Per-Second Billing: Sora 2 API's Innovative Pricing Model
The Sora 2 API, released on October 7, 2025, adopts a brand-new pricing model: billing by the number of seconds of generated video. This is fundamentally different from traditional AI API billing methods based on tokens, requests, or subscriptions, providing developers with more precise cost control capabilities.
This article will provide an in-depth analysis of the Sora 2 API pricing mechanism to help you:
- 📊 Understand how per-second billing is calculated
- 💰 Compare the cost differences between Standard and Pro versions
- 🎯 Evaluate budget requirements for different scenarios
- 💡 Master 5 practical cost optimization strategies
Sora 2 API Pricing Overview
Standard Version (sora-2) Pricing
| Resolution | Price/Second | Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait 720×1280 | $0.10 | Short video platforms, social media |
| Landscape 1280×720 | $0.10 | YouTube, Bilibili video platforms |
Professional Version (sora-2-pro) Pricing
| Resolution | Price/Second | Use Cases |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait 720×1280 | $0.30 | Commercial videos, advertising |
| Landscape 1280×720 | $0.30 | Commercial videos, advertising |
| HD Portrait 1024×1792 | $0.50 | High-end production, brand promotion |
| HD Landscape 1792×1024 | $0.50 | High-end production, brand promotion |
Key Findings:
- Standard version: uniform price of $0.10/sec
- Pro version 720p: 3x the price of Standard
- Pro version HD: 5x the price of Standard
Detailed Cost Estimates for Different Video Durations
5-Second Short Video Cost
| Model | Resolution | Price/Sec | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| sora-2 | 720p | $0.10 | $0.50 |
| sora-2-pro | 720p | $0.30 | $1.50 |
| sora-2-pro | 1792p | $0.50 | $2.50 |
Use Cases: Social media stories, product teasers, ad openers
10-Second Standard Video Cost
| Model | Resolution | Price/Sec | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| sora-2 | 720p | $0.10 | $1.00 |
| sora-2-pro | 720p | $0.30 | $3.00 |
| sora-2-pro | 1792p | $0.50 | $5.00 |
Use Cases: TikTok/short videos, product demonstrations, educational clips
15-Second Advertisement Video Cost
| Model | Resolution | Price/Sec | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| sora-2 | 720p | $0.10 | $1.50 |
| sora-2-pro | 720p | $0.30 | $4.50 |
| sora-2-pro | 1792p | $0.50 | $7.50 |
Use Cases: Standard e-commerce ads, social media advertising
30-Second Long Video Cost
| Model | Resolution | Price/Sec | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| sora-2 | 720p | $0.10 | $3.00 |
| sora-2-pro | 720p | $0.30 | $9.00 |
| sora-2-pro | 1792p | $0.50 | $15.00 |
Use Cases: Complete YouTube videos, online course segments, brand stories
60-Second Complete Video Cost
| Model | Resolution | Price/Sec | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| sora-2 | 720p | $0.10 | $6.00 |
| sora-2-pro | 720p | $0.30 | $18.00 |
| sora-2-pro | 1792p | $0.50 | $30.00 |
Use Cases: Complete promotional videos, microfilms, product introduction videos
Batch Generation Cost Budget
10 Videos Per Day (10 seconds each)
| Model | Unit Price | Daily Cost | Monthly Cost (30 days) | Annual Cost (365 days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sora-2 | $1.00 | $10 | $300 | $3,650 |
| sora-2-pro (720p) | $3.00 | $30 | $900 | $10,950 |
| sora-2-pro (1792p) | $5.00 | $50 | $1,500 | $18,250 |
50 Videos Per Day (10 seconds each)
| Model | Unit Price | Daily Cost | Monthly Cost (30 days) | Annual Cost (365 days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sora-2 | $1.00 | $50 | $1,500 | $18,250 |
| sora-2-pro (720p) | $3.00 | $150 | $4,500 | $54,750 |
| sora-2-pro (1792p) | $5.00 | $250 | $7,500 | $91,250 |
