Microsoft’s AI Video Generator: How to Use It
Imagine being able to conjure a video from thin air—just by typing a sentence. As someone who’s followed AI for years, I’ve seen plenty of “next big things,” but Microsoft’s latest move feels genuinely game-changing. On June 2, 2025, Microsoft, in partnership with OpenAI, rolled out a free AI video generator called Bing Video Creator, powered by Sora, directly within the Bing Mobile App. For the first time, OpenAI’s highly coveted Sora model—until now a premium, paywalled feature—is available to anyone with a smartphone and a Microsoft account[1][3][4].
A New Era of AI Video Creation
Let’s face it, the AI landscape moves fast. Only a year ago, generating a few seconds of decent AI video was a luxury reserved for tech giants and well-funded startups. Now, Microsoft is making that power available to millions, and it’s free—at least for the first ten clips. After that, you’ll need to earn or purchase Microsoft Rewards points, but the barrier to entry is still shockingly low[1][3].
Bing Video Creator is a testament to how quickly AI is being democratized. It’s not just about making videos for TikTok or Instagram (though, given the vertical 9:16 aspect ratio, that’s clearly a target). It’s about giving individuals and small businesses the tools to communicate visually, without needing a degree in digital art or a big budget[3][4].
How It Works: Step-by-Step
To get started, you’ll need the Bing Mobile App—desktop support is coming soon, but for now, it’s all about mobile. Here’s how it works:
- Download and Log In: Grab the Bing app from your device’s app store and log in with your Microsoft account.
- Find the Video Creator: Look for the new Bing Video Creator feature—it’s not hidden, but you might need to update your app to see it.
- Enter Your Prompt: Describe what you want to see. The more creative and specific you are, the better the results.
- Generate and Wait: Hit “generate.” Here’s the catch: even with the “fast” option, videos can take hours to finish. You can queue up to three five-second clips at a time.
- Download and Share: Once your video is ready, download it and share it wherever you like. For now, clips are only in vertical format, but horizontal options are coming soon[1][3][4].
Behind the Scenes: Sora and the Microsoft-OpenAI Partnership
OpenAI’s Sora is widely regarded as one of the best AI video generators on the market. It can transform text prompts into realistic, dynamic videos—something that would have seemed like science fiction just a few years ago. Sora’s integration into Bing Video Creator marks the first time the model has been available for free, a significant milestone in the partnership between Microsoft and OpenAI[1][3].
Microsoft’s strategy here is clear: make AI tools accessible to as many people as possible, while still maintaining a sustainable model. As of now, users get 10 free video clips. After that, each video costs 100 Microsoft Rewards points, which can be earned by searching with Bing or making purchases at the Microsoft Store[1][3]. It’s a clever way to keep the tool free for most users while encouraging engagement with Microsoft’s ecosystem.
Real-World Applications and Impact
The implications of this technology are vast. Small business owners can create promotional videos without hiring a videographer. Educators can bring lessons to life with custom visuals. Social media influencers can generate endless content ideas. Even hobbyists can experiment with storytelling in new ways.
I tried a few prompts myself: “A cat riding a skateboard through a neon city” and “A sunset over a futuristic metropolis.” The results weren’t instant—I had to wait a couple of hours—but the videos were surprisingly polished. The quality wasn’t Pixar-level, but it was more than good enough for social media or quick presentations[1][3].
Limitations and Considerations
Of course, there are limitations. Videos are currently capped at five seconds, and you can only generate three at a time. The wait times can be frustrating, especially if you’re used to instant results from other AI tools. And while the vertical format is perfect for TikTok and Instagram, it’s less ideal for YouTube or traditional presentations—though horizontal support is on the way[3][4].
There are also questions about how this technology will be used. Will it flood social media with even more synthetic content? How will platforms adapt? And what about the artists and creators whose work is used to train these models? These are important conversations, and they’re only going to get louder as AI video tools become more widespread.
Historical Context: The Evolution of AI Video
Just a few years ago, AI-generated images were the cutting edge. Tools like DALL-E and Midjourney made headlines for their ability to create stunning visuals from text. But video is a whole different beast. It requires not just generating a single frame, but a sequence of frames that are consistent, coherent, and visually appealing.
