Openai plays a long game strategy. The effort is divided into two aspects. On the other hand, we are preparing to launch a social app powered by the latest video model, the Sora 2. On the other hand, instant shopping features are integrated into ChatGPT. The artificial intelligence giant is accelerating the transition from technology providers to application platform service providers.
According to the latest report from Wired Magazine, Openai is preparing to release a standalone SORA 2 application. The app is designed to be very similar to Tiktok with vertical video streams and swipe-based browsing interactions, but all content is AI-generated. The app was launched internally last week and reportedly received positive feedback from employees.
Meanwhile, in the field of commercial applications, Openai recently announced a partnership between Etsy and Shopify and Etsy and Shopify to introduce instant checkout functionality in the US market. Users can complete product purchases directly within ChatGPT conversations without having to jump to an external website. This move is seen as a major change in the E-Commerce industry. After the news was announced, Etsy's stock price surged nearly 16% at the end, and Shopify's stock price also rose more than 6%.
However, Openai's ambitious application plans are not without resistance. The SORA 2 App's strategy in copyright handling – rights – using copyrighted content by default unless the holder actively “opts out” – raises strong concerns between content creators and film companies, indicating that a fierce battle between AI and intellectual property rights is about to unfold.
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Sora 2
ai short-video platform imitates Tiktok very much?
The SORA 2 app reports that users can generate video clips of up to 10 seconds and provide social features such as preferences, comments, and remixes on the right side of the feed. The app also includes a “For You” page driven by recommended algorithms.
In particular, this app does not allow users to upload existing videos and photos from albums on their phones or other apps.
The app also includes an ID verification function. After confirmation, users can use their portraits in the video. Other users can also tag and use portraits for creation. Those familiar with the issue have revealed that users will be notified even if portraits are used in unreleased draft videos.
Openai's move is thought to be an attempt to replicate the success of ChatGpt in text fields, allowing the public to intuitively experience the possibilities of AI through destructive applications. Openai officially launched SORA in December last year. Initially, people were only accessible via the web, but soon they were directly integrated into the ChatGPT application.
Meanwhile, insiders believe they are against the backdrop of an uncertain future for Tiktok's US business. The move also introduced Openai directly into the competition between Meta and Google, with the recent integration of AI video platform Vibe and YouTube with VEO three models respectively.
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AI Agent
Teaming up with the e-commerce giant to launch “Instant Shopping”
On another side, commercializing Openai is easier.
Through partnerships with Etsy and Shopify, over 1 million Shopify merchants, including well-known brands such as Glossier and Skims, can sell their products directly to consumers through ChatGpt.
The feature is based on an agent commerce agreement developed in collaboration between Openai and Payment Company Stripe, and aims to seamlessly translate ChatGPT's vast conversational traffic into commercial transactions.
According to Openai, the app's weekly active users exceeded 7 million in August, with the majority of questions being shopping related. “The vision for ChatGpt is that it helps users to complete tasks in the real world, not just provide information,” says Michelle Fradin, Head of Products at Openai.
Currently, this feature only supports single item purchases and is available to users. However, Openai plans to expand its service area by introducing a large number of item shopping carts in the future. The company charges fees for transactions completed through ChatGPT, but certain fees are included in the confidential agreement and users do not have to pay any additional fees.
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“Use first and opt out later.”
Copyright disputes are of greatest concern
Despite the broad application outlook, Openai's approach to copyright issues is becoming the biggest potential risk.
Those familiar with the issue said Openai began notifying major talent agencies and film companies that Sora 2 is about to launch, explaining how to protect copyrighted content through the “opt-out” process.
This means that unless intellectual property owners such as film companies actively notify Openai, they will use their copyrighted characters and content in SORA 2 to generate videos. Jason Kwon, Chief Strategy Officer at Openai, said the company has always handled portrait rights and copyright issues individually, and that newer versions of SORA will not use public figure images without permission.
However, Openai is not intending to accept “blanket” copyright exclusion requests. Rights – Owners must report each case of infringing content after discovery. This approach has sparked widespread concern in the industry. Dan Neely, CEO of AI licensing platform Vermillio, said the move confirms long-term concerns in the industry.
This conflict occurs when relationships between AI companies and Hollywood are tense. Creators have requested that AI companies obtain permission and pay compensation when using their works to train models. Recent court rulings partially support the “fair use of copyrighted content by AI companies, but giants such as Disney have sued AI company Midjourney over similar issues, showing a harsh stance in the content industry. Openai's copyright strategy will undoubtedly make it a centre of a new round of legal and public opinion, a storm of opinions.
This article is from WeChat's official account, Hard Ai, author: Long Yue. Reissue by 36kr with permission.
