Microsoft brings OpenAI’s Sora to Bing Video Creator for free

Microsoft is integrating OpenAI’s Sora video generation model into its Bing mobile app, marking a significant shift in how generative AI video tools are reaching consumers. While Sora initially generated excitement for its realism and capabilities when launched in December 2024, it now faces intense competition from rivals like Runway, Luma, and several Chinese competitors that have matched or surpassed its capabilities. This mobile implementation represents a new phase in the democratization of AI video creation tools through mainstream consumer applications.

The big picture: Microsoft has added OpenAI’s Sora model to its Bing mobile app through a new Bing Video Creator feature, making advanced AI video generation accessible to everyday smartphone users.

• The feature allows users to create five-second AI-generated videos from text prompts directly within the free Bing app on both iOS and Android platforms.
• This integration comes as Sora faces increasing competition from numerous rivals that have matched or exceeded its capabilities since its initial preview nearly 10 months ago.

How it works: Users can access the video creation tool through the Bing mobile app’s menu or by typing specific prompts into the search bar.

• Opening the Bing Mobile app and tapping the menu in the bottom right corner allows users to select “Video Creator.”
• Alternatively, typing a prompt beginning with “Create a video of…” into the Bing search bar automatically launches the video creation process.

Key limitations: The current implementation offers restricted functionality compared to standalone AI video platforms.

• Videos are currently limited to 5-second clips in vertical (9:16) format, though Microsoft says horizontal (16:9) aspect ratios are “coming soon.”
• The tool currently only supports text-to-video generation, not video-to-video transformations.

Usage allowances: Microsoft is offering the tool for free with tiered generation speeds based on usage patterns.

• Each user receives ten “Fast” video generations that complete in seconds before being limited to unlimited “Standard” speed generations that take minutes.
• Users can gain additional Fast generations by redeeming 100 Microsoft Rewards points.

Responsible AI approach: Microsoft emphasizes safety and content verification measures built into the platform.

• The system incorporates C2PA standards for content credentials to help verify the origin of generated videos.
• Moderation features are designed to block potentially harmful video generation prompts.