Comparison · Video
Veo 3.1 vs Sora 2: Sora is discontinued, so what should you use instead?
Veo 3 vs Sora 2 was the video comparison of late 2025. In 2026 the question changed: OpenAI discontinued the Sora app on April 26, 2026, and its developer pages list the Sora 2 API and models as shut down on September 24, 2026. Here is how Veo 3.1 covers the same job, and where Kling and Seedance fit.
Plans from $19/month. A paid plan is required to generate images and videos. Paid plans include a commercial license, and the credit cost is shown before you generate.
AI-generated example: Veo 3.1 Fast image-to-video from a Nano Banana Pro still, made through the same endpoint the studio offers. We do not show a Sora 2 sample. Illustrative, not customer work.
Quick answer
- Sora 2 is no longer available from OpenAI: the web and app experiences ended on April 26, 2026, and the Sora 2 API on September 24, 2026.
- In the web studio, Veo 3.1 covers the same core job (text or photo to video with synchronized sound) and adds reference images and first and last frame control.
- For character-led multi-shot scenes, also try Kling 3.0. For shots built from many references, try Seedance 2.0 or 2.5.
Side by side
Veo 3.1 vs Sora 2 at a glance
| Criterion | Veo 3.1 | Sora 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | Google DeepMind | OpenAI |
| Status (October 2026) | Available in AI Media Studio's web studio (Veo 3.1, Fast, Lite) | Discontinued: app on April 26, 2026; API on September 24, 2026 |
| Audio | Native audio, from conversation to sound effects (Google) | Synchronized dialogue and sound effects (OpenAI, at launch) |
| Inputs | Text, a photo, up to 3 reference images, first and last frame | Text and images (while available) |
| First and last frame in the web studio | Veo 3.1 Fast generates a transition between two stills | No longer applicable |
Pick Veo 3.1 when
- You want the closest replacement for Sora 2-style clips with sound
- A character or product must stay consistent across shots (reference images)
- You need a transition between two stills
Also try
- Kling 3.0 for dialogue in several languages and multi-shot direction
- Seedance 2.0 or 2.5 for many references and longer single takes
- Grok Imagine for quick extra takes from the same photo
How to use it
Both models in AI Media Studio
Opens the studio with Veo 3.1 Fast selected. Add a photo as the first frame or write a prompt.
Animate a photo with Veo 3.1- 01
Bring your old prompt or a still
Your Sora prompts are a good starting point: describe subject, motion, camera and sound.
- 02
Run it on Veo 3.1 Fast
Then try Kling or Seedance on the same input. The credit cost appears before each generation.
- 03
Keep the best take
Compare the results side by side and download the one that fits.
Compare
Compare with other models
Veo 3.1
Every Veo version in the studio.
Kling 3.0
Multi-language speech and multi-shot direction.
Seedance vs Kling
Two more video models, same photo.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Is Sora 2 still available?
No. OpenAI discontinued the Sora web and app experiences on April 26, 2026, and its developer documentation lists the Sora 2 models and Videos API as shut down on September 24, 2026.
What is the closest Sora 2 alternative?
In the web studio, Veo 3.1 covers the same core job (text or photo to video with synchronized sound) and adds reference images and first and last frame control. Kling 3.0 and Seedance 2.0 and 2.5 are also worth testing on the same prompt.
Was Sora 2 better than Veo 3?
They were close competitors with different strengths, and the answer depended on the shot. Today the practical question is which available model fits your clip, so run the same prompt on Veo 3.1, Kling and Seedance and compare.
Can I still download my Sora videos?
Export options are covered in OpenAI's Help Center article on the Sora discontinuation. AI Media Studio cannot access Sora libraries.
Do I need a paid plan to use Veo 3.1 here?
Yes. Plans start at $19/month and include a commercial license. The credit cost is shown before you generate.
Sources
- OpenAI Help Center: What to know about the Sora discontinuation
- OpenAI: Sora 2 is here (Sep 30, 2025)
- Google Developers Blog: Introducing Veo 3.1
Reviewed . Model availability and versions in the studio can change; the model menu always shows what is live.
Nano Banana, Gemini and Veo are trademarks of Google LLC. Kling is a trademark of Kuaishou. Seedance and Seedream are trademarks of ByteDance. GPT Image and Sora are trademarks of OpenAI. Grok is a trademark of xAI. AI Media Studio is an independent product and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by these companies.
Comparison · Video
Every top AI model. One studio.
Animate a photo with Veo 3.1Plans from $19/month. A paid plan is required to generate images and videos. Paid plans include a commercial license, and the credit cost is shown before you generate.