Welcome to 271 members who joined this week 👋
Hey there, I’m Joshua, and welcome to the NCF Weekly newsletter where we share actionable guidance on building a business as a non-technical founder.
Check out our other newsletters: Tiny Empires and Seedstrapped
Hey everyone,
In this week’s guide, we’re diving deep into OpenAI’s latest video model, Sora 2.
We’ll cover:
What is Sora 2
Full guide on creating your first video
Advanced techniques
Practical prompting examples
Common pitfalls to avoid
Optimizing your workflow
Pricing
Technical specifications
Competitor comparison
Ready-to-use Prompt Library
Industry-Specific Workflows for No-Code Founders
Troubleshooting Guide
Quick Start Checklist
Sponsored by
Search is evolving faster than founders can react. One week it’s a Google update. The next, AI is rewriting how results appear.
For SaaS and no-code tools, every shift impacts visibility, traffic, and revenue.
Your competitors are already investing in showing up in both Google and AI-driven results. You should too.
dofollow.com helps SaaS brands earn mentions on high-authority sites, rank for the keywords that convert, and stay visible through every algorithm and AI change.
Trusted by Surfshark, Pitch, and Experian.
Get in front of 34k+ SaaS founders by sponsoring this newsletter
Understanding What Makes Sora 2 Different
Unlike earlier video generation models that often morphed objects or defied physics to execute prompts, Sora 2 attempts to obey the laws of physics more consistently. For example, when a basketball player misses a shot, the ball will actually rebound off the backboard rather than spontaneously teleporting to the hoop.
The key distinction is that Sora 2 functions as a reasoning model rather than a simple fusion model. It processes your requests through ChatGPT's intelligence framework, which means it actually interprets and thinks through what you're asking rather than just mixing text and image data together. This architectural difference allows for more nuanced control and better results when you understand how to communicate with it properly.
Getting Started with Access
Sora 2 is available through multiple channels: the iOS Sora app, sora.com in your browser, and eventually through an API for developers. Currently, the rollout is invite-only and limited to the United States and Canada, with plans for global expansion.
Free users can generate videos up to 10 seconds at 720p resolution, while Pro tier subscribers get access to 20-second videos at 1080p with additional features. ChatGPT Pro subscribers also gain access to the higher-quality Sora 2 Pro model.
Step 1: Train ChatGPT on Sora 2 Documentation
The most effective approach starts with teaching ChatGPT how Sora 2 actually works. OpenAI has published comprehensive documentation that explains how the model interprets prompts. You can find this documentation guide on the OpenAI website.
Here's what you do:
Copy the link to the Sora 2 documentation
Paste it into ChatGPT
Tell ChatGPT: "These are the guides for how to prompt Sora 2"
From this point forward, ChatGPT understands the proper structure, format, and terminology that Sora 2 uses. This eliminates guesswork and gives you a much stronger starting point for creating effective prompts.
Step 2: Create or Gather Reference Images
Visual references dramatically improve your results because they give the model concrete information to work from rather than relying solely on text interpretation.
You have several options for creating reference images:
Use AI image generators like those available through Art List or other platforms
Use your own photographs or digital artwork
Generate images with ChatGPT's image creation capabilities
If you need to modify existing images, tools like Nano Banana allow you to make specific adjustments before using them as references in Sora 2.
Step 3: Build Your Initial Prompt
This is where the magic happens. The quality of your prompt directly impacts your output quality.
For prompts with reference images:
When you have visual references, your text prompt can be more concise because the model extracts additional information from the images. Focus on describing the action, camera movement, and any specific details not visible in the reference images.
Example approach:
Upload your reference images to ChatGPT
Provide a clear description of what you want: duration, key actions, camera movements, mood
Let ChatGPT expand this into a full Sora 2 prompt
For prompts without reference images:
Without visual references, you need to be significantly more detailed in your text descriptions, including specifics about the environment, lighting and mood, time of day, emotions and poses, camera movement, dialogue and delivery, and texture and details.
Step 4: Understanding Prompt Structure
Effective Sora 2 prompts move beyond vague requests like "make it cinematic" and instead describe specific elements: camera setup, lighting and color palette, action and beats, tone, and mood.
