Sora can't generate videos? This article explains the "We're under heavy load" error, providing two solutions: upgrading to Plus membership and API calling.
"Why can't Sora generate videos?"—This is a question widely reported by users in the community after January 10, 2026. Opening the Sora official website and clicking the generate button only shows the error message "We're under heavy load, Please try again in a few minutes."
This article will provide a detailed analysis of the real reasons why Sora cannot generate videos, and offer two verified solutions to help you restore normal usage.
Core Value: Understand the reasons why Sora can't generate videos, master two solution methods—upgrading to Plus membership and API calling—to quickly resume AI video creation.
Why Can't Sora Generate Videos? Root Cause Analysis
If you encounter video generation issues with Sora after January 10, 2026, you'll typically see the following error:
We're under heavy load
Please try again in a few minutes
Many users assume it's server congestion and repeatedly refresh while waiting, but the problem never resolves. In reality, the actual reason for this error is that free users have been restricted from using Sora.
Common Scenarios When Sora Can't Generate Videos
| Symptom | Actual Reason | Solution Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Shows "We're under heavy load" | Free users restricted | Upgrade to Plus or use API |
| No response when clicking generate | Account lacks access permission | Verify subscription status |
| Prompts "Video generation disabled" | New account restrictions | Wait for activation or use alternatives |
| Generation queue stuck waiting | Quota exhausted | Purchase additional credits or upgrade |
Why Did Sora Suddenly Stop Generating Videos?
Starting January 10, 2026, OpenAI implemented stricter access restrictions for Sora:
- Free Users: Completely unable to use Sora to generate videos and images
- Plus Users ($20/month): 1,000 credits per month, approximately 50 480p videos
- Pro Users ($200/month): 10,000 credits per month + unlimited relaxed mode
OpenAI Sora lead Bill Peebles explained the reason for restrictions: "Our GPUs are melting!" Due to computing resource constraints, free user access has been completely removed.
Solutions When Sora Cannot Generate Videos
Facing the issue of Sora being unable to generate videos, there are currently two viable solutions:
Solution 1: Upgrade to ChatGPT Plus Membership
The most straightforward solution is to upgrade your account to a ChatGPT Plus ($20/month) or Pro ($200/month) subscription.
Plus Membership Benefits
| Benefit Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Sora Credits | 1,000 credits/month |
| Video Quantity | Approximately 50 480p videos |
| Maximum Resolution | 720p |
| Maximum Duration | 20 seconds |
| Generation Queue | Standard priority |
How Can Domestic Users Upgrade to Plus?
Due to payment restrictions, domestic users face certain difficulties in directly upgrading to ChatGPT Plus. Here are two reliable third-party recharge service platforms:
| Recharge Platform | Website | Features |
|---|---|---|
| GPT516 | gpt516.com | Professional recharge service |
| Daishengji | ai.daishengji.com | Fast upgrade service |
Upgrade Steps:
- Visit the recharge platform website
- Select ChatGPT Plus package
- Provide OpenAI account information
- Complete payment and wait for upgrade
- After successful upgrade, you can use Sora
⚠️ Important Notes: When choosing a recharge service, please verify the platform's reliability and after-sales support. After a successful upgrade, it's recommended to immediately test whether Sora functions normally.
Solution 2: Call Sora via API (Recommended)
If you don't want to subscribe to Plus membership, or need to integrate Sora functionality into your own application, calling via API is a more flexible choice.
Why Can API Calls Work Normally?
The APIyi platform uses a Plus account pool architecture, which means:
- ✅ Accounts themselves have complete Sora access permissions
- ✅ Not affected by free user restrictions
- ✅ Pay-per-use, no monthly subscription required
- ✅ Can be integrated into any application
Sora API Call Pricing
| Model | Price | Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| sora-2 | $0.12/call | Daily creation, testing |
| sora-2-pro | $0.80/call | Commercial projects, high-quality requirements |
Python Code Example
import openai
# Configure client - Call Sora via APIyi
client = openai.OpenAI(
api_key="YOUR_API_KEY", # Get at apiyi.com
base_url="https://vip.apiyi.com/v1"
)
# Sora video generation
response = client.chat.completions.create(
model="sora-2", # or sora-2-pro
messages=[
{
"role": "user",
"content": "生成一段5秒视频:清晨的森林,阳光穿过树叶洒落"
}
]
)
print(response.choices[0].message.content)
🎯 Recommendation: Calling Sora through APIyi apiyi.com eliminates the need to subscribe to Plus membership yourself, with pay-per-use being more flexible. The platform uses a Plus account pool to provide services, ensuring stable availability.
