The Sora 2 Waitlist is the only gateway to OpenAI’s next-gen video AI. From filmmakers to marketers, creators worldwide are racing to secure early access. ✍️ Here’s how the waitlist works, who gets priority, and what to expect once your invite arrives.
Generates videos up to
Resolutions up to
OpenAI has officially announced Sora 2, the next generation of its groundbreaking text-to-video system. With major upgrades — including synchronized audio, longer video durations, and higher-resolution rendering — demand is already skyrocketing.
But there’s a catch: access is limited. Instead of an open rollout, OpenAI is using a waitlist system. In this article, we’ll explain:
What the Sora 2 waitlist is
Who can apply and how to join
What to expect after signing up
Why OpenAI uses a waitlist approach
Practical advice while waiting for access
The Sora 2 waitlist is OpenAI’s official registration queue for early access to the system. Instead of immediately opening to the public, OpenAI is granting access in waves — starting with researchers, safety evaluators, and selected creators.
This phased rollout ensures OpenAI can manage demand, gather feedback, and address safety or technical concerns before broader availability.
Anyone can apply to the waitlist, but OpenAI is currently prioritizing certain groups:
Academic researchers & AI safety experts – to stress-test the system against misuse (deepfakes, disinformation, etc.).
Creative professionals – filmmakers, marketers, and agencies who can showcase the system’s real-world potential.
ChatGPT Pro users – many Pro subscribers are expected to gain access earlier than free users.
Geographic regions – early rollout is concentrated in the U.S. and Canada, with expansion planned later.
Visit OpenAI’s official Sora 2 page: openai.com/sora
Fill out the waitlist form with your name, email, and professional background.
Optional: Provide details about how you plan to use Sora 2 (this can improve your chances of early selection).
Submit and confirm via email.
Once completed, you’ll be placed in the queue. OpenAI will notify you by email if and when you’re granted access.
No guaranteed timeline — Access may take days, weeks, or even months depending on demand and rollout phase.
Email confirmation — You’ll receive a confirmation that you’re on the list.
Priority factors — Your profession, location, and subscription tier may influence when you’re invited.
Access type — Some users will get limited trials (short video duration, capped credits), while others may unlock extended features.
Compute limits — High-resolution video generation consumes enormous GPU resources; controlled rollout avoids server overload.
Safety review — A waitlist lets OpenAI monitor usage, spot policy violations, and refine content filters.
User experience — Staggered access helps keep queue times manageable and ensures Pro users get priority performance.
Market testing — OpenAI can adjust pricing, features, and credit systems based on waitlist feedback before full launch.
Stay subscribed to ChatGPT Pro: This often unlocks faster access to new features, including Sora 2.
Engage with OpenAI community updates: Watch for announcements in OpenAI’s blog .
Experiment with alternatives: Tools like Runway, Pika, or Google’s Veo 2 can give you a taste of AI video while waiting.
Prepare creative prompts: Have storyboards, shot ideas, and prompt variations ready so you can hit the ground running when invited.
The Sora 2 waitlist is the official gateway to experiencing OpenAI’s most advanced video generation system yet. While the queue may feel long, the phased rollout ensures both safety and quality for early adopters.
If you’re eager to experiment with cinematic AI, sign up today — and keep an eye on your inbox for the invite.
Try Sora 2You can join by filling out the official form on OpenAI’s Sora page. Provide your name, email, and (optionally) details about how you plan to use Sora 2.
There is no guaranteed timeline. Some users may get access in days, others may wait weeks or months depending on region, subscription tier, and usage demand.
Not a full guarantee — but Pro users are prioritized in the rollout. Many reports suggest Pro subscribers will be among the first invited.
Yes, you can sign up from anywhere. However, initial access is restricted to U.S. and Canadian users, with global rollout planned later.
If your details change (e.g., you upgrade to Pro or change your professional role), you can submit again with updated information. OpenAI typically uses the latest submission for evaluation.
No — joining the waitlist is free. However, using Sora 2 may require a paid subscription (e.g., ChatGPT Pro) once you’re accepted.
Access may vary. Some users will get limited trial access (short video duration, capped credits), while Pro or enterprise-level users may unlock longer durations, higher resolution, and fewer limits.
Because Sora 2 is compute-heavy and safety-sensitive, OpenAI uses a waitlist to:
Manage demand and GPU load
Test content filters
Prioritize researchers, creators, and Pro users
Gather early feedback
Yes — you’ll receive an email invite with instructions on how to access Sora 2 once your account is approved.
Stay subscribed to ChatGPT Pro for priority access
Watch OpenAI’s official blog for updates
Try other AI video tools (Runway, Pika, Google Veo) to sharpen your skills
Prepare creative prompts so you can start testing Sora 2 immediately when invited