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Runway built for filmmakers. Sora 2 was the tech demo that melted OpenAI's GPU budget. Here is how to pick a video model for actual projects.
Sora 2 dropped in 2025 with jaw-dropping demos and then was quietly discontinued by OpenAI in March 2026 due to inference costs. Runway Gen-4, released earlier in 2025, is still here and actively shipping for filmmakers — consistent characters across cuts, motion brushes, camera controls, and the Act-One performance capture feature.
| Model | Who makes it | Status 2026 | Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Runway Gen-4 | Runway | Active, filmmaker-focused | Consistent characters, real production controls |
| Sora 2 | OpenAI | Discontinued March 2026 | Motion realism was best-in-class at launch |
| Kling 3.0 | Kuaishou (China) | Active, consumer-popular | Best human motion, dance, sports |
| Veo 3.1 | Google DeepMind | Active, Gemini-integrated | Native audio + video together |
| Pika 2.2 | Pika Labs | Active, consumer-first | TikTok-style effects, cheapest |
Approximate cost per 10-second 720p clip:
Runway Gen-4 Turbo: ~$0.50 (bundled in $28/mo Pro)
Veo 3.1: $1.00-$7.50 depending on quality
Kling 3.0 (Pro): ~$0.75
Pika 2.2 (Fancy): ~$0.30
A 2-minute short = 12 clips = $3.60-$90 in pure model spend.
Post-production is extra. Videos are the most expensive AI media to produce.Budget realism. A three-minute video can cost more in compute than a month of ChatGPT Plus.15 questions · take it digitally for instant feedback at tendril.neural-forge.io/learn/quiz/end-model-runway-vs-sora-builders
What was the primary reason OpenAI discontinued Sora 2 in March 2026?
A student wants to create a short film where the same character appears across multiple scenes. Which model should they choose?
What does the Act-One feature in Runway Gen-4 allow creators to do?
Which video model is developed by Kuaishou and is popular with consumers in China?
What unique capability does Veo 3.1 offer that the other models in the comparison do not emphasize?
What is the approximate clip length limit for videos created with Runway Gen-4?
Which model is described as the cheapest option in the current video-model landscape?
Before building a product that relies on a video model, what does the lesson specifically warn against?
A creator wants to make TikTok-style short videos with effects. Which model should they consider?
Since November 2024, what does YouTube require for uploads containing substantially AI-generated content?
A user already pays for Gemini Advanced. Which video model would integrate most seamlessly with their existing workflow?
Why does the lesson advise against attempting to remove watermarks like SynthID from AI-generated videos?
Which model was specifically built for professional filmmakers rather than consumers?
What is the maximum clip duration available in Kling 3.0?
Which discontinued model was known for having the best motion realism at its launch?