PixVerse Real-Time AI Video Tool: Alibaba-Backed Startup Challenges Sora's Dominance

What if you could direct a movie while it's being rendered in real-time? PixVerse, an Alibaba-backed startup, just made that a reality. On Tuesday, the company unveiled a new AI tool that lets users control characters—making them cry, dance, or pose—instantly as the video generates, signaling a shift from passive watching to active directing.

PixVerse Real-Time AI Video Tool and the Pivot to Interaction

PixVerse's latest tech eliminates the frustrating wait times associated with traditional AI video generation. Co-founder Jaden Xie told CNBC that this real-time capability will unlock "new business models," such as infinite video games and interactive micro-dramas. This move directly addresses the limitations of competitors like OpenAI's Sora 2 Pro, which remains the quality leader but is often hampered by high costs and slow generation speeds.

Monetization and Explosive Growth

The numbers behind PixVerse's rise are striking. The platform's monthly active users (MAU) hit 16 million in October 2025, and it's on track to hit 200 million registered users by the first half of 2026. After raising over $60 million last fall, the company is already closing another funding round with heavy participation from overseas investors.