For example, instead of writing "a beautiful street at night," a better prompt would specify "wet asphalt, zebra crosswalk, neon signs reflecting in puddles, handheld camera tracking a figure in a trench coat, moody blue-green color palette."
A well-structured prompt typically includes:
Duration and Technical Specs:
Video length (e.g., 12 seconds)
Aspect ratio
Style designation (ultra cinematic, photorealistic, anime-inspired, etc.)
Scene Elements:
Environment and setting details
Character descriptions and wardrobe
Props and set dressing
Time of day and weather conditions
Camera and Cinematography:
Camera movement (tracking, orbiting, handheld, FPV drone)
Lens type (35mm, wide angle, macro)
Depth of field
Shot framing (close-up, wide shot, full body)
Action and Timing:
Specific actions broken down by time codes
Motion blur and natural camera shake
Transitions between scenes
Mood and Aesthetics:
Lighting description (golden hour, dramatic lighting, soft haze)
Color palette
Texture and atmosphere
Emotional tone
Step 5: Generate and Evaluate
Once you have your prompt from ChatGPT, copy it and paste it into your Sora 2 interface. Select the appropriate model version (Sora 2 Pro offers higher quality) and generate your video.
Here's what you need to know: You will rarely get perfect results on the first try. This is normal and expected.
The model is far from perfect and makes plenty of mistakes, but validation shows that further scaling on video data brings us closer to simulating reality. Understanding this helps set realistic expectations.
Step 6: Iterate and Refine
The refinement process is where you achieve professional results. Each generation teaches you something about how the model interprets your instructions.
Common issues and fixes:
Motion problems: If movement looks unnatural or the character freezes awkwardly, be more specific about the motion. Instead of "she stops," try "she slows down gradually and comes to a smooth, intentional stop."
Camera angle issues: If the camera position is wrong, specify exact placement. "Front-facing shot with the subject approaching the camera and coming into focus as they slow down."
Physics violations: If objects behave unrealistically, add physics constraints. "The staff extends from forearm length to a 6-foot spear with mechanical elements snapping into place."
Energy and pacing: If the video feels static, specify constant motion. "Always keep the camera moving to maintain high energy. FPV drone for bike sequences, handheld for character close-ups."
Detail and realism: If results look cartoonish or lack polish, request "more photorealistic" and add specific lighting and texture details.
When refining, go back to ChatGPT and provide clear feedback about what didn't work. ChatGPT will modify the prompt accordingly. The conversational nature means you can be casual in your feedback. Say things like "I want more speed on the motorcycle" or "her dismount was weird and needs to look smoother," and ChatGPT will translate that into proper technical language for Sora 2.
Step 7: Know When to Regenerate vs. Refine
This is an important strategic decision. When you're close to what you want but not quite there, try regenerating with the same prompt rather than making further adjustments. Sometimes you'll get exactly what you're looking for without any changes to the prompt.
The same prompt can produce different results each time you generate because the model has inherent randomness. Use this to your advantage. Generate multiple times with successful prompts to explore variations.
Working with Dialogue
Sora 2 now includes synchronized audio generation that matches the video, including dialogue with proper lip-sync. When including dialogue in your prompts:
Specify who is speaking
Include the exact words in quotes
Describe the delivery style (excited tone, whispered, shouted)
Place dialogue specifications in dedicated sections of your prompt
Multi-Shot Sequences
For longer narratives, break your prompt into distinct time-coded sections. Each section should specify:
The duration of that particular shot
The environment and action for that segment
Camera movement specific to that shot
Lighting and mood for that beat
This gives Sora 2 clear boundaries and helps maintain consistency across the sequence.
Style References
You can reference specific visual styles even without providing images. Instead of describing every detail, you can say "in the style of a Nike commercial" or "luxury sports brand aesthetic." The model understands these references and applies appropriate cinematography, lighting, and pacing conventions.
The Cameo Feature
The Cameo feature allows users to insert themselves or others into generated scenes after recording a short one-time video to capture likeness and voice. Cameo use is fully opt-in, protected by verification challenges to prevent impersonation, and revocable at any time.
This feature opens up personalized content creation where you can place yourself or your team members into any AI-generated environment with accurate appearance and voice representation.
