Sora 2 Prompts: Complete 2025 Guide to OpenAI's Video AI

OpenAI's Sora 2 changed video generation overnight.

Unlike its predecessor, Sora 2 produces videos up to 25 seconds long. The physics look real. Characters stay consistent. Lighting behaves properly.

But most creators get mediocre results.

Why?

They write vague prompts. They miss critical parameters. They don't understand how Sora 2 interprets instructions.

This guide fixes that.

You'll learn the exact prompting formula that works. Real examples from our 50-prompt library. Parameter combinations that matter. Techniques professionals use daily.

Let's start.

The Sora 2 Prompting Formula

Every strong Sora 2 prompt follows this structure:

Shot Type + Subject + Action + Environment + Lighting + Camera Details + Sound

Here's why each element matters:

Shot Type

Tells Sora 2 the framing and perspective.

Examples:

• Wide shot
• Medium close-up
• Overhead shot
• Drone aerial view

Without this, Sora 2 defaults to medium shots. Often not what you want.

Subject

The main focus of your video.

Be specific. "Woman" becomes "woman in her 30s wearing forest green sweater."

Detail creates consistency.

Action

What happens during the clip.

Break complex actions into time-stamped sequences:

• (0-3s): Character enters frame, looks around
• (3-6s): Picks up object, examines it closely
• (6-8s): Smiles, places it down gently

Environment

Where the action takes place.

Include props, background elements, spatial relationships. "Kitchen" becomes "cozy home kitchen with cream cabinets, warm pendant lighting."

Lighting

Controls the mood and visual quality.

Specify:

• Light source (golden hour sun, studio softbox)
• Direction (backlit, side lighting)
• Quality (harsh, diffused, dappled)
• Color temperature (warm amber, cool blue)

Camera Details

Technical specifications guide composition.

Key parameters:

• Lens (24mm wide, 85mm portrait)
• Aperture (f/1.8 shallow depth, f/8 deep focus)
• Movement (locked, slow push-in dolly)
• Position (eye level, low angle)

Sound

Audio enhances immersion.

Describe ambient noise, dialogue, sound effects. Sora 2 doesn't generate audio, but describing it improves visual rhythm.

Real Sora 2 Prompts That Work

Let's examine actual prompts from our library.

Example 1: Cinematic Storytelling

Father Daughter Beach Sunset Walk

Heartwarming wide shot of father and young daughter walking hand-in-hand along wet beach sand at sunset, silhouettes against golden sky. Camera: 35mm lens, f/2.8 for soft bokeh, slow lateral tracking shot moving parallel to subjects at walking pace, camera 30 feet away at low angle 3 feet off sand. Lighting: Setting sun positioned on horizon directly behind subjects creating rim-lit silhouette effect, golden light reflecting off wet sand creating secondary fill, warm orange and pink sky gradients. Color palette: Deep golden orange sun, pink-lavender sky, silhouetted figures in navy-black, wet sand reflecting gold and coral, white foam from gentle waves.

Narrative: Father in casual shirt and rolled-up jeans, daughter age 7 in summer dress, both barefoot, genuine connection evident in body language, daughter occasionally looking up at father, swinging joined hands, walking at child-led pace showing patience and presence.

Actions:

• Walking together at gentle pace, daughter pointing at horizon (0-3s)
• Father leaning down to listen to daughter, both laughing (3-6s)
• Daughter jumping over small wave, father steadying her (6-9s)
• Continued walk, daughter collecting shell, showing father (9-12s)

Sound: Gentle ocean waves lapping shore, distant seagulls, soft wind, natural laughter and conversation, daughter exclaiming "Look Daddy!", peaceful evening ambience.

Why this works:

Emotional setup is clear. You know the relationship immediately.

Detailed actions create natural progression. Each 3-second block has purpose.

Lighting choice (rim-lit silhouette) makes subjects universally relatable. Any viewer can project their own story.

Sound description guides pacing and emotional tone.

Example 2: Physics Demonstration

Ocean Wave Breaking at Golden Hour

Epic wide shot of powerful 15-foot ocean wave breaking near rocky California coastline at golden hour. Camera: 24mm wide lens, f/8 for deep focus, locked high-angle position from cliff 50 feet above, capturing full wave dynamics and surrounding environment. Lighting: Warm golden sun positioned 30 degrees above horizon behind camera, creating dramatic backlit spray with rainbow prismatic effect through water droplets, deep sapphire blue water with amber and rose gold highlights on wave face. Color palette: Deep sapphire blue, golden amber, rose gold, white foam, pink-orange sky gradient, dark charcoal volcanic rocks.