100 Videos Per Day (10 seconds each)
| Model | Unit Price | Daily Cost | Monthly Cost (30 days) | Annual Cost (365 days) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sora-2 | $1.00 | $100 | $3,000 | $36,500 |
| sora-2-pro (720p) | $3.00 | $300 | $9,000 | $109,500 |
| sora-2-pro (1792p) | $5.00 | $500 | $15,000 | $182,500 |
Key Insights:
- Standard version shows significant cost advantages for batch generation
- Pro HD mode annual cost can reach $182,500 (100 videos/day)
- Choosing the right model can save 66%-80% in costs
Standard vs Pro: In-Depth Comparative Analysis
Pricing Differences
| Comparison | sora-2 | sora-2-pro | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 720p Pricing | $0.10/sec | $0.30/sec | 3x |
| HD Pricing | ❌ Not supported | $0.50/sec | 5x |
| 10-sec Video Cost | $1.00 | $3.00-$5.00 | 3-5x |
| 60-sec Video Cost | $6.00 | $18.00-$30.00 | 3-5x |
Rate Limit Differences
| Tier Level | sora-2 RPM | sora-2-pro RPM | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 2 | 1 | Pro more restrictive |
| Tier 2 | 5 | 2 | Pro more restrictive |
| Tier 3 | 10 | 5 | Pro more restrictive |
| Tier 4 | 25 | 10 | Pro more restrictive |
| Tier 5 | 40 | 20 | Pro more restrictive |
Rate Limit Insights:
- Pro version RPM limit is 50% of Standard
- Standard version offers higher throughput for high-concurrency scenarios
- Pro version suits low-frequency, high-quality generation
Performance and Quality Differences
| Dimension | sora-2 | sora-2-pro |
|---|---|---|
| Max Resolution | 1280×720 | 1792×1024 |
| Video Quality | Standard | Higher detail |
| Physical Accuracy | Good | Significantly improved |
| Generation Consistency | Standard | More stable |
| Use Cases | Testing, social media | Commercial, professional production |
Return on Investment (ROI) Analysis
Scenario 1: Social Media Content
- Video duration: 10 seconds
- Daily generation: 20 videos
- Recommended model: sora-2
- Monthly cost: $600 vs $1,800 (Pro)
- Save 66% ✅
Scenario 2: Brand Advertising Videos
- Video duration: 30 seconds
- Daily generation: 5 videos
- Recommended model: sora-2-pro (720p)
- Monthly cost: $1,350 (quality improvement worth the investment)
Scenario 3: High-End Promotional Videos
- Video duration: 60 seconds
- Monthly generation: 10 videos
- Recommended model: sora-2-pro (1792p)
- Total cost: $300 (high quality requirements, reasonable cost)
5 Practical Cost Optimization Strategies
Strategy 1: Tiered Model Usage
def choose_model(video_purpose, duration):
"""
Intelligently select model based on purpose and duration
"""
if video_purpose == "social_media":
return "sora-2", "720x1280" # Standard for social media
elif video_purpose == "advertisement":
if duration <= 15:
return "sora-2-pro", "1280x720" # Pro 720p for ads
else:
return "sora-2", "1280x720" # Downgrade to Standard for long ads
elif video_purpose == "premium_content":
return "sora-2-pro", "1792x1024" # Pro HD for premium content
else:
return "sora-2", "1280x720" # Standard by default
Savings: 40-60%
Strategy 2: Control Video Duration
Duration significantly impacts costs – controlling length is key:
| Duration | sora-2 Cost | sora-2-pro Cost | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 sec | $0.50 | $1.50-$2.50 | ✅ Recommended |
| 10 sec | $1.00 | $3.00-$5.00 | ✅ Standard |
| 15 sec | $1.50 | $4.50-$7.50 | ⚠️ Evaluate necessity |
| 30 sec | $3.00 | $9.00-$15.00 | ⚠️ Use cautiously |
| 60 sec | $6.00 | $18.00-$30.00 | ❌ Avoid frequent generation |
Savings Recommendations:
- Prioritize 5-10 second short videos
- Split long videos into multiple short segments
- Combine short clips through post-editing
Strategy 3: Test Before Batch Generation
# Wrong approach: direct batch generation
for prompt in prompts:
video = openai.videos.create(