Example 1: Simple Product Showcase
"10-second commercial-style shot. A hand picks up a water bottle from a modern kitchen counter. Morning sunlight streams through a window creating natural lens flare. Camera slowly pushes in on the bottle as condensation beads on the surface. Clean, minimal aesthetic. Soft jazz playing in background."
Example 2: Action Sequence
"12-second sequence. Time code 0-4 seconds: Tracking shot of a runner sprinting through a forest trail, leaves scattering behind them. Handheld camera, natural motion blur. Time code 4-8 seconds: Camera orbits around the runner as they leap over a fallen log. Slow motion effect begins. Time code 8-12 seconds: Landing in real-time, camera continues forward momentum. Golden hour lighting throughout. Dramatic orchestral swell."
Example 3: Emotional Scene
"8-second dramatic moment. Close-up of a person's face illuminated by laptop screen glow in a dark room. Their expression shifts from concentration to realization to joy. Shallow depth of field, background softly out of focus. Subtle ambient electronic music. Modern, intimate cinematography."
Overly long prompts without structure: While detail is good, organization matters more. Break long descriptions into clear sections rather than writing one massive paragraph.
Vague terminology: Words like "cinematic" or "professional" don't give the model specific guidance. Instead, describe the actual cinematographic elements you want.
Ignoring physics: If you request actions that violate physics, the model will struggle. Think through whether your requested action is physically plausible.
Not specifying camera movement: Static cameras often produce less engaging results. Include camera motion that serves your story.
Expecting perfection immediately: Budget time for iteration. Plan on generating 5-10 variations before achieving your vision.
Save successful prompts: Keep a document of prompts that produced good results. You can modify these as templates for future projects.
Use ChatGPT as your creative partner: Think of it as having a conversation with a cinematographer. You provide the creative vision, and ChatGPT handles the technical translation.
Start broad, then narrow: Begin with a simple concept and gradually add detail through iterations rather than trying to describe everything perfectly upfront.
Study your failures: When a generation doesn't work, analyze why. This builds your intuition for how Sora 2 interprets different types of instructions.
Maintain creative energy: The iterative process can be tedious. Take breaks between generation sessions to maintain fresh perspective.
Understanding Sora 2's pricing structure is essential for calculating your return on investment and choosing the right tier for your needs.
Access Tiers Compared
Free Tier (Invite-Only)
Cost: Free with invite code
Resolution: 480p maximum
Duration: 5 seconds per video
Monthly limit: Undefined, subject to compute availability
Watermarks: Yes, visible on all videos
Best for: Testing the platform, learning the basics
ChatGPT Plus ($20/month)
Resolution: Up to 720p
Duration: 5 seconds per video
Monthly credits: 1,000 (approximately 50 videos at 720p)
Priority queue access
Watermarks: Yes
Best for: Social media managers, content creators needing 20-50 short clips monthly
ChatGPT Pro ($200/month)
Resolution: Up to 1080p
Duration: Up to 20 seconds per video
Monthly credits: 10,000 (approximately 500 videos)
Priority generations: 500 per month
Relaxed mode: Unlimited additional generations (slower processing)
Watermarks: Optional removal available
Sora 2 Pro model access: Higher quality outputs
Best for: Professional creators, agencies, businesses creating content at scale
Cost Per Video Breakdown
Understanding your actual cost per video helps with budget planning:
ChatGPT Plus:
480p, 5 seconds: 10 credits ($0.20 per video)
720p, 5 seconds: 20 credits ($0.40 per video)
ChatGPT Pro:
720p, 5 seconds: $0.40 per video
1080p, 20 seconds: $2-4 per video
After 500 priority videos: Free in relaxed mode (5-10 minute wait)
Quick reference for planning your video projects:
Feature | Free | Plus | Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
Resolution | 480p | 720p | 1080p |
Max Duration | 5 sec | 5 sec | 20 sec |
Aspect Ratios | 1:1, 9:16, 16:9 | 1:1, 9:16, 16:9, 2:3, 3:2 | 1:1, 9:16, 16:9, 2:3, 3:2 |
Frame Rate | 24-30 fps | 24-30 fps | 24-30 fps |
Monthly Credits | Variable | 1,000 | 10,000 |
Audio Generation | Yes | Yes | Yes (enhanced) |
Dialogue Sync | Basic | Standard | Advanced |
Generation Time | 2-10 min | 1-3 min | 1-2 min (priority) |
Watermark Removal | No | No | Yes |
Image Reference | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Cameo Feature | Limited | Yes | Yes |
Export Formats: MP4 (H.264), with embedded C2PA metadata for provenance tracking.
