Meet Haiper: The Free AI Video Generator Taking on OpenAI’s SoRA

The field of AI-powered video generation, already buzzing after the release of OpenAI’s SoRA model, is witnessing intensified competition with the entry of Haiper, a new tool developed by DeepMind alumni Yishu Miao and Ziyu Wang. Haiper distinguishes itself by offering free text-to-video generation, signaling a significant milestone in AI technology’s evolution.

Who is behind Haiper?

Miao and Wang, both with formidable backgrounds in machine learning and prior stints at TikTok and DeepMind/Google respectively, embarked on their journey with Haiper in 2021, officially founding the company in 2022. Their initial research into 3D reconstruction evolved into a fascination with video generation, leading to Haiper’s birth. The duo’s venture has already attracted substantial investment, securing a $13.8 million seed round led by Octopus Ventures, with early support from notable figures like Phil Blunsom and Nando de Freitas.

What Does Haiper Offer?

Haiper stands out by allowing users to generate videos directly from text prompts on its platform, albeit with limitations on video length and quality. Despite these restrictions, the service offers unique features like animating images and repainting videos in different styles, with plans to expand its capabilities further.

Miao’s vision for Haiper is to foster a community by keeping such innovative features free, a strategy that could democratize video creation and stimulate creative endeavors across the globe.

AI Video Generation Competition

While Haiper enters a market with formidable competitors, including giants like Google, Meta, and Nvidia-backed Runway, its free-to-use model could disrupt the current dynamics. OpenAI’s SoRA currently stands as Haiper’s most direct competitor, yet Haiper’s unique selling propositions, especially in community building and accessibility, set it apart.

The Road Ahead for Haiper

As AI video generation technology continues to evolve, Haiper’s journey represents a pivotal chapter in making sophisticated video creation tools more accessible to a wider audience. The challenge now lies in scaling these offerings while maintaining quality and user engagement in a rapidly growing sector.