How to Use Sora 2: Complete Beginner's Tutorial
Everything you need to know to start creating stunning AI videos with OpenAI Sora 2
Sora 2 makes AI video generation accessible to everyone. This complete beginner's guide walks you through everything from creating your account to generating your first professional-quality video.
Step 1: Getting Access to Sora 2
Creating Your OpenAI Account
To use Sora 2, you'll need an OpenAI account with access to Sora:
- 1. Visit openai.com
- 2. Click "Sign Up" and create an account with your email
- 3. Verify your email address
- 4. Navigate to the Sora section in your dashboard
- 5. Choose a subscription plan (see pricing options below)
Understanding Subscription Tiers
| Plan | Videos/Month | Max Duration | Resolution | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free | 5 videos | 20 seconds | 1080p | $0 |
| Plus | 50 videos | 60 seconds | 1080p | $20/month |
| Pro | Unlimited | 60 seconds | 4K | $200/month |
Step 2: Understanding the Sora 2 Interface
Main Dashboard Components
Once you're logged in, you'll see the Sora 2 dashboard with these key sections:
Prompt Input Box
Large text area where you'll write your video description. Supports up to 500 characters.
Advanced Settings
Options for duration, aspect ratio, style presets, and quality settings.
Generation History
View all your previously generated videos, download, or regenerate with modifications.
Prompt Library
Access curated prompt templates for different styles and use cases.
Step 3: Writing Your First Prompt
Basic Prompt Structure
A good Sora 2 prompt should describe:
- Subject: What is the main focus of your video?
- Action: What is happening in the scene?
- Setting: Where does this take place?
- Style: What visual aesthetic do you want?
Your First Prompt Example
Simple Beginner Prompt:
"A golden retriever puppy playing with a red ball in a sunny backyard, shot in slow motion with natural lighting, photorealistic style"
Why this works:
- ✓ Clear subject (golden retriever puppy)
- ✓ Specific action (playing with red ball)
- ✓ Defined setting (sunny backyard)
- ✓ Technical details (slow motion, natural lighting)
- ✓ Style specified (photorealistic)
Step 4: Configuring Advanced Settings
Duration Settings
Choose your video length based on your needs:
- 5-15 seconds: Social media clips, quick moments
- 20-30 seconds: Product demos, short narratives
- 40-60 seconds: Complete stories, commercials
Aspect Ratio Options
YouTube, presentations
TikTok, Instagram Stories
Instagram feed, Facebook
Step 5: Generating Your Video
The Generation Process
1. Review Your Prompt
Double-check for spelling, clarity, and completeness before generating.
2. Click "Generate Video"
The generation typically takes 1-2 minutes. You'll see a progress indicator.
3. Preview and Download
Once complete, preview your video. If satisfied, download in your preferred format.
Step 6: Improving Your Results
Iteration Tips
Your first generation might not be perfect. Here's how to improve:
Common Refinements:
- Add specificity: Include more details about colors, sizes, emotions
- Adjust camera work: Specify angles, movements, framing
- Refine lighting: Mention time of day, mood, light sources
- Change speed: Add "slow motion" or "time-lapse" if needed
- Modify style: Try different artistic approaches
Common Beginner Mistakes
Mistake #1: Vague Prompts
❌ Too Vague
"A dog playing"
✓ Specific
"A border collie catching a frisbee mid-air in a park at sunset"
Mistake #2: Conflicting Instructions
❌ Contradictory
"Bright sunny day in a dark, moody atmosphere"
✓ Consistent
"Overcast day with soft, diffused lighting creating a calm mood"
Mistake #3: Ignoring Technical Details
Always include camera and lighting information for better results. Technical specifications help Sora 2 understand exactly what you want.
Quick Start Checklist
Before Generating:
- ✓ Account created and verified
- ✓ Subscription plan selected
- ✓ Prompt includes subject, action, setting, and style
- ✓ Duration and aspect ratio configured
- ✓ Prompt reviewed for clarity and consistency
- ✓ Understanding of generation time (1-2 minutes)
Next Steps
Now that you know the basics, enhance your skills with these resources:
- Advanced Prompt Writing Guide - Master prompt engineering
- 50+ Best Prompt Examples - Learn from top prompts
- AI Prompt Generator - Generate optimized prompts instantly
- 10 Common Mistakes to Avoid - Troubleshoot issues
Pro Tip
Start with simple prompts and gradually add complexity as you learn what works. Save successful prompts in a document for future reference and modification.