Understanding how Sora 2 stacks up against alternatives helps you choose the best tool for your specific needs.
Sora 2 vs. Google Veo 3 vs. Runway Gen-3
Feature | Sora 2 Pro | Google Veo 3 | Runway Gen-3 |
|---|---|---|---|
Max Duration | 20 seconds | Up to 2 minutes | 16 seconds (Gen-4) |
Resolution | 1080p | 1080p (4K capable) | 720p (4K upscale) |
Native Audio | Yes (dialogue + SFX) | Yes (full audio) | No (add in post) |
Physics Accuracy | High | Very High | Moderate |
Access | Invite-only app | Limited beta | Public SaaS |
Pricing | $20-200/month | $249/month (Gemini Ultra) | $144-1,500/year |
Best For | Social content, rapid iteration | Cinematic shots, long-form | Style control, quick clips |
When to Choose Each Tool:
Choose Sora 2 if:
You need synchronized dialogue and natural audio
You're creating social media content (TikTok, Reels, Shorts)
You want ChatGPT integration for prompt assistance
You need fast iteration with the Cameo feature
Budget is moderate ($20-200/month)
Choose Google Veo 3 if:
You need longer clips approaching 2 minutes for short films or comprehensive product demonstrations
You're already in the Google/Workspace ecosystem
You need 4K output for professional or commercial use
You have budget for premium tools ($249/month)
Choose Runway Gen-3 if:
You need precise camera control with six-axis movement capabilities
You prefer traditional editing workflow integration
You're experienced with video editing tools
You need style references and artistic control
The Realistic Assessment
Independent testing shows Sora 2 excels at realistic physics simulation and handles complex urban environments better than its predecessor, though Google Veo 3 sometimes produces more cinematically polished results.
These tested prompts provide immediate starting points across common use cases. Modify them for your specific needs.
Product Demo Prompts
Tech Product Showcase:
12-second product demo. Time code 0-4s: Close-up of smartphone rotating on white surface, studio lighting highlights the metallic finish. Time code 4-8s: Camera pushes in as screen illuminates showing interface. Time code 8-12s: Hand enters frame and swipes through apps smoothly. Clean, modern aesthetic. Subtle ambient electronic music.Physical Product in Use:
10-second lifestyle shot. A person's hands open a sleek product package on a wooden table. Morning sunlight creates soft shadows. Camera slowly orbits the table as they lift the product out, revealing its design. Natural sound of paper rustling and product being placed on surface. Minimal, aspirational tone.E-commerce 360 View:
8-second rotating product shot. [Product name] centered on neutral background, slowly rotating 360 degrees. Studio lighting emphasizes texture and material quality. Camera maintains medium shot throughout. No music, just ambient room tone. Professional, catalog-ready aesthetic.TikTok Hook (First 3 Seconds):
5-second attention grabber. Quick cut sequence: hands slam laptop shut → person spins in chair toward camera → rapid zoom to surprised face. Handheld energy, bright lighting. No dialogue, just sharp ambient sound effects matching actions.Instagram Reel Transition:
7-second transition effect. Person walks behind object (pillar/tree) in current outfit. As they emerge, outfit has changed completely. Match the camera movement and lighting on both sides for seamless effect. Upbeat background music with sound effect on the transition moment.YouTube Shorts Opening:
10-second setup sequence. Medium shot of creator at desk, looking directly at camera. They speak: "Here's something nobody tells you about [topic]..." Natural conversational tone, bright vlog-style lighting. Subtle text overlay appears at bottom. Ambient room acoustics.Educational/Explainer Prompts
Process Explanation:
15-second tutorial segment. Split screen or sequential shots showing step-by-step process. Left side: Close-up of hands performing action. Right side: Result being achieved. Clean, well-lit setup. Voiceover explaining each step in friendly, instructional tone.Concept Visualization:
12-second abstract concept. Visual metaphor showing [concept] as physical process. Example: "Data flowing through a network" shown as glowing particles moving through transparent tubes. Smooth camera movement following the flow. Gentle ambient soundscape. Educational but engaging aesthetic.Marketing & Advertising Prompts
