OpenAI Rolls Out Sora, an AI‑Generated Video Social Platform, via Invite Codes
Key Points
- OpenAI introduced Sora, a social app dedicated to AI‑generated videos.
- The app is currently available only on iOS and via Sora.com.
- Initial rollout is limited to the United States and Canada.
- Access requires an invite code, with priority given to ChatGPT Pro subscribers.
- Pro users receive invite codes and can share up to four additional codes.
- All content on Sora is labeled as AI‑created; no authentic footage is present.
- Users must log in with a ChatGPT account and enable push notifications.
- OpenAI’s launch coincides with a copyright lawsuit from Ziff Davis.
OpenAI has launched Sora, a new social media app focused on AI‑generated videos. The iOS‑only service, which also runs at Sora.com, is being released initially in the United States and Canada and is limited to users who receive an invite code. Access is prioritized for paying ChatGPT Pro subscribers, who can share up to four additional codes with friends. All content on Sora is labeled as AI‑created, and the app requires users to log in with a ChatGPT account and enable push notifications to receive updates on availability.
What Is Sora?
Sora is OpenAI’s newest social platform that showcases short videos generated entirely by artificial intelligence. The app’s design is built around a simple navy‑and‑white cloud icon and is currently available only on Apple’s App Store, with a web version at Sora.com. A clear disclaimer on the platform states that none of the videos are authentic recordings; every clip is produced by AI algorithms.
How to Join
Because Sora is still in a limited rollout, prospective users must obtain an invite code. The process begins by downloading the Sora.com app from the App Store, then signing in with an existing ChatGPT account—or selecting a different account if preferred. After logging in, users tap the “Notify me when access opens” button and allow push notifications. OpenAI has indicated that the initial rollout targets the United States and Canada, with plans to expand quickly to additional regions.
Priority Access for Pro Subscribers
OpenAI is giving priority to paying ChatGPT Pro users. Those who already subscribe to the Pro tier receive the first batch of invite codes and can subsequently share up to four new codes with friends or colleagues, extending the early‑access community.
Features and Limitations
Sora’s core feature is its AI video generator, which creates short clips on demand. The platform does not host user‑uploaded footage; instead, every video is synthesized by the underlying model. Users can browse, like, and comment on the AI‑produced content, but the site’s disclaimer reminds them that the material is not real‑world footage.
Legal Context
OpenAI’s launch of Sora occurs amid ongoing legal disputes involving the company’s use of copyrighted material for training its models. The parent company of CNET, Ziff Davis, filed a lawsuit alleging that OpenAI infringed its copyrights during the development of its AI systems. While the lawsuit does not directly involve Sora, it underscores the broader controversy surrounding AI‑generated media.
Looking Ahead
OpenAI plans to broaden Sora’s availability beyond the initial markets, though no specific timeline has been disclosed. As the platform grows, the company may adjust invitation policies, expand feature sets, or introduce additional monetization options. For now, the app remains a niche experiment in AI‑driven social interaction, accessible only to a select group of invitees.