OpenAI Launches Sora AI Video Social Platform with Invite-Only Access
Key Points
- OpenAI unveils Sora, an AI‑generated video social platform.
- All videos on Sora are created by artificial intelligence; none are real.
- Available as an iOS app and through a web portal.
- Access requires an invite code obtained via a waitlist and push‑notification sign‑up.
- Initial rollout limited to the United States and Canada.
- Priority access given to paying Pro subscribers.
- Each new user receives four additional invite codes to share.
- Launch coincides with a copyright lawsuit from Ziff Davis against OpenAI.
OpenAI has introduced Sora, a new social media app that streams AI‑generated videos exclusively. The service is available as an iOS app and via its website, but users must obtain an invite code to join. OpenAI is initially rolling out Sora in the United States and Canada, giving priority to paying Pro subscribers. Once granted access, users receive four additional invite codes to share with friends. The launch comes amid a lawsuit from Ziff Davis, CNET’s parent company, alleging copyright infringement in OpenAI’s AI training practices.
What Is Sora?
Sora is OpenAI’s newest social media offering, designed around the concept that every video on the platform is generated by artificial intelligence. The app’s disclaimer states that none of the content is authentic, positioning Sora as a novel experiment in AI‑driven entertainment. Users can explore AI‑created clips, share them, and interact with others in a space that blends social networking with cutting‑edge generative technology.
Access and Rollout
Unlike typical app releases, Sora is not open to the general public. Prospective users must first download the app from the Apple App Store, identified by a navy‑and‑white cloud icon, and sign in with their existing ChatGPT account or an alternative login. After logging in, users tap a “Notify me when access opens” option and enable push notifications. OpenAI has announced that the initial rollout targets the United States and Canada, with plans to expand quickly to additional countries.
Access is being prioritized for OpenAI’s paying Pro users. When a Pro subscriber receives an invite code, they can complete account setup and begin using Sora on either the mobile app or the web portal. Each new user is granted four additional invite codes, allowing them to invite friends and grow the early community.
OpenAI’s launch strategy emphasizes exclusivity and controlled growth, aiming to test the platform’s performance and user experience before a broader release. The company’s communications suggest a rapid expansion timeline once the initial phase proves successful.
Legal Context
The release of Sora occurs against the backdrop of a legal dispute. Ziff Davis, the parent company of CNET, filed a lawsuit against OpenAI alleging that the AI giant infringed its copyrights while training and operating its AI systems. This disclosure is included in OpenAI’s rollout communications, highlighting ongoing tensions in the AI industry regarding data usage and intellectual property rights.