Brand Story Moment:
15-second emotional beat. Close-up of hands crafting/creating product with care and attention. Shallow depth of field keeps focus on the action. Golden hour lighting creates warm, authentic atmosphere. Subtle sound of work being done. No dialogue. Story-driven cinematography.Before/After Comparison:
10-second problem-solution. Time code 0-5s: Show problem scenario with cooler color grading and slightly chaotic framing. Time code 5-10s: Cut to solution with product, warmer lighting, organized composition. Clear visual contrast. Uplifting sound design shift between sections.Customer Testimonial Style:
12-second UGC-style review. First-person handheld shot of someone showing product to camera in natural environment (kitchen, office, car). They speak enthusiastically: "[Product] completely changed how I [activity]." Authentic, unpolished aesthetic with natural lighting and acoustic. iPhone-quality intentional.Business Use Case Prompts
SaaS Dashboard Demo:
10-second interface showcase. Smooth screen recording style showing software dashboard. Cursor naturally navigates through key features while subtle highlights appear on important elements. Professional voiceover explains core benefit. Modern, clean aesthetic with ambient tech sounds.Team/Culture Video:
15-second workplace moment. Montage of 3-5 second clips: team collaborating at whiteboard → someone laughing at desk → coffee break conversation → focused work session. Natural office lighting, documentary style. Ambient office sounds create authentic atmosphere. Positive, energetic pacing.Event Highlight:
12-second recap moment. Quick cuts between key event moments: venue exterior → crowd shots → speaker on stage → audience reactions → product/service being demonstrated. Cinematic color grading, varied shot types. Upbeat background music with natural event audio mixed underneath.Modification Tips for Any Prompt:
Increase energy: Add "quick cuts," "fast-paced," "dynamic camera movement"
Add emotion: Specify "dramatic lighting," "intimate framing," "warm color palette"
Make it casual: Use "handheld," "natural lighting," "documentary style"
Increase polish: Add "studio lighting," "smooth camera movement," "professional color grading"
Tailored approaches for common business models in the no-code space.
E-commerce & DTC Brands
Product Launch Sequence (3-Video Series):
Teaser (5 seconds): Mysterious close-up shots of product details without revealing full item. Dark, dramatic lighting. Sound design builds anticipation.
Reveal (10 seconds): Full product showcase with 360-degree rotation and key feature callouts. Bright, clean lighting. Upbeat music.
In-Use (15 seconds): Lifestyle shot showing product in customer's daily life. Natural environment, authentic moment. Real-world sound design.
Weekly Content Cadence:
Monday: Behind-the-scenes creation process (builds authenticity)
Wednesday: Customer testimonial style video (social proof)
Friday: Product feature deep-dive (educational value)
Budget Allocation: With ChatGPT Pro ($200/month), you can produce 12+ high-quality videos monthly, replacing a $2,000-5,000 traditional video production budget.
SaaS & Software Products
Onboarding Video Series:
Create a 5-video welcome sequence for new users:
Welcome message with founder/team (personal connection)
Dashboard walkthrough (orientation)
First task completion (quick win)
Advanced feature teaser (engagement)
Community intro (retention)
Feature Announcement Template:
Problem statement (3 sec) → Solution reveal (4 sec) →
Demo in action (5 sec) → CTA (3 sec) = 15-second totalUse Case: Generate video variations for different customer segments (enterprise vs. startup) by modifying environment and language in prompts without reshooting.
Content Creators & Course Builders
Course Content Enhancement:
Replace static slides with dynamic content:
Concept explanations: Visualize abstract ideas with animated sequences
Case studies: Generate scenario-based examples without stock footage
Student testimonials: Create template-based review videos
YouTube Content Strategy:
Shorts/TikTok: 3-5 videos per week (5-15 seconds each)
B-roll for long-form: Generate establishing shots, transitions, visual metaphors
Thumbnails: Create video frames for eye-catching thumbnails
Time Savings: What traditionally takes 2-3 hours of filming and editing now takes 20-30 minutes including iteration.
