OpenAI has announced the shutdown of its AI video generator, Sora, just six months after its public launch in late 2024. The app, which became the No. 1 app on Apple’s App Store shortly after its release, was initially introduced as a bonus for ChatGPT Pro and Plus users in December 2024.
Launched to allow users to create hyper-realistic AI videos, Sora quickly gained popularity, particularly due to its collaboration with Disney, which enabled users to create videos featuring over 200 licensed Disney characters. However, the platform faced significant criticism for generating violent and racist content, as well as deepfakes and misinformation.
Following the shutdown announcement, Disney exited its $1 billion deal with OpenAI, raising questions about the future of their collaboration. A Disney spokesperson stated, “As the nascent AI field advances rapidly, we respect OpenAI’s decision to exit the video generation business and to shift its priorities elsewhere.”
OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, expressed gratitude to the Sora community, saying, “We’re saying goodbye to Sora. To everyone who created with Sora, shared it, and built community around it: thank you.” He also acknowledged the disappointment this news brings to users, emphasizing that their contributions mattered.
Despite the closure of Sora, OpenAI clarified that it is not exiting the AI video business entirely but is instead shifting its focus away from Sora. The company plans to share more information regarding the shutdown timeline and how users can preserve their created videos.
Observers are now left to ponder the implications of this shutdown for both OpenAI and Disney, particularly regarding the future of AI-generated content and the partnerships that may emerge from this evolving landscape. Details remain unconfirmed.