OpenAI is discontinuing the Sora AI video app, which made waves by reaching one million downloads in less than five days after its launch in February 2024. The decision comes as part of a broader cost-cutting strategy, with OpenAI pivoting towards high-productivity use cases.
Sora, which allowed users to generate and remix short videos, was initially well-received but faced criticism for producing low-quality or deceptive content. Despite its early success, the app’s popularity waned over time, leading to OpenAI’s announcement that they would discontinue Sora in both the consumer app and API.
In December 2025, Disney had announced a licensing deal with OpenAI for Sora, indicating a significant partnership that many hoped would enhance the app’s capabilities. However, as OpenAI shifts its focus, the future of this collaboration remains uncertain.
OpenAI expressed gratitude to its users in a social media post, stating, “We’re saying goodbye to Sora. To everyone who created with Sora, shared it, and built community around it: thank you.” They acknowledged that the news is disappointing for many users.
The release of Sora 2 in September 2025 was an attempt to revitalize interest in the app, but it did not succeed in reversing the decline. Observers are now left wondering what will happen to the core Sora model after the app is discontinued.
OpenAI has promised to share more details about the discontinuation soon, but specifics remain unconfirmed. As the tech landscape evolves, the fate of AI-driven video applications like Sora will be closely watched by industry experts and users alike.
