Microsoft is expanding its suite of AI tools with the introduction of Bing Video Creator, a new feature within the Bing app that allows users to generate short video clips from text prompts using OpenAI’s Sora model. While Sora has previously been limited to enterprise-level access through OpenAI, this marks the first time a consumer-facing version is available at no cost—though there are notable limitations.
To use Bing Video Creator, users must be signed into a Microsoft account. Each user is granted 10 free video generations initially, after which additional clips cost 100 Microsoft Rewards points each. These points can be earned through activities like searching via Bing or making purchases through Microsoft’s ecosystem. The structure suggests a freemium model designed to encourage deeper engagement with Microsoft services rather than monetizing the tool directly with cash payments.
Currently, the tool is only accessible via the Bing mobile app, with desktop support not yet available. Video generation times remain a sticking point. Even the so-called “fast” mode can take hours to complete, raising questions about the scalability and readiness of the underlying infrastructure. Users can queue up to three videos at once, each limited to a maximum duration of five seconds. At launch, only vertical 9:16 aspect ratio is supported—clearly geared toward social media formats like TikTok or Instagram Reels. Microsoft has indicated that a horizontal aspect ratio is on the roadmap, potentially broadening its use case in the near future.
While the feature’s capabilities are still early-stage and constrained by both format and speed, it reflects Microsoft’s ongoing strategy to integrate AI across its consumer platforms. The move also underscores the evolving relationship between Microsoft and OpenAI, bringing premium generative tools to a broader audience through familiar software channels.
The Bing Video Creator’s rollout highlights both the potential and growing pains of text-to-video generation technology. By offering a limited but free entry point to Sora’s capabilities, Microsoft is positioning Bing as a more versatile content tool, though it’s clear that the technology—and its practical deployment—remains very much a work in progress.