Service-Based Businesses
Portfolio Showcase:
Generate case study videos without client footage:
Before/after visualizations
Process explanations
Results representations
Client testimonial templates
Sales Enablement:
Create standardized video assets:
Elevator pitch (10 seconds)
Service explanation (15-20 seconds)
Pricing tier comparisons (visual format)
FAQ responses (15 seconds each)
Lead Nurture Sequence:
Personalized video follow-ups:
Thank you for inquiry (personal touch)
Service deep-dive based on their needs (relevance)
Social proof compilation (trust building)
Special offer presentation (conversion)
Visual Storytelling for Written Content:
Transform articles into shareable video snippets:
Key statistics: Animated data visualizations
Quotes: Cinematic quote cards with movement
Story moments: Illustrative scenes bringing narrative to life
Subscriber Engagement:
Weekly video summaries (tease newsletter content)
Concept explainers (add value beyond written content)
Founder updates (build personal connection)
Growth Strategy: Post video snippets on social platforms that link back to full newsletter. Visual content can increase newsletter signup conversion by drawing attention in social feeds where written posts often get ignored.
Save hours of frustration with these solutions to the most frequent problems.
Generation Quality Issues
Problem: Characters have incorrect number of fingers or distorted hands
Why it happens: Hand generation remains one of AI video's persistent challenges due to the complex articulation and positioning of fingers.
Solutions:
Avoid close-ups of hands unless absolutely necessary
Keep hands in motion rather than static poses
Use wider shots where hand detail is less critical
If hands are essential, specify: "hands shown from wrist up in natural resting position"
Consider generating multiple times and selecting the best result
Problem: Text in videos appears jumbled or illegible
Why it happens: Text rendering accuracy hasn't reached the same level as object and scene generation.
Solutions:
Use very short text (2-3 characters maximum) like "OK" instead of full words or sentences
Avoid brand names or specific text unless critical
Add text overlays in post-production instead
If you must include text, specify: "uniform with simple 2-letter logo" rather than full slogans
Problem: Physics violations (objects floating, liquids behaving strangely)
Why it happens: Complex interactions between multiple objects strain the model's physics simulation.
Solutions:
Simplify scenes by reducing the number of objects
Use common, everyday scenarios that the model has seen more often
Be hyper-specific about object relationships: "water pours from pitcher into glass, flowing down and creating ripples inside the glass"
Avoid rare or unusual physical interactions (juggling, complex machinery)
Test with shorter durations first (5-8 seconds) before attempting longer sequences
Problem: Generated video looks blurry or low quality
Why it happens: Scene complexity, duration length, or network issues affecting processing.
Solutions:
Reduce scene complexity by cutting unnecessary elements from your prompt
Lower duration from 10 seconds to 5 seconds initially
Ensure strong Wi-Fi connection during generation
Clear app cache on mobile (Settings > Apps > Sora > Clear Cache)
Upgrade to Pro tier for 1080p output if using Plus
Try generating during off-peak hours for better processing resources
Character and Consistency Problems
Problem: Character appearance changes between shots
Why it happens: The model doesn't automatically maintain character consistency across separate generations.
Solutions:
Use reference images of the character in every prompt
Describe character details identically across all prompts: "same woman, 30s, shoulder-length brown hair, wearing blue jacket"
Generate multi-shot sequences in a single prompt rather than separate generations
Use the Cameo feature for recurring character appearances
Keep character descriptions simple and repeatable
Problem: Cameo/likeness doesn't look accurate
Why it happens: Image quality, angle, or lighting in reference photo affects model's ability to recreate likeness.
Solutions:
Use high-resolution, well-lit photos facing camera directly
Avoid reference images with heavy makeup, filters, or unusual lighting
Provide neutral expression in reference photo
Don't rely solely on the model to capture specific identities
For critical projects, iterate multiple times and combine best results
Technical and Access Issues
Problem: Generation takes 5+ minutes or times out
Why it happens: High server load, complex prompts, or longer video requests strain processing capacity.
Solutions:
Try during off-peak hours (late night/early morning in your timezone)
Reduce video duration from your initial request
Simplify prompt by removing excessive details
Check OpenAI status page for known outages
Clear browser cache or restart app
Wait 5-10 minutes and try again (server congestion often temporary)
Problem: "Content policy violation" error for seemingly innocent prompts
Why it happens: Overly aggressive content filtering or unintended trigger words.
