OpenAI's official Help Center says the Sora web and app experiences were discontinued on April 26, 2026, and that the Sora API will be discontinued on September 24, 2026. If Sora is part of a creative or application workflow, this is a useful time to document requirements and evaluate other AI video tools.
This guide is informational. It does not name a single winner or present any platform as a direct replacement for Sora.
Start with the workflow, not the brand
Before comparing products, write down what the workflow must do. A team may need text-to-video experimentation, visual storytelling, avatar-led explainers, localization, editing, or API access. These are different jobs, so a tool that fits one may not fit another.
For the official discontinuation timeline and export guidance, read OpenAI's Sora discontinuation article. Treat that source as the authority for Sora dates and account-data instructions.
Two video platforms to evaluate
Runway is included in the directory's Video Generation category. On its official homepage, Runway presents Runway Creative and identifies Gen-4.5 as a video model. Review the Runway homepage for its current product positioning and documentation before testing it.
Synthesia is also listed in the Video Generation category. Its official homepage describes an all-in-one AI Video platform for business and highlights AI avatars, video translation, and a free AI video tool. Review the Synthesia homepage for current capabilities and access details.
These platforms are presented here as examples with different official product framings, not as equivalent Sora replacements. Browse the broader Video Generation category to compare additional directory entries.
Migration checklist
- Inventory dependencies. Record prompts, source assets, output formats, API calls, and approval steps that currently depend on Sora.
- Separate use cases. Mark each requirement as generative video, editing, avatars, translation, or another workflow so tests are comparable.
- Confirm the date. Plan around the September 24, 2026 API discontinuation date stated by OpenAI, and check the official source for updates.
- Run a small pilot. Test representative inputs with the vendor's current product and document quality, controls, export behavior, and team fit.
- Review governance. Check data handling, user permissions, retention, and review requirements before moving production work.
Neutral buying guidance
AI video products change quickly. Compare current vendor documentation, test with your own material, and record the date of each review. The directory's Video Generation category is a starting point, not a substitute for vendor due diligence.
Disclaimer: This article is informational and does not constitute an endorsement, ranking, or recommendation. Features, availability, and timelines can change. Consult the linked official sources before making operational or purchasing decisions.