Sora 2 Error Codes and Solutions (2025 Complete Guide)
Encountering errors with Sora 2? This comprehensive guide covers all error codes, their causes, and step-by-step solutions to get you back to creating amazing AI videos.
🔍 Quick Error Code Index
❌ Error 1001: Generation Failed
Error 1001: Unable to generate video. Please try again.
This generic error appears when Sora 2 cannot complete your video generation request.
Common Causes:
- Prompt complexity: Your prompt contains too many conflicting elements or instructions
- Technical limitations: Requesting impossible physics or unrealistic scenarios
- Server overload: Sora 2 servers experiencing high traffic
- Temporary glitch: Random system error (rare but possible)
✅ Solutions:
- Simplify your prompt: Break complex requests into 1-2 main subjects maximum
- Wait 5-10 minutes: Try again during off-peak hours (avoid US evenings)
- Check ChatGPT status: Visit status.openai.com for system issues
- Use different prompt structure: Rephrase your idea with simpler language
- Start with shorter duration: Generate 5s video first, then extend to 20s
💡 Pro Tip:
If Error 1001 persists after 3 attempts, switch to a completely different prompt. The AI may be struggling with your specific concept. Return to the original idea in 24 hours.
🚫 Error 1002: Content Policy Violation
Error 1002: Your prompt violates our content policy.
This error triggers when your prompt contains prohibited content or references.
Prohibited Content:
- Violence or gore: Explicit injury, blood, or harmful acts
- Nudity or sexual content: Any adult or suggestive material
- Hate speech: Discriminatory language or imagery
- Political figures: Deepfakes of real politicians or public figures
- Minors: Any depiction of children in potentially harmful scenarios
- Copyrighted characters: Direct references to Disney, Marvel, etc.
✅ Solutions:
- Review OpenAI's Usage Policy: Read the official guidelines
- Remove specific names: Change "Spider-Man" to "a superhero in red costume"
- Use generic descriptions: "A political leader" instead of specific names
- Focus on positive scenarios: Avoid conflict, danger, or negative emotions
- Age-appropriate content: Describe adults (18+) only
⚠️ Warning:
Repeated policy violations may result in account suspension. Always err on the side of caution. When in doubt, make your prompt more generic and family-friendly.
⏱️ Error 1003: Rate Limit Exceeded
Error 1003: Rate limit exceeded. Please wait before generating more videos.
You've hit the maximum number of generation requests for your plan tier.
Rate Limits by Plan (2025):
| Plan | Videos/Hour | Videos/Day | Reset Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT Plus | 5 videos | 50 videos | Hourly |
| ChatGPT Pro | 20 videos | Unlimited | Hourly |
✅ Solutions:
- Wait for reset: Hourly limits reset at the top of each hour (XX:00)
- Check your usage: Count how many videos you've generated in the past hour
- Upgrade to Pro: Get unlimited daily generations for $200/month
- Plan your batches: Spread generations across multiple hours
- Use 5s videos: Generate shorter videos to test prompts, save 20s for finals
💡 Pro Tip:
Keep a spreadsheet tracking your generations per hour. Set a timer for 55 minutes to remind yourself when the limit will reset. This prevents workflow interruptions.
🔐 Error 1004: Authentication Failed
Error 1004: Authentication failed. Please log in again.
Your session has expired or there's an issue with your account credentials.
Common Causes:
- Session timeout: You've been idle for more than 2 hours
- Multiple devices: Logged in on another device/browser
- Password changed: Recently updated your OpenAI password
- VPN interference: IP address changed mid-session
- Browser cache: Corrupted cookies or local storage
✅ Solutions:
- Log out completely: ChatGPT menu → Settings → Log out
- Clear browser cache: Ctrl+Shift+Delete → Clear cookies and site data
- Log in fresh: Visit chat.openai.com and re-enter credentials
- Disable VPN temporarily: Use your regular IP address for stable connection
- Try incognito mode: Test if browser extensions are interfering
- Check account status: Ensure subscription is active at platform.openai.com/account
💳 Error 1005: Insufficient Credits
Error 1005: Insufficient credits to complete generation.
Your account doesn't have enough credits or your payment method failed.
✅ Solutions:
- Check subscription status: Settings → Manage subscription
- Update payment method: Expired card or failed transaction
- Contact billing: Email help@openai.com with error details
- Verify Plus/Pro: Sora 2 requires active ChatGPT Plus ($20/mo) or Pro ($200/mo)
- Wait for renewal: If subscription just expired, renew and wait 5-10 minutes
⏳ Error 1006: Server Timeout
Error 1006: Request timed out. Server did not respond in time.
The generation took too long and the server connection was lost.
✅ Solutions:
- Simplify prompt: Complex scenes take 5-10 minutes; reduce complexity
- Generate 5s first: Shorter videos process faster (30-60 seconds)
- Check internet: Ensure stable connection (no wifi dropouts)
- Avoid peak hours: Generate during off-peak (US late night/early morning)
- Retry immediately: Server capacity may have freed up
📏 Error 1007: Video Length Limit Exceeded
Error 1007: Requested video length exceeds maximum limit.
