Learn how to generate AI videos from descriptive prompts for free using OpenAI’s Sora text-to-video model, no need to purchase a ChatGPT subscription.
OpenAI unveiled Sora in February 2025. Using Sora’s text-to-video AI model requires a ChatGPT subscription, but you don’t have to pay anything to generate AI videos with Sora if you download Microsoft Bing to your iPhone and iPad.
Having backed OpenAI in exchange for access to its technology, Microsoft recently introduced Video Creator, its own AI video creation tool based on Sora, available within Bing, that lets you “turn your ideas into videos, for free.”
How to generate AI videos with Sora for free
Sora-powered Bing Video Creator is currently available in the mobile Bing app for free, with Microsoft planning to release it on desktop at Bing.com/create. To generate an AI video, launch the Bing mobile app on your iPhone or iPad, hit the menu in the bottom-right corner and select “Video Creator.”
Now type a description of the video you’d like to create in the prompt box, then hit “Create”. You can also just type “Create a video of…” directly into Bing’s search bar.
Microsoft provided fun prompt examples:
- “In a busy Italian pizza restaurant, a small otter works as a chef and wears a chef’s hat and an apron. He kneads the dough with his paws and is surrounded by other pizza ingredients.”
- “A dog wearing headphones, with the ear cups perfectly aligned with its ears.”
Once the video has finished generating, you’ll receive a notification. You can generate AI videos with Sora in Bing that are up to five seconds long in the 9:16 aspect ratio, with support for the 16:9 format coming soon. Bing lets you download your AI videos, share them with friends and family or share a direct link to the videos.
Microsoft provided these tips and tricks for prompts:
- Be descriptive: The more vivid and specific your prompt, the better the results. Instead of “a person walking,” try “a young woman in a red coat walking through a snowy forest at sunrise.” The more detail, the better. Including camera angles and lighting also helps the model deliver what you are looking for.
- Use action-oriented, scene-setting language: Verbs like “dancing,” “exploring,” or “transforming” help the AI understand motion and intent, resulting in more dynamic visuals. Adjectives like “cinematic,” “sunny,” or “dreamy,” help craft the overall feeling of the video.
- Experiment with tone and style: Want something cinematic? Add “in the style of a movie trailer.” Looking for something playful? Try “animated like a cartoon.” Prompt modifiers can dramatically shift the aesthetic.
Free AI video creation with Sora is unavailable in the standalone Copilot app.
Sora is now available in Bing for free
“Powered by Sora, Bing Video Creator transforms your text prompts into short videos,” Microsoft announced on the Bing blog. “Just describe what you want to see and watch your vision come to life.” The Windows maker notes you can queue up to three Sora video generations at a time within Bing. “If all three slots are in use, you’ll need to wait for one to finish before starting another.”
If Bing Video Creator is unavailable in the Bing app on your device, be sure you’re on the latest version by clicking “Update” on Bing’s App Store page. If you don’t see this option, you already have the latest version.
Sora on ChatGPT restricts you to 50 priority videos (1,000 credits) at resolutions up to 720p with 5-second durations. To remove these restrictions, you must opt for a ChatGPT Plus ($20/month) or Pro subscription ($200/month) for unlimited generations, up to 500 priority videos, 1080p resolution and 20-second durations. You can also download your AI video creators without a watermark and take advantage of other subscription perks, such as five simultaneous generations.