# Sora Prompt Templates: Free Copy-Paste AI Video Prompts

**TL;DR:** These copy-paste Sora prompt templates eliminate guesswork with proven fill-in-the-blank structures. Templates cover product showcases, social media content, talking heads, nature scenes, and professional cinematography with customizable variables for instant video generation.

## Understanding Sora Prompt Templates

Templates provide reusable prompt structures with bracketed variables you customize for specific needs. Instead of writing prompts from scratch, fill in the blanks with your specific details while maintaining proven formatting that consistently works with Sora.

### How to Use These Templates

**Step 1:** Copy the template text

**Step 2:** Replace [bracketed variables] with your specific details

**Step 3:** Paste into Sora and generate

**Step 4:** Adjust if needed based on results

### Template Variable Types

**[SUBJECT]** - Main focus of video (person, product, animal, object)

**[ACTION]** - What the subject does (walking, rotating, moving)

**[SETTING]** - Location or environment (urban street, studio, forest)

**[LIGHTING]** - Light quality and direction (golden hour, studio lights)

**[CAMERA]** - Shot type and movement (close-up, tracking shot)

**[STYLE]** - Aesthetic reference (cinematic, documentary, commercial)

**[DURATION]** - Implied pacing (slow-motion, real-time, time-lapse)

## Product Showcase Templates

Professional product video prompts for e-commerce and commercial use.

### Template 1: Rotating Product Shot

"[PRODUCT NAME] rotating on turntable, [CAMERA: 360-degree orbit], clean [BACKGROUND COLOR] background, [LIGHTING: studio lighting with soft shadows], macro details visible, [STYLE: commercial product photography], premium presentation, 8K quality, [PRODUCT MATERIAL: metallic/glass/fabric] texture clearly visible"

**Example Usage:**

"Luxury watch rotating on turntable, 360-degree orbit camera, clean white background, studio lighting with soft shadows, macro details visible, commercial product photography style, premium presentation, 8K quality, stainless steel texture clearly visible"

### Template 2: Product Hero Shot

"[PRODUCT NAME] [CAMERA: slow dolly push toward product], [SETTING: minimalist environment], [LIGHTING: dramatic single-source lighting from left], [PRODUCT DETAILS: key features] highlighted, [STYLE: Apple keynote aesthetic], sharp focus, professional presentation, [COLOR PALETTE] emphasizing product design"

**Example Usage:**

"Wireless earbuds slow dolly push toward product, minimalist white desk environment, dramatic single-source lighting from left, charging case and buds highlighted, Apple keynote aesthetic, sharp focus, professional presentation, matte black and silver color palette emphasizing product design"

### Template 3: Product in Use

"[SUBJECT: person description] using [PRODUCT NAME], [ACTION: specific use case], [CAMERA: medium shot to close-up], [SETTING: realistic environment], natural lighting, [STYLE: lifestyle commercial], genuine interaction, [EMOTION: satisfied/excited/focused] expression visible, product benefits clear"

**Example Usage:**

"Woman in her 30s using smartphone, scrolling through photos with smile, medium shot to close-up on screen and hands, cozy living room setting, natural window lighting, lifestyle commercial style, genuine interaction, satisfied expression visible, product benefits clear"

### Template 4: Unboxing Reveal

"[CAMERA: overhead shot] of [PRODUCT NAME] unboxing, hands carefully removing [PRODUCT] from [PACKAGING DESCRIPTION], [LIGHTING: soft diffused light], satisfying reveal moment, [STYLE: ASMR unboxing video], premium packaging visible, anticipation building, macro focus on product details"

**Example Usage:**

"Overhead shot of luxury perfume unboxing, hands carefully removing crystal bottle from velvet-lined box, soft diffused lighting, satisfying reveal moment, ASMR unboxing video style, premium gold packaging visible, anticipation building, macro focus on bottle details"

### Template 5: Product Comparison

"[PRODUCT A] and [PRODUCT B] side-by-side, [CAMERA: slow pan between them], [SETTING: neutral background], even lighting revealing differences, [SPECIFIC FEATURES] compared visually, [STYLE: tech review aesthetic], clear differentiation, professional presentation"

**Example Usage:**

"iPhone and Samsung phone side-by-side, slow pan between devices, white studio background, even lighting revealing screen and design differences, camera quality and build materials compared visually, tech review aesthetic, clear differentiation, professional presentation"

## Social Media Templates

Platform-optimized prompts for viral content and engagement.