model="sora-2-pro", # High cost
prompt=prompt,
resolution="1792x1024"
)
# Correct approach: test with Standard first
test_video = openai.videos.create(
model="sora-2", # Low-cost testing
prompt=prompts[0],
resolution="1280x720"
)
# Batch generate with Pro after confirming results
if test_video_quality_ok:
for prompt in prompts:
video = openai.videos.create(
model="sora-2-pro",
prompt=prompt,
resolution="1792x1024"
)
Savings: Avoid waste from incorrect prompts, save 30-50%
Strategy 4: Leverage Tier System for Budget Planning
| Tier | RPM (sora-2) | Suggested Monthly Spend | Estimated Volume (10-sec videos) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 2 RPM | $50-100 | 50-100 videos |
| Tier 2 | 5 RPM | $200-500 | 200-500 videos |
| Tier 3 | 10 RPM | $1,000+ | 1,000+ videos |
| Tier 4 | 25 RPM | $5,000+ | 5,000+ videos |
| Tier 5 | 40 RPM | $10,000+ | 10,000+ videos |
Upgrade Strategy:
- Gradually increase spending to trigger Tier upgrades
- Upgrade Tier proactively during peak periods to avoid rate limits
- Monitor API usage to estimate Tier upgrade timing
Strategy 5: Use API Relay Services to Reduce Costs
For domestic developers in China, using OpenAI API directly incurs additional costs:
- ❌ Exchange rate losses (USD settlement)
- ❌ Foreign credit card fees
- ❌ Recharge amount restrictions
💡 Cost Optimization Solution: Access Sora 2 API through API易 apiyi.com platform:
- ✅ RMB Settlement: Avoid exchange rate fluctuation losses
- ✅ Flexible Recharge: Pay-as-you-go, no minimum amount
- ✅ Bulk Discounts: Enjoy discounts for large recharges
- ✅ Cost Transparency: View consumption details in real-time
- ✅ Technical Support: Assistance in optimizing API calls to reduce waste
Through the API易 platform, enterprise users can save an average of 15-25% on API costs. Visit apiyi.com for details.
Pricing Comparison with Competitors
AI Video API Price Comparison
| API Service | Billing Model | Basic Price | Premium Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sora 2 API | Per second | $0.10/sec | $0.30-$0.50/sec |
| Runway Gen-3 API | Per second | $0.05/sec | $0.10/sec |
| Pika API | Per request | $0.50/request | $1.00/request |
| Stability AI Video | Per frame | $0.002/frame | $0.004/frame |
10-Second Video Cost Comparison:
- Sora 2: $1.00 (Standard) / $3.00 (Pro)
- Runway Gen-3: $0.50 (Standard) / $1.00 (Premium)
- Pika: $0.50 (Fixed)
- Stability AI: $6.00 (300 frames @ $0.02/frame)
Conclusion:
- Sora 2 Standard pricing is moderate
- Sora 2 Pro is more expensive but offers higher quality
- Audio-video synchronization is Sora 2's unique advantage
Subscription vs API Pay-As-You-Go
| Method | Sora 2 App Subscription | Sora 2 API |
|---|---|---|
| Billing Model | ChatGPT Pro $200/month | Per-second $0.10-$0.50 |
| Use Cases | Personal creation | App integration, batch generation |
| Monthly Volume | Unlimited (manual) | Depends on budget |
| Cost Comparison | Fixed $200 | Flexible (may be lower or higher) |
Break-Even Point Analysis:
- Standard: Generate 2,000 seconds of video/month = $200 (equal to subscription)
- Pro 720p: Generate 667 seconds of video/month = $200
- Pro 1792p: Generate 400 seconds of video/month = $200
Recommendation:
- Monthly generation < 2,000 seconds → API is more cost-effective
- Monthly generation > 2,000 seconds → Consider subscription
Real-World Cost Budget Case Studies
Case 1: E-commerce Product Video Matrix
Requirements:
- Generate 10-second showcase videos for 50 products daily
- Resolution: 720p portrait
- Quality requirements: Standard
Solution: sora-2 Standard
Cost Calculation:
- Single video: $1.00
- Daily cost: 50 × $1.00 = $50
- Monthly cost: $50 × 30 = $1,500
- Annual cost: $50 × 365 = $18,250
Optimized Cost:
- 15% bulk discount through API易 platform
