Microsoft has launched Bing Video Creator, a new tool that uses OpenAI’s Sora model to transform text prompts into short videos, making AI video generation more accessible to users.
According to Microsoft, the tool is part of their efforts to make creativity both effortless and accessible, aiding users in their information-seeking processes. Bing Video Creator is currently accessible through the Bing mobile app and is slated for future availability on Bing desktop and Copilot Search.
Users can generate five-second videos by providing a text description or prompt through the Bing mobile app. Initially, videos are formatted in a 9:16 aspect ratio, suitable for social media platforms, although Microsoft has indicated that a 16:9 format will be added soon. Users have the ability to queue up to three different video generation requests simultaneously, which are processed sequentially.
If all three slots are occupied, users must wait for one to become available before submitting a new request. Bing Video Creator offers two creation speed options: standard and fast. The standard speed allows for an unlimited number of video generations, but each video can take several hours to complete.
The fast speed significantly reduces generation time to just a few minutes per video. However, users are limited to 10 fast creations. Once this limit is reached, subsequent video generations will automatically revert to the standard speed. For users who wish to continue using the fast speed after exhausting their initial 10 creations, they have the option to redeem 100 Microsoft points for each additional fast video generation.
Users can track their Microsoft Rewards balance by signing in to the Microsoft Rewards website. The underlying technology powering Bing Video Creator is OpenAI’s Sora model, which is also used by OpenAI’s own video generation feature available on a dedicated website, albeit with restricted access to subscribers of ChatGPT Pro, Plus, and Team plans.
Google also offers its own AI video generation capabilities through its Veo 2 and 3 models, generally available to paid subscribers of Gemini. Unlike these tools, Bing Video Creator requires only a Microsoft account for access, aiming to broaden the availability of this technology.
To begin using the feature via the mobile app, users need to ensure they have the Bing Search app installed on their iPhone or Android device and sign in with their Microsoft account if prompted. Within the app, users can access the Video Creator by tapping the square menu icon located in the lower right corner and selecting “Video Creator.”
By default, the app is set to use the fast speed for video generation. When creating a video, users can type or speak a description of the desired scene in the prompt field, with a character limit of 480 characters. After entering the prompt, tapping “Create” initiates the video generation process.
The five-second video is typically generated within a few minutes using the fast speed, after which users can play, download, and share their creation. Generated videos are stored under “My Creations” and are retained for a period of 90 days. Users are advised to download any videos they wish to keep beyond this timeframe.
To assist users in crafting effective prompts, Microsoft offers several tips. The first tip is to be descriptive, providing vivid and specific details rather than generalities. For example, instead of a simple prompt like “person walking,” a more effective prompt would be “young woman in a red coat walking through a snowy forest at sunrise,” potentially including details about camera angles and lighting to influence the visual style and mood.
The second tip emphasizes using language that effectively sets the action and scene. Employing descriptive and concrete words can enhance the dynamism and overall feeling of the resulting video. Verbs such as “dancing,” “exploring,” or “transforming” can lead to more engaging videos, while adjectives like “cinematic,” “sunny,” or “dreamy” can contribute to the desired atmosphere.
The third tip suggests experimenting with tone and style. Users can request specific stylistic treatments for their videos, such as asking for a video in the style of a movie trailer for a cinematic feel or an animated cartoon style for a more playful tone.
