OpenAI has announced the closure of its video generation platform Sora, just six months after the app’s debut. The company posted the news on X, acknowledging that the announcement would disappoint users. OpenAI stated it would provide further details soon, including timelines for winding down the app and its API, as well as information on how users can preserve their existing work.
CEO Sam Altman informed staff that the company is discontinuing all products built on video models, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. This includes the developer version of Sora and the video functionality integrated into the generative AI chatbot ChatGPT. Altman indicated that the Sora team will be redirected toward longer-term initiatives, including robotics, as part of a broader company shift toward productivity tools for both enterprise clients and individual users.
Sora launched in September as a text-to-video generator and attracted considerable attention, accumulating one million downloads within its first five days. Data analytics firm Sensor Tower estimates the platform was downloaded approximately 600,000 times last month alone. The tool was positioned as OpenAI’s entry into the short-form video space, a market dominated by platforms such as TikTok and Meta‘s Instagram.
Despite its initial momentum, Sora faced criticism over concerns about its potential to accelerate the spread of realistic deepfakes. OpenAI took steps to restrict certain deepfake content generated through the platform following pressure from public figures and celebrities. The controversy highlighted broader concerns about the risks associated with AI-powered video generation tools.
The shutdown also affects a recently announced partnership with The Walt Disney Co., which had signed a three-year licensing agreement in December to become Sora’s first major content partner. The deal would have given users access to more than 200 characters from franchises including Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars. A Disney spokeswoman confirmed to The Wall Street Journal that the agreement, which included a one billion dollar equity investment in OpenAI, will not proceed.
The closure comes amid a period of intense activity and investment across the broader artificial intelligence industry. The AI market is projected to exceed 4.8 trillion dollars in value by 2033 and is expected to affect approximately 40% of jobs globally. OpenAI has contacted both Disney and its own communications team for comment, though no additional statements have been issued at the time of reporting.
Originally reported by CoinTelegraph.
