Congratulations on getting your Sora invite code! You're about to embark on an exciting journey into AI video generation. To help you get started on the right foot, we've compiled 10 essential tips that will transform you from a beginner to a confident Sora user.
Start with Detailed, Descriptive Prompts
The quality of your output depends heavily on your prompt. Be specific about what you want to see, including details about lighting, camera movement, mood, and action.
Understand Camera Angles and Movements
Sora understands cinematography terminology. Use terms like "tracking shot," "drone view," "close-up," "Dutch angle," or "dolly zoom" to control camera behavior.
"Aerial drone shot descending from clouds..."
"Tracking shot following a cyclist through Tokyo..."
"Close-up of hands typing on vintage typewriter..."
Master Lighting Descriptions
Lighting dramatically affects the mood and quality of your videos. Learn to describe lighting conditions precisely.
• Golden hour / Blue hour
• Rim lighting / Back lighting
• Neon lights / Volumetric fog
• Soft diffused light / Hard shadows
• Cinematic lighting / Natural lighting
Keep Videos Under 30 Seconds Initially
While Sora can generate up to 60-second videos, start with shorter durations (15-30 seconds) to learn the basics and iterate faster. Shorter videos also have higher consistency.
Use Style References
Reference specific visual styles, film genres, or artistic movements to guide Sora's aesthetic choices.
"...in the style of a Wes Anderson film"
"...cyberpunk aesthetic, blade runner vibes"
"...Studio Ghibli animation style"
"...1970s documentary footage"
Iterate and Refine
Your first result might not be perfect. Generate multiple variations by slightly tweaking your prompt. Small changes can lead to dramatically different results.
Pro tip: Save prompts that work well and build a personal library of successful formulas.
Be Specific About Motion and Action
Describe how things should move. Sora understands physics, so be clear about speed, direction, and type of movement.
"...slowly rotating 360 degrees"
"...leaves gently falling in slow motion"
"...water splashing in ultra slow motion"
"...camera rapidly zooming out"
Combine Multiple Elements Carefully
Sora can handle complex scenes with multiple subjects, but don't overwhelm it. Start simple and gradually add complexity.
Leverage Temporal Consistency
One of Sora's strengths is maintaining consistency throughout the video. Use this by creating videos where subjects move through scenes or transform gradually.
Join the Community and Learn
Connect with other Sora users to share tips, prompts, and techniques. The Sora community is constantly discovering new ways to push the boundaries of AI video generation.
Resources to explore:
- Follow #SoraAI on social media
- Join Sora Discord servers and forums
- Study prompt libraries and examples
- Watch tutorials from experienced creators
Bonus Tips
- Frame rate matters: Specify "24fps cinematic" for film-like quality or "60fps" for smooth motion
- Aspect ratios: Mention "16:9 widescreen" or "9:16 vertical" for specific formats
- Weather and atmosphere: "Foggy," "misty morning," "stormy clouds" add depth
- Time of day: "Dawn," "dusk," "midnight," "high noon" set the scene
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ❌ Using vague or minimal prompts
- ❌ Requesting physically impossible actions
- ❌ Overcrowding scenes with too many elements
- ❌ Not specifying camera angles or movement
- ❌ Ignoring lighting descriptions
Your Next Steps
Now that you have these essential tips, it's time to start creating! Remember that mastering Sora is a journey—each video you create teaches you something new about crafting effective prompts and understanding AI video generation.
Ready to Start Your Sora Journey?
Get your invite code and begin creating stunning AI videos today
Get Sora Invite Code NowLast updated: September 25, 2025