### Template 6: TikTok Trend

"[SUBJECT] performing [TRENDING ACTION], [CAMERA: handheld dynamic movement], [SETTING: relatable environment], energetic pacing, [LIGHTING: natural bright light], [STYLE: user-generated content feel], authentic moment, vertical 9:16 format implied, engaging from first frame"

**Example Usage:**

"Young person performing dance transition, handheld dynamic camera following movement, bedroom setting, energetic pacing, natural bright window light, user-generated content feel, authentic moment, vertical format implied, engaging from first frame"

### Template 7: Instagram Reel Hook

"[ATTENTION-GRABBING OPENING: unexpected visual/action], [CAMERA: immediate close-up], [SUBJECT] [ACTION], [LIGHTING: aesthetically pleasing], [STYLE: trendy Instagram aesthetic], satisfying visual, [DURATION: quick cuts implied], scroll-stopping content"

**Example Usage:**

"Paint being poured in slow-motion opening, immediate close-up on flowing liquid, vibrant colors mixing, aesthetically pleasing golden hour backlight, trendy Instagram aesthetic, satisfying visual, quick dynamic energy implied, scroll-stopping content"

### Template 8: YouTube Shorts Intro

"[SUBJECT] directly addressing camera, [OPENING LINE IMPLIED], [CAMERA: medium close-up], [SETTING: clean background], bright even lighting, [STYLE: educational content], professional but approachable, [TOPIC VISUAL: relevant b-roll element] visible, engagement-focused"

**Example Usage:**

"Tech reviewer directly addressing camera with excited expression, medium close-up shot, clean home office background, bright even lighting from ring light, educational content style, professional but approachable, latest gadget visible on desk, engagement-focused"

### Template 9: Before/After Transformation

"[SUBJECT/SCENE in BEFORE STATE], [CAMERA: static frame], [TRANSITION MOMENT], [SUBJECT/SCENE in AFTER STATE], same framing maintained, [LIGHTING: consistent throughout], [STYLE: transformation video], dramatic reveal, clear visual difference"

**Example Usage:**

"Messy cluttered desk, static wide shot, quick organizing transition blur, clean organized desk with laptop and plant, same framing maintained, natural window lighting consistent throughout, transformation video style, dramatic reveal, clear visual difference"

### Template 10: POV Experience

"[CAMERA: first-person POV], [ACTION: immersive activity], [SUBJECT'S HANDS visible in frame], [SETTING: environment moving past], [LIGHTING: natural environmental light], [STYLE: immersive POV content], viewer participation feeling, [EMOTION: excitement/calm/adventure] conveyed through movement"

**Example Usage:**

"First-person POV cycling, riding through autumn forest trail, hands on handlebars visible in frame, colorful trees passing on both sides, dappled sunlight through leaves, immersive POV content style, viewer participation feeling, freedom and adventure conveyed through forward movement"

## Interview & Talking Head Templates

Professional dialogue and presentation prompts.