Solutions:
Remove any words that could be misinterpreted (even innocently)
Rephrase using different terminology
Avoid mentioning brand names, celebrities, or copyrighted characters
Don't include any terms related to violence, even in innocent contexts
If repeatedly rejected, try a completely different creative approach
For business content, keep descriptions neutral and factual
Problem: Unable to access Sora 2 despite having ChatGPT subscription
Why it happens: Invite-only rollout is gradual and not all subscribers have immediate access.
Solutions:
Check your email for official invite code from OpenAI
Join the waitlist at sora.com
Search for shared invite codes on Reddit (r/OpenAI) or X/Twitter
Use alternative platforms like Krea AI that provide Sora 2 access without invite
Ensure you're using the correct account (same one used for ChatGPT subscription)
Try accessing via web browser if app isn't working
Output and Export Problems
Problem: Audio doesn't sync with visual action
Why it happens: Mismatch between visual timing and audio generation processing.
Solutions:
Specify exact timing in prompt: "at 3 seconds, character says [dialogue]"
Use shorter dialogue segments (3-5 seconds maximum)
Keep spoken words simple and clear
Review generated videos and note timing, then adjust prompt
For critical sync, consider adding audio in post-production instead
Problem: Generated video doesn't match the style requested
Why it happens: Vague style descriptors or conflicting instructions in prompt.
Solutions:
Use specific cinematography terms: "35mm lens, shallow depth of field, golden hour lighting"
Reference specific visual styles: "documentary style," "commercial aesthetic," "UGC handheld"
Avoid mixing contradictory styles in one prompt
Study the prompt library examples that match your desired outcome
Include reference images that demonstrate the style you want
Iteration and Workflow Issues
Problem: Making progress but not quite there after many attempts
Solution Strategy:
Try regenerating with the same prompt 2-3 times before modifying
The same prompt produces different results due to inherent randomness
If 3 attempts all miss the mark, then refine your prompt
Sometimes the issue is luck, not your prompt quality
Problem: Losing track of which prompt variations worked
Prevention Strategy:
Keep a simple document with: prompt text, result quality (1-5 stars), specific notes
Screenshot successful outputs with their prompts
Build a personal prompt library of what works for your style
Use ChatGPT to maintain your prompt history and notes
Problem: Results regressed after refinement
What's happening: Sometimes adding more specificity over-constrains the model.
Solutions:
Go back to the simpler prompt that worked better
Instead of adding more details, try removing some
Let the model have creative freedom in areas that aren't critical
Focus specificity only on the elements that must be exact
Ready to begin? Follow this sequence:
Get Access - Join waitlist at sora.com or find invite code
Choose Your Tier - Start with Plus ($20) if testing, Pro ($200) if serious
Read 1 Skill - Pick one section of this guide that matches your immediate need
Generate 5 Test Videos - Use prompts from the library to understand the model
Document What Works - Keep notes on successful prompts and iterations
Create Real Project - Apply learnings to actual business content
Iterate Rapidly - Expect 3-5 generations before achieving your vision
Build Your Library - Save successful prompts as templates for future use
Go Pro to get unlimited access to more guides like this one
Get full access to all our resources with Pro Membership for a one-time payment of $199.
Sneak peek at what’s included 👇
💰$50k in Perks - Access Exclusive offers from the top no-code tools who have partnered with us. Including $15k waived Stripe fees, $500 Bubble credit + $1000 Coda credit View all
💻 No-Code Operating System - Advanced Notion template that replaces all your productivity tools. Everything you need to launch and manage your business from one page. Learn more
🎓 Course: Tiny Empires Method - Learn how to build a 6-figure business that works around your life and not the other way around. Learn proven frameworks to stop wasting time and start making money. Learn more
🎓 Course: Sales for Introverts (and people who don’t like selling) - Learn how to sell in a way that fits your personality and delivers consistent, reliable revenue for your busines. Learn more
🛠️ 75+ Curated No-Code Courses and Resources - We’ve curated 2000 no-code videos into 75+ easy to navigate courses. Save yourself hours of watching Youtube videos that don’t move your knowledge forward. View all
Social Media Content Prompts