OpenAI’s Sora is a leap forward in this regard. It uses advanced deep learning techniques to understand the context of a prompt and generate videos that feel dynamic and lifelike. Microsoft’s integration of Sora into Bing Video Creator is a natural next step in the evolution of generative AI, building on the success of Bing Image Creator and Copilot Search[4].
Current Developments and Industry Reactions
The launch of Bing Video Creator has generated a lot of buzz. TechCrunch, Tom’s Guide, and other major outlets have covered the story, highlighting both the potential and the limitations of the tool[1][2][3]. Industry experts are watching closely, as this could set a new standard for how AI video tools are distributed and monetized.
Microsoft’s move is also a direct challenge to other AI video platforms, many of which still charge monthly fees or require complex setups. By making Sora available for free (with some caveats), Microsoft is positioning itself as a leader in the democratization of AI tools.
Future Implications and Potential Outcomes
Looking ahead, it’s easy to imagine a world where AI-generated video is as common as AI-generated images. The technology will only get better, faster, and more accessible. We might see new forms of storytelling, advertising, and education emerge, powered by tools like Bing Video Creator.
But there are also risks. As AI video becomes more realistic, the line between real and synthetic content will blur. Platforms will need to develop new ways to detect and label AI-generated videos. And society will need to grapple with the ethical implications of widespread synthetic media[5].
Different Perspectives and Approaches
Not everyone is thrilled about the rise of AI video. Some creators worry about being replaced by algorithms. Others see it as an opportunity to augment their work and reach new audiences. There’s also a growing movement to ensure that AI tools are used responsibly, with proper attribution and respect for intellectual property.
From a technical perspective, there are different approaches to AI video generation. Some models focus on realism, while others prioritize creativity or speed. Sora is known for its balance of quality and versatility, but it’s not the only player in the game. Companies like Runway, Pika, and Stability AI are also pushing the boundaries of what’s possible[3].
Comparison Table: Leading AI Video Generators (2025)
| Feature/Model | Sora (via Bing) | Runway | Pika | Stability AI |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Tier | Yes (10 videos) | Limited | Yes | Limited |
| Max Video Length | 5 sec | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Platform | Bing Mobile App | Web | Web | Web |
| Wait Time | Hours | Minutes | Minutes | Minutes |
| Aspect Ratio | 9:16 (vertical) | Custom | Custom | Custom |
| Cost After Free Tier | Rewards Points | Paid | Paid | Paid |
Expert Insights and Quotes
“The expectation from an AI expert is to know how to develop something that doesn't exist,” says Vered Dassa Levy, Global VP of HR at Autobrains. “We mainly recruit those with at least several years of experience in the field... Finding them is very challenging, especially given the high demand that exceeds the existing supply.”[5]
This sentiment rings true in the context of AI video generation. The technology is advancing rapidly, and the talent pool is struggling to keep up. As tools like Bing Video Creator become more accessible, the demand for skilled AI professionals will only grow.
Personal Reflection and Final Thoughts
As someone who’s followed AI for years, I’m both excited and cautious about this new era. The ability to generate videos from text is incredibly powerful, but it also raises important questions about authenticity, creativity, and the future of work.
Microsoft’s Bing Video Creator is a bold step forward, and it’s likely just the beginning. As the technology improves and becomes more widely available, we’ll see new forms of expression, new business models, and new challenges. For now, though, it’s a thrilling time to be a creator—or just a curious user—in the world of AI.
Conclusion
The launch of Bing Video Creator, powered by OpenAI’s Sora, marks a significant milestone in the democratization of AI video generation. For the first time, anyone with a smartphone and a Microsoft account can access one of the most advanced AI video tools on the market—and it’s free for the first ten clips. While there are limitations and challenges ahead, the potential for creativity, education, and business is enormous. As AI video becomes more mainstream, we’ll need to navigate new ethical and practical questions, but one thing is certain: the future of video is being written in code.
**