### Template 11: Professional Interview

"[SUBJECT DESCRIPTION] speaking to camera, [CAMERA: medium close-up], [SETTING: professional environment], [LIGHTING: three-point lighting setup], confident expression, [STYLE: documentary interview], genuine delivery, [BACKGROUND: slightly blurred context], professional audio implied"

**Example Usage:**

"Business executive in her 40s speaking to camera, medium close-up at eye level, modern office setting, three-point lighting creating depth, confident expression, documentary interview style, genuine delivery, glass conference room slightly blurred in background, professional audio implied"

### Template 12: Educational Explainer

"[SUBJECT] explaining [TOPIC], [CAMERA: medium shot], animated hand gestures, [SETTING: relevant background environment], bright even lighting, [STYLE: educational YouTube], enthusiasm visible, [VISUAL AIDS: props/graphics space], engaging teaching style"

**Example Usage:**

"Science teacher explaining physics concept, medium shot with whiteboard behind, animated hand gestures demonstrating motion, classroom setting, bright overhead lighting, educational YouTube style, enthusiasm and clarity visible, space for graphics overlays, engaging teaching approach"

### Template 13: Testimonial

"[SUBJECT] sharing personal experience, [CAMERA: close-up showing emotion], genuine expression, [SETTING: authentic environment], natural lighting, [STYLE: documentary testimonial], [EMOTION: joy/gratitude/surprise] visible, conversational delivery, believable moment"

**Example Usage:**

"Customer in her 50s sharing fitness journey story, close-up showing emotional vulnerability, genuine smile and teary eyes, home gym setting, natural window light creating warmth, documentary testimonial style, gratitude and pride visible, conversational delivery, believable transformation moment"

### Template 14: News Anchor Style

"[SUBJECT] delivering [CONTENT TYPE], [CAMERA: straight-on medium shot], professional attire, [SETTING: news desk or standing], [LIGHTING: broadcast lighting], authoritative presence, [STYLE: broadcast journalism], clear articulation implied, [GRAPHICS SPACE: lower third area], credible presentation"

**Example Usage:**

"Male anchor in suit delivering breaking news update, straight-on medium shot at desk, professional blue tie and shirt, news studio with cityscape background, broadcast lighting setup, authoritative presence, network journalism style, clear articulation implied, space for lower third graphics, credible presentation"

### Template 15: Vlog Personal

"[SUBJECT] talking casually to camera, [CAMERA: selfie-style close-up], genuine personality, [SETTING: personal space], natural lighting, [STYLE: authentic vlog], [MOOD: relatable/funny/thoughtful], handheld feel, personal connection with viewer"

**Example Usage:**

"Young creator talking casually to camera about daily life, selfie-style close-up showing personality, bright smile and expressive eyes, bedroom with posters background, natural afternoon window light, authentic vlog style, relatable and funny energy, slight handheld movement, personal connection with viewer"

## Nature & Wildlife Templates

Documentary-style natural world prompts.

### Template 16: Wildlife Behavior

"[ANIMAL SPECIES] [SPECIFIC BEHAVIOR], [CAMERA: documentary tracking shot], [SETTING: natural habitat], [LIGHTING: natural environmental light], [STYLE: Planet Earth cinematography], [DETAIL: distinctive animal features] visible, respectful distance maintained, scientific accuracy"

**Example Usage:**

"Red fox hunting in snowy field, documentary tracking shot following movement, winter forest clearing habitat, overcast diffused natural light, Planet Earth cinematography style, bushy tail and alert ears visible, respectful distance maintained showing natural behavior, scientific accuracy"

### Template 17: Landscape Epic

"[LANDSCAPE TYPE] [TIME OF DAY], [CAMERA: slow aerial drone movement], [WEATHER CONDITIONS], [LIGHTING: dramatic natural light], [STYLE: landscape cinematography], [SCALE ELEMENTS: size references], breathtaking vista, [EMOTIONAL TONE: peaceful/dramatic/mysterious]"

**Example Usage:**

"Mountain range at sunrise, slow aerial drone ascending, light fog in valleys, golden hour light painting peaks orange, landscape cinematography style, lone hiker for scale on ridge, breathtaking vista, peaceful and inspiring emotional tone"

### Template 18: Macro Nature

"[SMALL SUBJECT] in extreme close-up, [CAMERA: macro lens perspective], [SETTING: natural micro-environment], [LIGHTING: soft natural light], shallow depth of field, [STYLE: nature macro photography], [DETAILS: tiny features] magnified, delicate beauty, scientific wonder"