You're trying to generate a video longer than 20 seconds (current maximum).
✅ Solutions:
- Use 20s maximum: Sora 2 current limit is 5s or 20s only
- Generate multiple clips: Create 3× 20s clips and stitch in editing software
- Use extend feature: Generate 5s, then extend to 20s (future feature)
- Check for updates: OpenAI may increase limits to 60s in 2025
💡 Workaround:
For longer videos, create a "story sequence" with 3-5 related prompts. Generate each as 20s clips, then combine in DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere. Add transitions for seamless flow. See our complete guide for editing tips.
🔒 Error 1008: Account Suspended
Error 1008: Your account has been suspended.
This is the most serious error, indicating a violation of OpenAI's Terms of Service.
Common Causes:
- Repeated policy violations: Multiple instances of prohibited content
- Terms of Service breach: Commercial misuse, reselling access, etc.
- Payment issues: Chargebacks or fraudulent payment methods
- Account sharing: Multiple simultaneous logins from different locations
✅ Solutions:
- Contact support immediately: Email support@openai.com with your account email
- Review your usage history: Identify which prompt(s) caused the issue
- Acknowledge violation: If you made a mistake, clearly state you understand the policy
- Request reinstatement: Explain how you'll prevent future violations
- Wait 24-48 hours: Support team typically responds within 2 business days
⚠️ Important:
Account suspensions are usually reversible for first-time offenders. Be polite and professional in your appeal. Second suspensions are typically permanent. Always familiarize yourself with OpenAI's Usage Policies.
🛠️ General Troubleshooting Tips
Prevention Strategies
- ✓ Test prompts on 5s videos first before committing to 20s
- ✓ Keep prompts under 200 words for best results
- ✓ Use ChatGPT to rephrase if you're unsure about policy compliance
- ✓ Save successful prompts in a document for future reference
When All Else Fails
- → Try a different browser (Chrome vs Firefox vs Edge)
- → Test on mobile device (iOS/Android ChatGPT app)
- → Wait 24 hours - some issues resolve themselves
- → Join r/OpenAI to see if others have the same issue
📋 Quick Reference: What To Do First
Generation Errors
1001, 1006, 1007
→ Simplify prompt
→ Try 5s video
→ Wait 10 min
Account Issues
1004, 1005, 1008
→ Re-login
→ Check billing
→ Contact support
Policy/Limits
1002, 1003
→ Review policy
→ Wait for reset
→ Rephrase prompt
📚 Information Sources
Official Documentation
- • OpenAI Sora Documentation
- • ChatGPT Help Center
- • OpenAI Community Forums
Community Resources
- • r/OpenAI discussions
- • AI video community forums
- • User experience reports
⚠️ Disclaimer: The techniques and examples in this guide are based on community best practices and official documentation. Results may vary based on prompt complexity and platform updates.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I keep getting Error 1001 with the same prompt?
Some prompts are inherently difficult for Sora 2 to generate. Common problematic elements include: complex physics interactions, text overlays, specific facial features, and rapid camera movements. Try breaking your prompt into simpler components or wait 24-48 hours before retrying - the model may be temporarily struggling with your specific concept.
Can I appeal Error 1002 content policy violations?
While you can contact OpenAI support to clarify policy interpretations, automated content filters are generally accurate. If you believe your prompt was flagged incorrectly (e.g., a medical term misinterpreted as inappropriate), provide clear context in your appeal. However, most appeals are unsuccessful - it's better to rephrase your prompt using more neutral language.
Does Error 1003 rate limit reset automatically?
Yes, rate limits reset automatically at the top of each hour (e.g., 2:00 PM, 3:00 PM). For ChatGPT Plus users, this is 5 videos per hour. ChatGPT Pro users get 20 videos per hour with no daily limit. If you hit the limit at 2:47 PM, you can generate again at 3:00 PM. The timer doesn't start from when you hit the limit.
What's the difference between Error 1004 and 1005?
Error 1004 (Authentication Failed) means there's a problem with your login session - you need to log out and log back in. Error 1005 (Insufficient Credits) means your subscription payment has failed or expired - you need to update your billing information. Check your email for payment failure notifications from OpenAI if you see 1005.
How long does OpenAI support take to respond?
OpenAI support typically responds within 24-48 hours for billing and account issues. Technical error reports may take 3-5 business days. For Error 1008 (Account Suspended), expect 1-2 business days. Pro users ($200/month) get priority support with faster response times. Always include your error code, timestamp, and prompt (if safe to share) in your support ticket.
📚 Related Resources
Still Having Issues?
Our complete guide covers prevention strategies and advanced troubleshooting
Written by Alex Chen
AI Video Expert • Updated October 2025
Last Updated
October 19, 2025