OpenAI’s latest innovation, Sora, a video-generating application, has taken the tech world by storm with its invite-only launch on iOS in the United States and Canada on September 30, 2025.
According to recent data, Sora recorded an astonishing 627,000 downloads in its first week, nearly matching the 606,000 downloads of ChatGPT during its public launch in late 2022.
Sora’s Remarkable Rise Despite Limited Access
This achievement is even more impressive given that Sora remains an invite-only app, unlike ChatGPT’s wider public rollout.
The app quickly climbed to become the third-most popular app on the US App Store, showcasing OpenAI’s continued dominance in capturing consumer interest within the AI space.
The Technology Behind Sora’s Success
Powered by OpenAI’s cutting-edge Sora 2 model, the app can generate photorealistic videos from simple text prompts, a feature that has already flooded social media with jaw-dropping examples.
Historically, OpenAI has set benchmarks with tools like ChatGPT and DALL-E, but Sora marks a significant leap into video generation, a field that promises to revolutionize content creation.
Impact on Creators and Industries
The ability to create high-quality videos in minutes could democratize filmmaking, allowing independent creators to produce content without expensive equipment or expertise.
However, this rapid adoption raises questions about the potential misuse of such technology, including the creation of deepfakes and ethical concerns over intellectual property usage.
Looking Ahead: Sora’s Future Potential
Looking to the future, Sora’s early success suggests that OpenAI may expand access and integrate more features, potentially outpacing competitors in the AI video generation market, which is projected to reach billions by the next decade.
Analysts predict that as Sora evolves, it could redefine how we consume and create visual media, from social media content to full-length cinematic productions.
For now, OpenAI’s ability to generate buzz with an exclusive launch mirrors the hype around ChatGPT, proving once again that they know how to captivate the tech world’s imagination.
As Sora continues to roll out, its impact on both technology and creativity will undoubtedly be a story to watch in the coming months.