**Example Usage:**

"Butterfly on flower in extreme close-up, macro lens showing wing pattern detail, garden flower environment, soft morning light, shallow depth of field blurring background, nature macro photography style, intricate wing scales magnified, delicate beauty, scientific wonder of nature"

### Template 19: Weather Drama

"[WEATHER EVENT] [LOCATION], [CAMERA: wide shot showing scale], [SPECIFIC WEATHER DETAILS], dramatic lighting, [STYLE: storm photography], [POWER/BEAUTY: natural force], time-lapse effect optional, [SAFETY NOTE: shot from safe distance]"

**Example Usage:**

"Lightning storm over prairie landscape, wide shot showing horizon to sky, multiple strikes visible, dark clouds with electric illumination, dramatic natural contrast, storm photography style, raw power of nature, slight time-lapse compression effect, shot from safe distance maintaining drama"

### Template 20: Underwater World

"[MARINE LIFE] [BEHAVIOR] underwater, [CAMERA: slow tracking through water], [WATER CONDITIONS: clarity/light penetration], [LIGHTING: filtered sunlight beams], [STYLE: Blue Planet underwater cinematography], [REEF/OCEAN DETAILS], serene aquatic environment"

**Example Usage:**

"Sea turtle swimming through coral reef, slow tracking camera following gracefully, crystal clear tropical water, filtered sunlight creating dramatic beams, Blue Planet underwater cinematography style, colorful coral and fish visible, serene aquatic environment"

## Cinematic Story Templates

Narrative and atmospheric prompts for storytelling.

### Template 21: Character Introduction

"[CHARACTER DESCRIPTION] [INTRODUCING ACTION], [CAMERA: reveal shot starting wide going closer], [SETTING: establishing environment], [LIGHTING: mood-appropriate], [STYLE: film noir/western/drama], [CHARACTER MOOD: mysterious/confident/troubled], immediate screen presence"

**Example Usage:**

"Detective in trench coat walking toward camera through rain, reveal shot starting wide on rainy street going to medium shot, noir urban environment at night, dramatic street lamp lighting, film noir style, mysterious and world-weary mood, immediate commanding screen presence"

### Template 22: Tension Building

"[SUBJECT] [ANXIOUS ACTION], [CAMERA: slow push in on face], [SETTING: confined/threatening space], [LIGHTING: shadows creating unease], [STYLE: psychological thriller], breathing visible, [TENSION ELEMENTS: environmental details], suspense mounting"

**Example Usage:**

"Woman alone checking smartphone nervously, slow push in on worried expression, empty parking garage at night, harsh fluorescent overhead lighting creating shadows, psychological thriller style, quick breathing visible, car headlights in distance creating unease, suspense mounting"

### Template 23: Action Sequence

"[SUBJECT] [INTENSE ACTION], [CAMERA: dynamic movement matching energy], [SETTING: action environment], [LIGHTING: high contrast dramatic], [STYLE: action blockbuster], [SPEED: slow-motion at impact moments], [DEBRIS/EFFECTS: environmental interaction], adrenaline evident"

**Example Usage:**

"Athlete jumping over obstacle mid-parkour run, dynamic handheld camera tracking movement, urban rooftop environment, golden hour creating high contrast, action blockbuster style, slow-motion at peak of jump, dust kicking up from landing, athletic prowess and adrenaline evident"

### Template 24: Emotional Peak

"[SUBJECT] [EMOTIONAL MOMENT], [CAMERA: intimate close-up], [SUBTLE DETAILS: tear/smile/breath], [SETTING: emotionally relevant space], [LIGHTING: soft natural emphasizing emotion], [STYLE: indie drama], vulnerability visible, authentic feeling, [CATHARSIS: release moment]"

**Example Usage:**

"Mother holding newborn for first time, intimate close-up on face showing wonder, single tear rolling down cheek, hospital room softly lit, gentle window light emphasizing tender emotion, indie drama style, vulnerability and overwhelming love visible, authentic precious moment, cathartic joy"

