OpenAI shuts down Sora video app after limited adoption

OpenAI has decided to shut down its AI video generation app Sora, according to 9to5Mac.

The tool allowed users to generate videos from text prompts with minimal restrictions, making video creation quick and accessible. Sora launched in September 2025 as OpenAI’s second iPhone app, but unlike ChatGPT, it failed to gain similar traction, leading the company to discontinue support.

Analysts noted that Sora was often seen more as a demonstration of AI capabilities than a professional production tool. Despite this, the project attracted interest from Disney CEO Bob Iger in the context of a potential collaboration, although no deal was ultimately reached.

The app initially launched with significant hype, offering video generation tools alongside a social feed for browsing user-created content. However, OpenAI later introduced stricter rules around intellectual property and copyrighted material, which significantly reduced user interest.

OpenAI confirmed the shutdown in a statement posted on X:

“We’re saying goodbye to the Sora app. To everyone who created with Sora, shared it, and built community around it: thank you. What you made with Sora mattered, and we know this news is disappointing.

We’ll share more soon, including timelines for the app and API and details on preserving your work.”