Physics: Realistic fluid dynamics - wave formation with natural swell pattern, perfect barrel curl shape, explosive break with vertical spray reaching 20 feet, foam turbulence showing weight and momentum, water sheets cascading with proper gravitational pull.

Actions:

• Wave builds approaching shore, swell visible (0-3s)
• Peak formation with curl developing (3-5s)
• Massive crash with explosive spray and foam (5-8s)
• Recession revealing wet rocks, water pulling back (8-10s)

Sound: Deep ocean rumble building in intensity, thunderous crash impact echoing off rocks, foam sizzle and hiss, distant seabird calls (pelicans, gulls), steady ocean wind at 15mph.

Why this works:

Physics section tells Sora 2 exactly how water should behave. Critical for realistic results.

High angle (50 feet above) creates epic scale. Viewer feels the power.

Golden hour backlighting through spray adds visual drama. Creates rainbow prismatic effects naturally.

Time-stamped actions match natural wave cycle. Feels authentic, not artificial.

Example 3: Product Showcase

Gourmet Burger Assembly Sequence

Appetizing overhead shot of gourmet burger being assembled layer by layer on wooden cutting board, culinary craftsmanship. Camera: 50mm lens, f/4 for selective focus on assembly process, locked overhead position looking straight down, centered on burger assembly. Lighting: Bright diffused overhead softbox creating even illumination with appetizing highlights, slight side light adding dimension to ingredients, commercial food photography aesthetic. Color palette: Golden brown toasted brioche bun, vibrant red tomato, bright green lettuce, yellow American cheese melting, charred brown burger patty, white onion, purple red cabbage slaw, natural wood cutting board.

Product: Premium gourmet burger with artisanal ingredients - grass-fed beef patty with perfect char, aged cheddar cheese, heirloom tomatoes, butter lettuce, house-made sauce, brioche bun, representing elevated fast-casual dining experience.

Actions:

• Bottom brioche bun placed on board, sauce spread (0-2s)
• Hot burger patty placed, cheese beginning to melt from heat (2-4s)
• Fresh lettuce, tomato slices, onions layered precisely (4-6s)
• Top bun placed completing burger, slight press down (6-8s)

Sound: Soft placement of ingredients on board, sauce spreading, sizzling sound from hot patty, cheese quietly melting, crisp lettuce crunch, final bun placement, satisfying assembly completion, appetizing ASMR-style food sounds.

Why this works:

Overhead angle is the standard for food assembly content. Viewers expect this perspective.

"Locked overhead position" prevents unwanted camera movement. Keeps focus on assembly.

Layer-by-layer progression builds anticipation. Simple but effective storytelling.

Color palette listing ensures vibrant, appetizing results. Food must look delicious.

ASMR sound description adds sensory appeal. Even without audio, it improves pacing.

Example 4: Abstract Physics

Paint Mixing in Water Tank

Mesmerizing overhead shot of three primary colored oil paints dropped simultaneously into clear water-filled glass tank. Camera: 50mm lens, f/8 for full depth of field, locked overhead position looking straight down into 24-inch square tank, centered composition. Lighting: Bright white LED panel beneath tank creating backlit illumination through water, secondary top light preventing murkiness, ultra-clean bright aesthetic. Color palette: Cadmium red, ultramarine blue, lemon yellow, crystal clear water, white background, resulting purple, orange, and green mixing zones.

Physics: Accurate fluid dynamics showing oil paint density causing slower sink rate than water, paint droplets maintaining cohesion initially before breaking into organic tendrils, natural convection creating swirling patterns, three colors interacting to create secondary colors at intersection zones, paint particles suspended showing proper density stratification.

Actions:

• Three paint droplets simultaneously hit water surface (0-1s)
• Initial spherical forms descending, beginning to distort (1-3s)
• Explosive tendril formation, colors spreading radially (3-6s)
• Complex mixing creating fractal patterns, full tank saturation (6-10s)

Sound: Three soft plops of paint entering water, gentle underwater bubbling, liquid swirling ambience, meditative atmospheric tone.

