OpenAI expands Sora with reusable AI characters
OpenAI has rolled out a major update to its Sora video generator. The new version, called Sora 2, adds reusable “character cameos” and a new video stitching tool. Together, they make AI video creation more flexible and personal for users.
Character cameos bring continuity to AI videos
The character cameo feature lets users turn almost anything—people, pets, drawings, or toys—into reusable video characters. Each character has its own permissions and settings. Users can keep them private, share them with followers, or make them public.
According to OpenAI, every character gets a display name and handle, which users can tag in their videos. The company says these cameos can be built from original personas generated directly in Sora. This gives creators more control over the stories they design.
Questions over AI likeness and usage
However, OpenAI has not clarified how the system treats AI-generated people created using other tools. It also remains unclear how Sora distinguishes between real people and photorealistic AI characters.
The timing of this update is also notable. Celebrity video platform Cameo recently sued OpenAI over the use of the word “cameo” in Sora’s features. The dispute adds another layer of attention to this launch.
Sora introduces multi-scene video creation
Another major addition is video stitching, which lets users connect several clips into one seamless video. This feature supports longer storytelling and multi-scene editing, helping creators make more dynamic AI videos.
Sora 2 also brings leaderboards that display top creators, the most remixed clips, and trending characters. These updates aim to boost engagement and encourage creative collaboration within the platform.
Wider access and growing reach
To attract more users, OpenAI has temporarily made Sora easier to access. For a limited time, people in the US, Canada, Japan, and Korea can sign up without an invitation code. This move should help the company test how new users interact with these tools and gather feedback.
A step toward AI-powered storytelling
With these updates, OpenAI is pushing Sora closer to the workflows of animation and short filmmaking. The ability to reuse characters and stitch scenes together marks a shift from short clips to multi-layered storytelling powered by AI.
As these tools evolve, creators will gain new ways to experiment with AI-generated videos. They can build stories with continuity, style, and personality — all within Sora’s creative ecosystem.
