OpenAI recently launched a platform that allows users to directly generate audio and video content with AI.Short video platform "Sora", surpassing one million downloads in less than five days, achieving a faster download growth rate than ChatGPT's initial launch. According to Bill Peebles, Sora's product manager, although Sora is currently only available in North America and is invite-only, it has quickly become a download sensation.
Sora's operation has been described as an "AI-powered TikTok." Users simply enter a prompt, and the Sora 2 model automatically generates approximately 10-second videos. The platform features an infinitely scrolling short video browsing interface, similar to short video services like TikTok and Reels. However, the key difference is that all videos are AI-generated, not user-uploaded.
Another eye-catching feature is the "Cameo" mode, which allows users to upload their own portraits and, after authorization, generate AI videos featuring themselves (or others). This technology, combining generative imaging with personal imagery, quickly sparked heated discussion and controversy.
sora hit 1M app downloads in <5 days, even faster than chatgpt did (despite the invite flow and only targeting north america!)!
team working hard to keep up with surging growth. more features and fixes to overmoderation on the way!
— Bill Peebles (@billpeeb) October 9, 2025
Because the platform currently only has limited protection measures in place, some videos have featured an AI version of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, as well as generated content involving copyrighted characters (such as Pikachu), causing the entertainment industry and copyright holders to question the source of its training materials and licensing policies.
In response to external concerns, OpenAI has urgently launched an update to allow users to more precisely control how their portraits are used on "Sora". At the same time, OpenAI also plans to provide copyright holders withControl Tools, you can specify whether or how the role can be referenced by the generated model.
Although these features were not available in the first wave of launches, OpenAI said it will continue to improve the protection of the rights of users and creators.
However, the true number of active users of "Sora" remains to be seen. Since it operates on an invitation-only basis, many people may have downloaded it but haven't actually used it. However, judging by its popularity, OpenAI's strategy of betting on the AI video content ecosystem appears to be gradually taking shape.