Why this works:

Physics explanation guides Sora 2's simulation. "Oil paint density causing slower sink rate" produces the right behavior.

Backlighting from beneath creates luminous translucent effect. Makes colors glow beautifully.

Square aspect ratio (1:1) works perfectly for Instagram and social platforms.

Meditative pacing appeals to relaxation content audiences. Popular niche.

Advanced Sora 2 Techniques

Basic prompts work. Advanced techniques create professional results.

Technique 1: Multi-Stage Action Sequences

Break complex movements into precise time windows.

Instead of:

"Person walks across room and sits down"

Write:

• Person enters right side of frame with confident stride (0-2s)
• Approaches armchair, hand reaching for armrest (2-4s)
• Turns and lowers into seat with controlled movement (4-6s)
• Settles back, exhales, looks toward window (6-8s)

Specificity eliminates AI guesswork.

Technique 2: Lighting as Mood Director

Lighting controls emotion more than any other element.

For joy and warmth:

Soft golden hour sunlight, warm color temperature, gentle wrap-around illumination

For tension and drama:

Hard side lighting, strong contrast, deep shadows, cool blue tones

For intimacy and romance:

Single practical light source, warm amber glow, high contrast, soft focus

For isolation and melancholy:

Overcast diffused light, muted colors, low contrast, cool palette

Our Sora 2 library tags every prompt by mood. Browse by feeling you need.

Technique 3: Camera Movement Psychology

Different movements create different emotions.

Locked static camera:

Observational, documentary feel. Subject approaches viewer's fixed perspective.

Slow push-in dolly:

Increasing intimacy. Draws viewer into emotional moment.

Pull-back reveal:

Discovery and context. Shows subject's relationship to environment.

Lateral tracking:

Neutral observation. Follows action without judgment.

Handheld movement:

Energy, immediacy, authenticity. Perfect for celebration or chaos.

Orbital rotation:

Comprehensive showcase. Highlights subject from all angles.

Match movement to narrative purpose.

Technique 4: Physics Keywords

Certain phrases trigger better physics simulation.

For water:

• Realistic fluid dynamics
• Surface tension visible
• Natural wave formation
• Proper gravitational pull
• Foam turbulence showing weight

For fabric:

• Cloth simulation with natural weight
• Wrinkles forming from tension points
• Independent edge flutter
• Translucent quality where light penetrates

For particles:

• Brownian motion patterns
• Density gradients
• Proper ballistic trajectories
• Natural convection currents

Include these in your prompt's physics section.

Technique 5: Color Palette Control

Explicit color palettes prevent muddy, undefined looks.

Format: List 5-8 specific colors with modifiers.

Example:

"Color palette: Deep sapphire blue, golden amber, rose gold, white foam, pink-orange sky gradient, dark charcoal volcanic rocks."

Not just "blue ocean." "Deep sapphire blue ocean."

Modifiers matter: deep, bright, soft, vibrant, muted, warm, cool.

Technique 6: Sound Design for Visual Rhythm

Even though Sora 2 doesn't generate audio, sound descriptions improve pacing.

Sound tells Sora 2 about timing and intensity.

Compare these two:

Without sound:

"Balloon pops"

With sound:

"Building pressure hiss, explosive pop at cork release, champagne fizzing and bubbling, cork tumbling through air, liquid droplets spattering"

Second version produces better visual timing. The AI understands the action's temporal structure.

Sora 2 Parameters Explained

Sora 2 uses JSON-formatted parameters.

Standard format:

{
  "duration": "10s",
  "aspectRatio": "16:9",
  "resolution": "1080p",
  "model": "sora-2"
}

Duration Options

Sora 2 supports up to 25 seconds.

But longer isn't always better.

3-5 seconds:

Product showcases, quick cuts, social media teasers, single actions

8-10 seconds:

Most narrative content, complete action sequences, establishing shots

12-15 seconds:

Emotional moments that need breathing room, complex multi-stage actions

20-25 seconds:

Slow atmospheric scenes, nature sequences, meditation content

Longer durations require more VRAM and processing time. Only use when necessary.

Aspect Ratio Guide

Choose based on platform and content type.

