OpenAI Shuts Down AI Video Generator Sora
OpenAI has announced it is discontinuing Sora, its AI-powered video generation platform, just six months after launching a standalone app and less than two years after initially unveiling the technology. The decision marks a significant shift for the company, which had garnered both excitement and scrutiny for its foray into AI-generated video.
“To everyone who created with Sora, shared it, and built community around it: thank you,” OpenAI stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “What you made with Sora mattered, and we grasp this news is disappointing.” The company indicated it will share more details soon regarding timelines for the app and API, as well as plans for preserving user-created content.
A Brief History of Sora
OpenAI first introduced Sora in late 2024 as a text-to-video AI model capable of generating moving images from user prompts. The technology quickly gained attention for its ability to create realistic and stylistic videos. In September 2025, OpenAI launched a standalone Sora app, offering a TikTok-style social media feed populated entirely with AI-generated videos. The app rapidly climbed to the top of Apple’s App Store in the Photo and Video category.
Challenges and Controversy
Despite its initial success, Sora faced immediate challenges related to copyright infringement and the creation of deepfakes. Concerns arose regarding the use of copyrighted characters and the potential for misinformation. The platform also received criticism for the generation of violent and racist content.
Disney Partnership Dissolved
In December 2025, The Walt Disney Co. Announced a three-year deal with OpenAI, licensing over 200 characters from its Marvel, Pixar, and Star Wars franchises for use in Sora videos and investing $1 billion in OpenAI. Though, this partnership has now been terminated, according to The Wall Street Journal. A Disney spokesperson stated the company respects OpenAI’s decision to shift its priorities.
Future of Sora Technology
While the consumer-facing app and API will be discontinued, OpenAI clarified that the Sora research team will continue its work on “world simulation research to advance robotics that will facilitate people solve real-world, physical tasks.” This suggests the underlying technology may be repurposed for other applications within the company.