OpenAI has effectively suspended its artificial intelligence video generation tool Sora, prompting users who had grown used to it to search for alternatives. On March 30, IT outlet TechRadar presented three options after Sora: Google Gemini's Veo 3.1, Runway and Kling.

The suspension of Sora heightened user shock because there was little advance notice. With OpenAI deciding to put the Sora service on hold without any special announcement, existing users have been put in a position where they need to find alternative tools. While there are many AI video generation tools, their levels of polish vary widely, and some criticism has emerged that certain services are limited to making one-off clips for social media. Users therefore need to select tools based on practical usability and the quality of results, rather than choosing blindly.

So what AI video generation tool is the right fit for users. If they are looking for the app most similar to Sora, Google's Veo 3.1 is cited as the most likely alternative. Google is stressing that it has no plans to discontinue Gemini's video generation features even as Sora disappears. Veo 3.1's strengths are generating clear 4K video and supporting native audio. It can create dialogue, background sound and music at once. It also supports storytelling that continues across multiple scenes and the use of reference images, helping maintain character consistency.

However, the free Basic plan does not include video generation features. The $7.99 per month AI Plus plan and the $19.99 per month AI Pro plan allow users to create up to 2 and 3 videos a day, respectively, using Veo 3.1 Fast. The higher-tier AI Ultra plan costs $249 a month and allows Veo 3.1 to be used up to 5 times a day.

For professional creators, Runway can be an alternative. Runway is a tool for people who want to direct videos, not just create them with prompts. It is essentially closer to a collection of editing tools that includes AI generation functions, making it difficult to compare directly with Sora. But for users who want more full-fledged video production, it may be a more suitable option. Payment is credit-based, and free credits are provided upon sign-up. It may require an initial adjustment period, and during registration users can choose whether to receive guidance on features.

In terms of video length and usability, Kling was presented as a service in the middle. Kling offers clips of up to 120 seconds, making its videos longer than other services, and it is cited for strengths including realistic motion and image-to-video functions. It is also seen as easier to use than Runway. Users can create an account on the official website (or a production platform that includes Kling) and start with free credits.

In the end, it is hard to say there is a single "Sora replacement". Still, Veo 3.1 is cited as the closest option for those seeking a similar user experience to Sora, while Runway is suggested for those who want fine control over outputs, and Kling as an alternative with a middle-ground character. With the "big name" of Sora gone, the market has become more fragmented than before, but there is an assessment that choices are still sufficient.