오픈AI가 소라 출시를 늦추면서 알리바바의 “해피 호스”가 AI 비디오 경쟁을 뒤흔들다 - kmjournal.net

The global race in AI video generation is shifting fast. As OpenAI eases the pace on expanding its Sora model, Chinese tech giants are moving in with surprising speed. Alibaba’s latest model, Happy Horse, has already taken the top spot on a major global benchmark, signaling a potential power shift in the market. Alibaba Takes the Lead in AI Video Performance Alibaba recently introduced Happy Horse 1.0, a text-to-video AI model developed in-house. The model ranked first on the Artificial Analysis leaderboard, outperforming ByteDance’s Seedance 2.0. Early demo clips suggest a clear jump in quality. Scene transitions look smoother, and motion feels more natural compared to earlier models. While still in beta, Alibaba has confirmed plans to release an API, opening the door for developers and businesses to start building on top of the technology. AI Video Emerges as a High-Value Market AI-generated video is quickly becoming one of the most commercially viable segments in generative AI. Unlike text or static images, video can be directly applied to advertising, content production, and e-commerce. That practical value is drawing intense competition. With OpenAI slowing down Sora’s expansion, Chinese companies are stepping in to fill the gap and capture early market share. ByteDance and Alibaba Reshape the Competitive Landscape The current competition is increasingly centered around Alibaba and ByteDance. Both companies have a key advantage: tightly integrated platforms that allow them to move from model development to real-world deployment without delay. Inside Alibaba, multiple AI teams are competing to push innovation forward. Happy Horse has already outperformed the company’s earlier Wan model, accelerating internal development cycles and raising expectations for future releases. Speed of Deployment Becomes the Real Battleground This is no longer just about model performance. The bigger question now is how fast companies can turn technology into real products and scale them across markets. Alibaba’s decision to open its API reflects that strategy. By lowering the barrier for developers, the company aims to build a broader ecosystem before competitors catch up. The AI video market is entering a new phase. Performance still matters, but speed of adoption and real-world use will likely decide who leads next. by Ju-baek Shinㅣ[email protected]