Creator of ChatGPT shuts down viral text-to-video app

(SeaPRwire) –   The news follows just half a year after OpenAI introduced the independent Sora application, and precedes a possible initial public offering

OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, has declared it will close its Sora app. The platform became a viral sensation last autumn for sharing short AI-made videos but also prompted worries about convincing deepfakes.

In a short post on X this Wednesday, OpenAI stated it is “saying goodbye to the Sora app,” without providing an explanation.

“To everyone who created with Sora, shared it, and built community around it: thank you,” the firm wrote. “What you made with Sora mattered, and we know this news is disappointing.”

OpenAI initially unveiled Sora near the end of 2024. The technology captured widespread interest following the debut of its upgraded model and a dedicated app in September of last year.

The application rapidly reached the number one position on the iOS Photo and Video rankings, with users producing popular clips from lifelike historical personas to bizarre pop culture combinations. OpenAI had shown no prior signs it planned to phase out Sora. As recently as December, it revealed a $1 billion agreement with Disney—now called off—to feature characters from properties like Marvel and Star Wars on the service.

Nevertheless, Sora encountered growing criticism concerning deepfakes, false information, and the unapproved use of celebrity images and copyrighted content. Advocacy organizations, scholars, and industry leaders cautioned about dangers such as imagery created without consent and the loss of creative employment. Under pressure from estates and labor groups, including the U.S. performers union SAG-AFTRA, OpenAI had to limit AI-generated portrayals of notable individuals like Michael Jackson and Martin Luther King Jr.

A Disney representative stated the corporation will now terminate its collaboration with OpenAI.

“As the emerging AI sector progresses quickly, we respect OpenAI’s choice to leave the video generation industry and refocus its goals,” the spokesperson told the media in a written comment. “We will continue to explore AI technologies that respect IP and creators’ rights.”

At the same time, the discontinuation of Sora also occurs in advance of a potential OpenAI IPO, which reports indicate may happen later this year. Experts view the decision as a strategic shift to reduce expenses, since generating AI video demands costly computational resources, and OpenAI has apparently had difficulty establishing a profitable model for it. Internal reports indicate the company’s focus is moving to more economically promising fields like AI “co-workers” and robotics.

OpenAI mentioned it will share information shortly regarding the schedule for the shutdown and the process for users to preserve their videos.