16:9 (Standard Widescreen)

• YouTube videos
• Website headers
• Landscape content
• Cinematic storytelling
• Most versatile option

9:16 (Vertical/Portrait)

• Instagram Stories
• TikTok
• Reels
• Mobile-first content
• Character-focused scenes

1:1 (Square)

• Instagram feed posts
• Facebook
• Profile videos
• Overhead product shots
• Symmetrical compositions

21:9 (Ultra-Wide Cinematic)

• Film-style content
• Epic landscapes
• High-end commercial work
• Dramatic scope

Most content works best at 16:9 or 9:16.

Resolution Settings

Sora 2 generates at 1080p by default.

This balances quality with generation speed. Sufficient for most use cases.

Higher resolutions (4K) available but require significantly more processing. Only use for final deliverables.

Common Sora 2 Mistakes (And Fixes)

Mistake 1: Vague Subject Descriptions

Problem:

"A person walks down a street"

Why it fails:

Sora 2 makes arbitrary choices. Gender, age, clothing, walking style all randomized.

Fix:

"Man in his 40s wearing navy business suit and brown leather shoes, confident purposeful stride, briefcase in right hand, walking down busy Manhattan sidewalk during morning rush hour"

Specificity = consistency.

Mistake 2: Missing Camera Technical Details

Problem:

"Close-up of coffee cup"

Why it fails:

No guidance on lens, depth of field, angle, or position.

Fix:

"Close-up of coffee cup, 85mm lens, f/2.8 for soft background bokeh, locked position at cup rim level from 45-degree angle, slight overhead tilt"

Technical specs control the aesthetic.

Mistake 3: Unclear Action Timing

Problem:

"Person looks sad then smiles"

Why it fails:

No duration guidance. Transition could happen instantly or gradually.

Fix:

• Person sitting alone, neutral expression (0-2s)
• Gaze drops downward, subtle sadness visible (2-4s)
• Receives text message, reads screen (4-6s)
• Smile slowly forming, genuine happiness emerging (6-8s)

Time-stamped actions create natural pacing.

Mistake 4: Ignoring Physics

Problem:

"Water splashes"

Why it fails:

No physics guidance. Results look artificial.

Fix:

"Realistic fluid dynamics - water maintaining cohesion during fall, impact creating symmetric ripples radiating outward, proper surface tension, droplets following ballistic trajectories"

Physics keywords trigger better simulation.

Mistake 5: Weak Lighting Description

Problem:

"Good lighting"

Why it fails:

"Good" means nothing. No technical information.

Fix:

"Soft golden hour sunlight at 30 degrees above horizon, creating warm directional illumination with gentle shadows, backlit spray creating prismatic rainbow effect"

Specify source, direction, quality, color, and effect.

Mistake 6: Single-Sentence Prompts

Problem:

"Epic mountain landscape at sunrise"

Why it fails:

Missing camera, lighting, action, color, sound details.

Fix:

Use the full formula. Every element matters.

Short prompts produce random results. Detailed prompts produce intentional results.

Workflow: From Idea to Final Video

Professional creators follow a structured process.

Step 1: Define Your Goal

What emotion or message does this video need?

Excitement? Use bright lighting, dynamic camera movement, energetic actions.

Contemplation? Use soft lighting, static camera, slow subtle movements.

Goal determines all subsequent choices.

Step 2: Choose Your Shot Type

Match framing to content purpose.

Wide shots: Establish location, show scale, emphasize environment

Medium shots: Balanced view of character and context

Close-ups: Emotional intimacy, detail focus, product showcase

Step 3: Build Your Prompt in Layers

Start with structure:

• Shot type and subject (one sentence)
• Camera technical specs (one sentence)
• Lighting setup (one sentence)
• Color palette (one sentence)
• Physics/narrative details (paragraph)
• Time-stamped actions (bulleted list)
• Sound description (one sentence)

This systematic approach prevents missing critical elements.

Step 4: Test and Iterate

Generate initial version.

Common adjustments needed:

• Lighting too harsh? Add "soft diffused" modifier
• Action too fast? Extend time windows
• Wrong mood? Adjust color palette and lighting temperature
• Camera movement distracting? Switch to locked position

Small tweaks create big differences.

Step 5: Refine Parameters

Adjust duration, aspect ratio, and resolution based on test results.

If action feels rushed, increase duration. If it drags, decrease it.

Most content finds its natural length between 8-12 seconds.

Sora 2 vs Competitors

How does Sora 2 compare to other video AI tools?

