Microsoft continues its push into artificial intelligence with the launch of Bing Video Creator, a new tool integrated into the Bing mobile app. This feature allows users to generate short videos from text prompts, further expanding the AI capabilities available through Microsoft's search platform. The introduction of Bing Video Creator signifies another step in making advanced AI tools accessible to a broader audience.

The Bing Video Creator utilizes OpenAI's sophisticated Sora model for its video generation capabilities. Notably, this integration marks the first time the Sora model, previously restricted to paying customers by OpenAI, is available for free. This makes cutting-edge video synthesis technology more widely accessible, allowing users to experiment with AI-driven content creation without a direct cost for standard use.

Videos generated by the Bing Video Creator are five seconds in length. Initially, these videos are created in a 9:16 vertical aspect ratio, suitable for platforms like TikTok and Instagram, with a 16:9 horizontal format planned for future release. Users can queue up to three video creation requests at a time. However, the generation process can be lengthy, sometimes taking hours even when using the 'fast' mode, which is intended to take only a few minutes. Users will receive a notification when their video is ready.

Accessing the Bing Video Creator is straightforward for users with the Bing mobile app on iOS or Android. The tool can be found by tapping the menu button in the lower-right corner and selecting 'Video Creator' from the list of apps, or by simply typing a command like 'Create a video of…' into the Bing search bar. Microsoft has announced plans to bring Bing Video Creator to desktop and Copilot Search in the near future. The quality of the generated video is often improved by providing more detailed and contextual prompts.

While standard speed video generation is free, Microsoft offers an expedited 'Fast' creation option. All users, provided they are logged into a Microsoft account, receive 10 Fast creations at launch. After these initial credits are used, further Fast video creations can be obtained by redeeming 100 Microsoft Rewards points per video. These points can be earned through activities such as searching with Bing (e.g., 5 points per PC search, capped at 150 points daily) or making purchases at the Microsoft Store.

This new video creation tool builds on Microsoft's previous AI integrations within Bing, such as the Bing Image Creator, launched two years ago, and the more recent addition of Copilot Search in April. Generated videos are stored by Microsoft for 90 days, so users are encouraged to download and share their creations within this timeframe.