Sora 2 Prompt Writing Guide
From beginner to expert: Learn how to write effective prompts that unlock Sora 2's full potential
Understanding Sora's Philosophy
Narrative Over Technical
Sora is fundamentally different from other AI video generators. While tools like Runway and Kling respond best to technical camera instructions, Sora excels at understanding natural, story-driven language.
Core Principle:
Instead of treating Sora like a camera operator, think of it as a world simulator. Tell it what's happening in the scene, how it feels, what the atmosphere is like—and let Sora figure out how to visualize it.
This approach is rooted in OpenAI's training philosophy: building "AI systems that can understand and simulate the physical world in motion." Your prompts should describe a vivid scenario, not a shot list.
The CAST Framework (Beginner Level)
For those new to Sora, the CAST framework provides a simple structure to build effective prompts:
Character
Who or what is the main subject?
- • A stylish woman in a black leather jacket
- • A giant wooly mammoth
- • A small fluffy monster
Action
What is happening? What's the movement?
- • Walks confidently down a street
- • Treads through deep snow
- • Kneels beside a melting candle
Setting
Where does this take place? What's the environment?
- • Tokyo street filled with warm glowing neon signs
- • Snowy landscape with distant mountains
- • Dark room with flickering candlelight
Time / Atmosphere
When? What's the mood and lighting?
- • At night, street wet and reflective
- • Afternoon light with warm glow
- • Mood is wonder and curiosity
Example: Putting CAST Together
[C] A red bicycle rider [A] pedals through [S] a rain-soaked alley with glowing neon signs [T] at dusk, puddles reflecting colorful lights.
This simple structure gives Sora clear direction while maintaining a natural, descriptive tone.
Advanced: The Cinematic Hybrid Method
To unlock professional-grade results, combine narrative storytelling with technical specifications. This is the technique used in Sora 2's most impressive official demos.
Layered Prompt Architecture
Layer 1: Narrative Core
Start with vivid, sensory storytelling—this is your foundation.
Layer 2: Technical Specifications
Add cinematic parameters for precise control:
- • Aspect ratio (16:9, 9:16, 1:1)
- • Film grain (subtle, heavy, vintage)
- • Resolution feel (large format sensor)
- • Lens type (35mm anamorphic, macro)
- • Movement (tracking shot, aerial)
- • Stabilization (gyro-stabilized rig)
- • Color palette (steel blues, warm golds)
- • Highlights & shadows descriptions
- • Atmospheric effects (fog, haze)
- • Ambient sounds (wind, footsteps)
- • Dialogue or voice
- • Sound effects timing
Expert Example: "Ice Dragon" Prompt Breakdown
A dragon flies through jagged ice peaks, wing tips trailing vortexes of floating snow, crystals catching prismatic light as it banks between glacial spires.
Format: 2.39:1 anamorphic; 180° shutter; analog large-format digital sensor; very fine grain
Camera: 35mm spherical lens on gyro-stabilized aerial rig (parallel tracking, slight inward arc). Filters: Black Pro-Mist 1/8; circular polarizer
Color: Highlights—pure ice-white with cool rolloff; Midtones—steel blue glaciers, pale cyan sky; Shadows—slate/teal preserving crevasse detail
Audio: High-altitude wind shear, wing membrane thunder on each downstroke, crystalline ice-crack from peaks, distant glacier calving rumble; dragon's rapid exhales/low growls
This professional-grade prompt combines vivid storytelling with precise technical direction, resulting in cinematic quality output.
Practical Examples by Use Case
Quick, Engaging Content
Prompt: A barista pours latte art in extreme close-up, steam rising, sunlight streaming through cafe window creating warm bokeh. Vertical 9:16 format. Morning golden hour lighting. Sound: espresso machine hiss, milk steaming, gentle cafe ambience.
Why it works: Specifies vertical format for TikTok/Instagram. Includes audio for Sora 2. Sensory details make it shareable.
Commercial / Marketing
Prompt: Luxury watch on velvet pillow, slow camera orbit revealing intricate details— sapphire crystal catching light, second hand sweeping smoothly, reflection of golden hour sky on polished metal. Macro lens, shallow depth of field, elegant product lighting. Silent with subtle mechanical ticking.
Why it works: Emphasizes details and luxury. Camera movement adds dynamism. Lighting description ensures premium look.
Film / Documentary
Prompt: Aerial drone shot ascending over misty forest at dawn, revealing mountain range silhouettes emerging from fog. Cinematic 2.39:1 aspect, subtle film grain, teal and orange color grade. Camera movement: slow vertical rise with slight forward push. Sound: distant bird calls, wind through trees, gradual orchestral swell.
Why it works: Clear camera movement. Specific color grading. Atmospheric audio creates emotion. Perfect for establishing shots.
Creative Expression
Prompt: Paper craft world of a coral reef—fish made from origami, seaweed from crumpled tissue paper, bubbles as glass beads. Stop-motion animation aesthetic, handmade textures visible, warm side lighting casting soft shadows. Whimsical, crafted by hand feel. No sound, just visual meditation.
Why it works: Defines unique artistic style. Material descriptions help Sora simulate textures. Mood is clearly communicated.
Pro Tips & Best Practices
✅ Do This
- ✓ Use sensory, descriptive language
- ✓ Specify atmosphere and mood
- ✓ Describe what's happening, not just what's visible
- ✓ Add audio details for Sora 2
- ✓ Layer technical specs on narrative foundation
- ✓ Reference real-world physics (reflections, weight, momentum)
❌ Avoid This
- ✗ Overly vague prompts ("make it cool")
- ✗ Only technical jargon without story
- ✗ Expecting Sora to follow multi-step camera choreography
- ✗ Contradictory physics (unless intentionally surreal)
- ✗ Forgetting to specify aspect ratio for social platforms
- ✗ Neglecting lighting and time of day
The Iteration Loop
Generate & Analyze
Create video with initial prompt. Watch carefully—what worked? What didn't?
Identify Weaknesses
Was lighting off? Motion too fast? Subject unclear? Pinpoint specific issues.
Refine & Rewrite
Add missing details. Clarify ambiguous parts. Layer in technical specs if needed.
Repeat
Great prompts are rarely first drafts. Each iteration brings you closer to your vision.
Ready to Create Amazing Videos?
Browse our curated library of tested prompts, or start experimenting with Sora 2 using the techniques you just learned.