Video Generation is Temporarily Disabled for New Accounts (Solved)

In the fast-evolving world of AI-powered content creation, text-to-video tools have become essential for marketers, creators, educators, and businesses. OpenAI's Sora stands out as one of the most talked-about models, capable of generating high-quality, realistic videos from simple text prompts. However, many new users encounter a frustrating message: “Video generation is temporarily disabled for new accounts.”

This restriction has sparked widespread discussion since early 2025, leaving users searching for explanations and workable alternatives. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore why this happens, the current status in 2026, and highlight top text-to-video AI options — including platforms that offer immediate access without similar limitations.

What Does “Video Generation is Temporarily Disabled for New Accounts” Mean?

This message appears in ChatGPT's interface (for Plus, Pro, or Team subscribers) or on Sora's dedicated platform when attempting to create videos. It specifically blocks video generation for accounts deemed “new” by OpenAI's systems.

The restriction primarily stems from:

• Overwhelming demand → following major releases like Sora's public launch in late 2024 and Sora 2 in 2025.
• Capacity constraints → as high-traffic features (like image generation) strained servers.
• Abuse prevention → to limit potential misuse on freshly created accounts.

Existing users typically retain full access, but new or recently created accounts face temporary blocks — sometimes lasting days or weeks, depending on account activity and OpenAI's internal thresholds.

Why Does OpenAI Implement This Restriction?

OpenAI has cited several reasons in community forums and support notes:

1. Server Capacity Management — Viral features can overload infrastructure. In 2025, surges in usage led to temporary pauses on video features for new sign-ups.
2. Fair Usage and Verification — The cooldown allows time to verify genuine engagement and reduce bot or abusive activity.
3. Phased Rollouts — Premium features like Sora are often introduced gradually to ensure stability.

While understandable from a technical standpoint, the lack of upfront communication has frustrated many paid subscribers who expected immediate access.

Current Status of Sora Video Generation in 2026

As of January 2026, OpenAI has made significant improvements with Sora 2, offering better physics accuracy, realism, and control. Video generation remains a premium feature available to ChatGPT subscribers and via sora.com.

However, occasional capacity-related restrictions can still affect newer accounts during high-demand periods. If you're seeing the message today, it may lift after building account history (e.g., regular chat or image usage). For the latest updates, check OpenAI's status page or community forums.

Why Look for Alternatives to Sora?

Sora delivers impressive results, but its limitations — including potential wait times, content moderation policies, and subscription costs — push users toward more accessible options. In 2026, the text-to-video landscape is thriving with tools that offer:

• Immediate access for new users.
• Multiple advanced models in one place.
• Fewer restrictions on creative freedom.
• Competitive pricing with commercial licenses.

If you're tired of waiting, here are some of the best alternatives.

Top Text-to-Video AI Alternatives in 2026

The market now includes standalone tools and aggregated platforms. Here's a curated list based on quality, ease of use, and accessibility.

Merlio.app

For users seeking a seamless experience without account restrictions, Merlio.app stands out as a powerful all-in-one platform. It provides access to over 40 premium AI models — including top video generators like Veo-3, Seedance, Pixverse, and Bytedance — all in a single dashboard.

Key advantages:

• No restrictions for new accounts → Start generating videos immediately (free trial available, no credit card required).
• Text-to-video and image-to-video capabilities → Perfect for marketing clips, social media content, and creative projects.
• High-quality output → Leveraging cutting-edge models for realistic, professional results.
• Additional tools → Combine with Merlio's AI chat, text-to-image, or image-to-image features for full workflows.
• Commercial license included → Use generated content freely for business.

Explore Merlio's dedicated text-to-video AI tool to create engaging videos without delays.

Other Notable Alternatives

• Kling AI — Excels in cinematic motion and long-form videos; popular for its detail and speed.
• Runway Gen-4 — Strong for editing and advanced controls, ideal for filmmakers.
• Google Veo 3 — Integrated into some platforms, known for physical accuracy.
• Pika 2.5 — User-friendly with fun, creative styles.
• Luma AI Dream Machine — Great for surreal and artistic videos.

Platforms like Merlio aggregate many of these models, saving you from multiple subscriptions.

How to Choose the Right Text-to-Video AI Tool

Consider these factors:

• Accessibility → Prioritize platforms with no new-account restrictions.
• Model Variety → All-in-one hubs like Merlio offer flexibility.
• Output Quality and Length → Look for support of 1080p+ and extended clips.
• Pricing → Options range from free tiers to affordable plans (e.g., Merlio starts under $20/month).
• Commercial Use → Ensure licenses allow monetization.

Conclusion

The “video generation is temporarily disabled for new accounts” message in Sora reflects real challenges in scaling cutting-edge AI. While OpenAI continues to innovate, many creators are switching to reliable alternatives that deliver immediate, unrestricted access.

If you're ready to generate videos today, platforms like Merlio.app provide a robust, user-friendly solution with multiple top-tier models under one roof. Start exploring Merlio's AI tools and unlock your creativity without waiting.

Written by

Merlio