Sora tutorial: How to create AI videos with OpenAI’s text-to-video tool

AI just made video storytelling simple.

OpenAI has launched Sora, its text-to-video tool. And it is really powerful!

It’s changing — and will continue to change — how we create content.

Best of all — it’s included in your OpenAI Plus subscription.

Let’s dive into our simple Sora tutorial.

How to structure a Sora video prompt

To get started, go to Sora (or access it through ChatGPT).

Then start prompting.

Good prompts are key to getting great results with Sora.

A strong prompt has four parts:

1. Camera shot & movement

2. Subject & action

3. Setting & atmosphere

4. Style & aesthetics

Let's go through them.

1. Camera shot & movement

Start with a camera shot type to define the framing and motion:

• Establishing wide ... – Sets the scene, perfect for landscapes

• Close-up dolly in/out ... – Adds intimacy or drama

• Orbiting scenery ... – Dynamic 360° movement

• Handheld ... – Realistic, natural feel

• Slow motion ... / fast motion ... – Controls pacing

• First-person view ... – Immersive, action-heavy shots

• Surreal levitation ... – Defies physics for dreamlike visuals

2. Subject & action

Clearly define what’s happening:

• … a masked dancer spins under neon lights …

• … a futuristic drone flies through a cyberpunk city …

• … a cowboy rides across the desert at sunset …

• … a scientist examines glowing crystals in a cave …

3. Setting & atmosphere

Describe the environment, time, and mood:

• … foggy alleyway at night, neon reflections on wet pavement …

• … sunlit ocean waves, gentle breeze, golden hour …

• … desert landscape under a purple twilight sky …

• … ancient temple ruins overgrown with jungle vines …

4. Style & aesthetics

Add a visual feel or cinematic style:

• … realistic documentar

• … cinematic 35mm film

• … dynamic motion

• … nightlight portrait

Some example Sora prompts

Below are some example Sora prompts following our prompt structure.

Try them yourself!

Rooftop ballerina

Slow motion shot of a ballerina performing on a rooftop in the rain, dramatic city skyline behind her, droplets dancing in the air, cinematic 35mm film, emotional tone

Cyberpunk city walk

Close-up dolly in on a hooded figure walking through a rainy cyberpunk city, neon lights reflecting on the wet pavement, cinematic 35mm film, dynamic motion

Campfire in the mountains

Handheld shot of a group of friends laughing around a campfire in the mountains at dusk, warm glow on their faces, snow-capped peaks in the background, nightlight portrait, natural grain

Futuristic race car drift

Orbiting scenery around a futuristic race car speeding along a neon-lit track, sparks flying as it drifts a corner, cinematic 35mm film, dynamic motion

Medieval village

Establishing wide shot of a medieval village at sunrise, villagers preparing the market, fog lifting from the cobblestone streets, realistic documentary, soft natural light

Space station flythrough

First-person view of a drone flying through an abandoned space station, flickering lights and floating debris, eerie silence, sci-fi noir, surreal levitation

Pro tips to improve your Sora videos

Already writing good prompts?

Here are a few extra tricks to make your videos even better:

• Stay concise – Too much detail can confuse the model. Be vivid, not wordy

• Refine your wording – Small tweaks can lead to big improvements. Try variations

• Experiment with style presets – Use Film Noir, Stop Motion, or create your own look

• Use reference images – Upload a photo to guide Sora’s visual interpretation

• Test multiple versions – Generate 2–4 to compare mood, pacing, or framing

Sora use cases for business

Sora isn’t just for fun — it’s a powerful tool for your business.

Here are a few smart ways to use it:

🎯 Marketing & advertising

• Product demos – Showcase products in action without filming

• Branded content – Create seasonal promos, tutorials, and social clips

• Personalized campaigns – Tailor videos using customer data

🧠 Training and internal communication

• Onboarding videos – Make employee training faster and more engaging

• Leadership updates – Replace long emails with short video briefings

🛍️ And beyond

• Design pitches – Turn 2D blueprints into animated visualizations

• E-learning content – Transform textbooks into visual lessons

• Virtual product showcases – Simulate how items look or work

• Visual FAQs – Turn guides into short, helpful explainer videos

And a lot more.

Sora tutorial: Final thoughts

With Sora, creating AI videos has become much easier. No need for cameras, production, or complicated editing — just creativity and ideas.

Have you tried it out yet? 

If you need help getting started with Sora — or using AI in your business — feel free to reach out!