Openai has announced the launch of its new social video app SORA. This will directly provide users with artificial intelligence-powered video creation. Currently limited to iPhones in the US and Canada, the app works with invitations only. Early access people can also share four additional invitations with friends. No Android releases have been confirmed yet.
Unlike traditional short video platforms such as Tiktok and Instagram reels, SORA is built around AI-generated content. Users can record short videos called “cameos.” Others can use OpenAI's upgraded SORA 2 model to generate fresh clips. This cameo feature allows friends, or even a wider community, to add someone to their videos, if allowed. Importantly, those who use faces will remain “co-owner” of the video and can remove or revoke access at any time.
The app includes a “remix” feature that encourages users to interact with existing clips and trends, but the generated video is currently capped in 10 seconds. To maintain safety, Openai has restrictions to prevent the generation of explicit or extreme content. The company also bans public figures from appearing in AI-generated clips unless they personally upload cameos and allow them to use them.
The launch of the app will go hand in hand with the introduction of Sora 2.0, Openai's most advanced video generator so far. The company says the new model will improve physical realism, improve audio-video synchronization, and support more complex storytelling with multiple shots.
During the press conference, Openai employees explained that the project could be a “video ChatGpt moment.” The comparison highlights the company's hopes that SORA can change the way people approach video creation.
However, the development has already attracted scrutiny. A report from the Wall Street Journal revealed that Openai could appear to studios and talent agencies unless copyrighted material is specifically opted out of SORA-generated videos. The company says it sees this as a form of fan engagement and creative expression similar to the way users remix images and memes.
That said, Openai paints strict boundaries regarding personal portraits. Individuals cannot generate cameos without uploading them. This gives people full control over whether or not it will appear in content created in the app.
The app will eventually deploy beyond Invite-only models. Openai also makes sure the Pro version, web access and developer APIs are in the pipeline, opening the door for wider integration and professional use.
– end