- Actual monthly cost: $1,275
- Annual savings: $2,700
Case 2: Brand Promotional Videos
Requirements:
- 10 brand videos per month
- Duration: 30 seconds
- Resolution: 1792p landscape
- Quality requirements: Maximum
Solution: sora-2-pro HD
Cost Calculation:
- Single video: 30 sec × $0.50 = $15
- Monthly cost: 10 × $15 = $150
- Annual cost: $150 × 12 = $1,800
ROI Analysis:
- Traditional video production: $500-$1,000/video
- Sora 2 API: $15/video
- Save 98.5% in production costs
Case 3: Educational Content Platform
Requirements:
- 20 course video segments daily
- Duration: 15 seconds
- Resolution: 720p landscape
- Quality requirements: Medium-high
Solution: Hybrid strategy
- 70% using sora-2 (general content)
- 30% using sora-2-pro (key courses)
Cost Calculation:
- sora-2: 14 videos × $1.50 = $21
- sora-2-pro: 6 videos × $4.50 = $27
- Daily cost: $48
- Monthly cost: $1,440
Comparison with Single Solutions:
- All Standard: $900/month (insufficient quality)
- All Pro: $2,700/month (excessive cost)
- Hybrid strategy: $1,440/month (✅ Best balance)
Cost Monitoring and Alert Mechanism
Real-Time Cost Tracking
import openai
class SoraAPIMonitor:
def __init__(self):
self.total_cost = 0
self.video_count = 0
def generate_with_tracking(self, model, prompt, resolution, duration_estimate):
"""
Video generation with cost tracking
"""
# Estimate cost
cost_per_sec = 0.10 if model == "sora-2" else 0.30
if "1792" in resolution:
cost_per_sec = 0.50
estimated_cost = duration_estimate * cost_per_sec
# Budget check
if self.total_cost + estimated_cost > self.budget_limit:
raise Exception("Budget exceeded! Current: ${:.2f}, Limit: ${:.2f}".format(
self.total_cost, self.budget_limit
))
# Generate video
video = openai.videos.create(
model=model,
prompt=prompt,
resolution=resolution
)
# Update statistics
self.total_cost += estimated_cost
self.video_count += 1
print(f"Generated {self.video_count} videos, Total cost: ${self.total_cost:.2f}")
return video
Cost Alert Threshold Settings
| Alert Level | Spending % | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|
| 🟢 Normal | < 60% | Continue usage |
| 🟡 Attention | 60-80% | Evaluate remaining needs, consider optimization |
| 🟠 Warning | 80-90% | Pause non-essential generation, switch to Standard |
| 🔴 Exceeded | > 90% | Stop generation, add budget |
Summary and Recommendations
Key Points Review
- Pricing Model: Per-second billing, $0.10-$0.50/sec
- Cost Difference: Pro version is 3-5x Standard version
- Rate Limits: Pro version has stricter RPM limits
- Batch Costs: Careful budgeting needed for large-scale use
Selection Recommendations
Use sora-2 Standard for:
- ✅ Social media content
- ✅ Testing and validation
- ✅ Large-scale batch generation (>50/day)
- ✅ Limited budget
Use sora-2-pro for:
- ✅ Commercial advertising videos
- ✅ Brand promotional content
- ✅ High quality requirements
- ✅ Low-frequency premium generation
Use hybrid strategy for:
- ✅ Content platforms (some premium + some batch)
- ✅ Educational institutions (key courses + regular content)
- ✅ Marketing teams (priority products + regular products)
Cost Optimization Checklist
- Select appropriate model based on purpose
- Control video duration to 5-15 seconds
- Test with Standard before batch generation
- Set budget caps and alert mechanisms
- Consider using API易 relay platform to save costs
- Monitor Tier level, plan upgrades reasonably
- Regularly evaluate API vs subscription cost-effectiveness
By accessing Sora 2 API through the API易 apiyi.com platform, domestic developers can enjoy RMB settlement, bulk discounts, and technical support, further reducing overall usage costs.
With proper budget planning and flexible model selection, Sora 2 API will become your cost-effective tool for AI video generation!
