles, a spokesperson for OpenAI, confirmed the new policy in a post on X. He cited rising demand and “unsustainable” economics as the primary drivers, emphasizing that the free quota options are likely temporary. Peebles noted that the company must eventually reduce free generations to accommodate growth, explaining that the limitation is tied to the availability of GPU capacity needed to power the video generation process.
Implications for Users
Current Sora users who rely on the free daily limit will now encounter a paywall once they exhaust their allotted videos. The introduction of paid packs provides a way to continue using the service without interruption, but it also adds a cost component that may affect user adoption, especially for casual creators. Pro subscribers may see a shift in the value proposition of their existing plan if the free cap is lowered.
Future Outlook
OpenAI has indicated that it will remain transparent about any adjustments to the free quota as the service evolves. While the paid packs represent a new revenue stream, the company’s emphasis on GPU constraints suggests that further refinements to usage limits or pricing could follow as demand continues to grow.