Sora 2 vs Runway Gen-3

Sora 2 Advantages:

• Longer duration (25s vs 10s)
• Better physics simulation
• More consistent characters
• Superior lighting control

Runway Gen-3 Advantages:

• Faster generation speed
• More commercial availability
• Better interface
• Image-to-video features

See detailed comparison

Sora 2 vs Google Veo 3

Sora 2 Advantages:

• Longer maximum duration (25s vs 8s)
• Better narrative coherence
• More consistent multi-shot sequences

Veo 3 Advantages:

• Currently accessible (Sora 2 limited beta)
• Free tier available
• Better camera movement execution
• Superior lighting physics

See three-way comparison

When to Use Sora 2

Choose Sora 2 when you need:

• Extended duration clips (over 10 seconds)
• Complex narrative sequences
• Consistent character appearances
• Professional-grade physics
• Cinematic storytelling

For quick social media content, Veo 3 or Runway might be faster.

For serious production work, Sora 2 excels.

Getting Started with Sora 2

Current access is limited.

OpenAI is gradually expanding beta access. Join the waitlist for early access.

Meanwhile, practice prompting:

• Browse our 50-prompt Sora 2 library
• Study the structure and patterns
• Write prompts using the formula
• Save them for when you get access

When your access arrives, you'll already know what works.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Sora 2 take to generate videos?

Generation time varies by duration and complexity.

Typical ranges:

• 5-second clip: 2-3 minutes
• 10-second clip: 4-6 minutes
• 20-second clip: 8-12 minutes

Complex physics (water, smoke, fabric) takes longer than simple scenes.

Can Sora 2 generate audio?

No. Sora 2 produces video only.

You'll need to add audio in post-production. Or use AI audio tools like ElevenLabs.

But describing sound in prompts improves video pacing and timing.

What resolution does Sora 2 generate?

Default is 1080p (1920x1080).

This balances quality with generation speed. Sufficient for most platforms.

Higher resolutions available but increase processing time significantly.

Can I use Sora 2 videos commercially?

Check OpenAI's current terms. Policies evolve.

Beta users typically have commercial rights. But verify before selling content.

How do I maintain consistency across multiple clips?

Use identical subject descriptions.

Copy-paste the exact character details:

"Woman in her 30s, shoulder-length chestnut brown hair in loose bun, wearing forest green oversized sweater"

Consistency in description produces consistency in results.

For locations, describe the same environment details across prompts.

Can Sora 2 do text and titles?

Text generation is limited and often unreliable.

For professional results, add text in post-production using video editing software.

Don't rely on AI-generated text for branding or crucial information.

What file formats does Sora 2 export?

Typically MP4 with H.264 encoding.

Compatible with all major video platforms and editing software.

How can I make Sora 2 generate faster?

Reduce duration. 5-second clips generate much faster than 20-second clips.

Simplify physics. Abstract content generates faster than complex water simulations.

Use lower resolution for testing. Switch to 1080p only for final versions.

Queue multiple generations overnight rather than waiting for each one.

Does Sora 2 work with image references?

Current version focuses on text-to-video.

Image-to-video features may come in future updates. Check OpenAI announcements.

For now, extremely detailed text descriptions produce best results.

Next Steps

You now understand how to write effective Sora 2 prompts.

Here's your action plan:

1. Explore Our Prompt Library

Browse 50 professional Sora 2 prompts organized by category.

2. Study Real Examples

Notice how professionals structure prompts. Pattern recognition beats theory.

3. Practice the Formula

Write 10 prompts using: Shot + Subject + Action + Environment + Lighting + Camera + Sound.

4. Save Your Prompts

Build a personal library. When you get Sora 2 access, you'll be ready.

5. Join the Waitlist

Request Sora 2 access from OpenAI.

6. Learn Related Tools

While waiting, explore Veo 3, Runway Gen-3, and Midjourney V7.

7. Master Video AI Strategy

Read our complete Veo 3 vs Sora 2 vs Runway comparison.

The future of video is AI-generated.

Those who master prompting now will dominate the next decade.

Start practicing today.

Ready to create professional AI videos? Browse our free Sora 2 prompt library with 50 production-ready examples across every category.

Need prompts for other AI tools? Check out Midjourney V7, Veo 3, Runway Gen-3, and Flux Pro libraries.