OpenAI has said it will shut down its short-form video generation app Sora after just six months, with CEO Sam Altman reportedly informing staff the company is winding down all video-related products.
Sora announced the move on X, saying, “We’re saying goodbye to the Sora app. We know this news is disappointing. We’ll share more soon, including timelines for the app and API and details on preserving your work.”
The app launched in September as OpenAI attempted to enter the short-form video space dominated by platforms like TikTok and Instagram. Sora gained rapid initial interest, hitting roughly 1 million downloads within five days. Analytics firm Sensor Tower estimates the app saw about 600,000 downloads last month.
Sora faced criticism over the risk of realistic deepfakes. OpenAI removed some deepfakes generated on the platform following pressure from celebrities, and concerns about misuse factored into broader scrutiny of AI video tools.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Altman told employees the company will shut down products built on video models, including the developer version of Sora and video features within ChatGPT. The report says the Sora team will transition to longer-term initiatives such as robotics, while OpenAI shifts its focus toward productivity tools for businesses and individual users.
In December, Disney had signed a three-year licensing agreement to be Sora’s first major content partner, providing users access to more than 200 characters from Marvel, Pixar and Star Wars. A Disney spokeswoman told The Wall Street Journal the deal — which reportedly included a planned $1 billion equity investment in OpenAI — will not move forward.
Cointelegraph reached out to OpenAI and Disney for comment.
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