### Template 25: Montage Sequence

"[SUBJECT] [REPEATED ACTION SHOWING PROGRESSION], [CAMERA: consistent framing across time], [SETTING: same location different states], [LIGHTING: changing time/season], [STYLE: training montage/time passage], [VISIBLE CHANGE: skill/growth/transformation], time compression evident"

**Example Usage:**

"Chef practicing knife skills showing improvement, consistent medium shot on cutting board, same kitchen at different times, lighting changing from day to night to day, Rocky-style training montage, visible progression from clumsy to precise cuts, months compressed into seconds"

## Advanced Customization Guide

### Mixing Templates

Combine elements from multiple templates for unique results.

**Base Template:** Product Showcase (Template 1)

**Add Element From:** Cinematic Story (Template 21)

**Result:** Product introduction with dramatic character-style reveal

### Variable Fine-Tuning

Adjust bracketed variables for precise control:

**Generic:** "[LIGHTING: natural light]"

**Specific:** "[LIGHTING: 6:30am golden hour, sun 15 degrees above horizon, warm orange side light]"

### Creating Your Own Templates

**Step 1:** Generate successful prompt

**Step 2:** Identify reusable structure

**Step 3:** Replace specific details with [VARIABLES]

**Step 4:** Test template with different variable inputs

**Step 5:** Document what works consistently

### Template Success Patterns

**Working Pattern:** [Subject] + [Camera specifics] + [Lighting detail] + [Style reference]

**Example Template:**

"[SUBJECT] [ACTION], [SHOT TYPE] from [ANGLE], [LIGHTING SOURCE] from [DIRECTION], [CINEMATOGRAPHER] style"

**Filled:**

"Woman reading book, medium close-up from side angle, soft window light from left, Roger Deakins style"

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Do I have to use these exact templates?**

No. Templates are starting points. Adjust variables and structure based on your needs. Proven frameworks, not rigid rules.

**Can I mix elements from different templates?**

Yes. Combine templates creatively. Product template camera work with social media pacing, for example.

**How do I know which template fits my project?**

Match template to your end goal. Product sale? Use showcase templates. Social engagement? Use platform templates. Story? Use narrative templates.

**Should I always fill every variable?**

Fill critical variables (subject, camera, lighting). Optional variables (style, mood) add polish but aren't always necessary.

**Can templates guarantee good results?**

Templates increase success probability based on proven patterns. Results still depend on variable quality and Sora's generation.

**How often should I update my templates?**

Test templates monthly as Sora evolves. Update when patterns consistently fail or better approaches discovered.

**Are shorter or longer templates better?**

Depends on complexity. Simple subjects: short templates. Complex scenes: detailed templates. Balance specificity with clarity.

**Can I share my custom templates?**

Yes. Share successful templates with others. Community knowledge improves everyone's results.

**What if template results aren't perfect?**

Iterate variables systematically. Change one element at time to identify what improves results.

**Do professional videographers use templates?**

Yes. Professionals use tested formulas and shot lists. Templates are prompting equivalent of production planning.

## Conclusion

These Sora prompt templates eliminate blank-page paralysis with proven fill-in-the-blank structures. Copy templates, customize variables for your specific needs, and generate professional video content without writing prompts from scratch.

Templates work because they encode successful patterns discovered through testing. Instead of guessing what Sora needs, you start with frameworks known to produce results. Customize details while maintaining structure that consistently works.

Build your template library over time. When you create successful prompts, convert them to reusable templates. Document what works. Share with your team. Scale quality across projects through systematic frameworks rather than reinventing approaches each time.

**Master Sora with more resources:**

- **[Best Sora Prompts](/best-sora-prompts/)** - 100+ tested prompts across all categories

- **[Complete Guide to Writing Prompts for Sora](/sora-prompt-guide/)** - Master prompt engineering fundamentals

- **[Fixing Sora's Biggest Issues](/fix-sora-problems/)** - Troubleshoot common problems