Comparison of Two Solutions
Choose the most suitable solution based on your usage scenario and needs:
| Comparison Dimension | Upgrade Plus Membership | API Call |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Model | $20/month fixed fee | Pay-per-use ($0.12-$0.80/call) |
| Usage Method | Web interface operation | Code invocation |
| Quota Limit | 1,000 credits/month | No monthly limit |
| Target Users | Individual creators | Developers, enterprise users |
| Integration Capability | Web-only use | Can be integrated into any app |
| Flexibility | Fixed package | Use on demand |
How to Choose?
- Choose to Upgrade Plus: If you mainly use Sora through the web interface and have stable monthly usage
- Choose API Call: If you need to integrate Sora into applications, or have variable usage
🔍 Overall Recommendation: For most developers and enterprise users, we recommend making API calls through APIyi apiyi.com. Pay-per-use is more flexible and supports switching between sora-2 and sora-2-pro versions.
Other Common Issues with Sora Video Generation
New Account Shows "Video generation disabled"
Some users report that even after upgrading to Plus membership, they still see the message "Video generation is temporarily disabled for new accounts".
Reason: OpenAI has additional review mechanisms for new accounts, typically requiring 1-3 days to activate Sora functionality.
Solutions:
- Wait patiently for account activation
- If not activated after 3 days, contact OpenAI support
- Or use API calls directly (not subject to new account restrictions)
Regional Restriction Issues
Sora is currently unavailable in certain regions, including the UK, Switzerland, and the European Economic Area.
Solutions:
- Use network environment from supported regions
- Or bypass regional restrictions through API calls
❓ Common Sora Video Generation Issues
Q1: What should I do if Sora keeps showing “We’re under heavy load”?
This message indicates your account is a free user and has been restricted from using Sora. Waiting won't resolve this issue.
Solutions:
- Upgrade to ChatGPT Plus membership (can be done through gpt516.com or ai.daishengji.com)
- Or use API calls through apiyi.com
Q2: What if Sora still doesn’t work after upgrading to Plus?
Possible reasons:
- New account restriction: Newly upgraded accounts may need 1-3 days to activate Sora
- Regional restriction: Some regions don't support Sora yet
- Account status issue: Check if the account has any violation records
Recommendation: If you need immediate access, use API calls through apiyi.com first, then switch back after account activation.
Q3: What’s the difference between API calls and web interface usage?
| Difference | Web Interface | API Calls |
|---|---|---|
| Operation Method | Visual interface | Code-based |
| Billing | Monthly subscription | Pay-per-use |
| Integration | None | Can integrate into any application |
| Barrier to Entry | Low | Requires programming skills |
API calls are more suitable for developers and scenarios requiring batch processing.
Q4: How can users in China upgrade to ChatGPT Plus?
Due to payment restrictions, users in China can upgrade through third-party services:
- GPT516: gpt516.com
- 代升级: ai.daishengji.com
Choose a reliable service provider, provide account information, and wait for the upgrade to complete.
🎯 Summary
The core reason why Sora cannot generate videos is that OpenAI has restricted access for free users starting from January 10, 2026.
Review of Two Solutions:
| Solution | Target Audience | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Upgrade to Plus Membership | Individual creators, web users | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| API Calls | Developers, enterprise users | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Specific Recommendations:
- Individual Users: Upgrade to Plus through gpt516.com or ai.daishengji.com for third-party top-up services
- Developers: Use API calls through APIYi (apiyi.com) for more flexible pay-per-use billing
- Enterprise Users: API calling solution is recommended, allowing integration into your own products
Final Recommendation: Either solution can resolve the issue of Sora being unable to generate videos. If you need flexible pay-per-use billing and API integration capabilities, we recommend calling Sora through APIYi (apiyi.com), where both sora-2 ($0.12/request) and sora-2-pro ($0.80/request) are currently available and functioning normally.
📝 About the Author: Experienced AI application developer specializing in large model API integration and architecture design. Regularly shares AI development practical experience. More technical resources and best practice cases are available at the APIYi (apiyi.com) technical community.
🔔 Technical Exchange: Welcome to discuss technical questions in the comments section. We continuously share AI development experience and industry updates. For in-depth technical support, you can contact our technical team through APIYi (apiyi.com).
