OpenAI Introduces Sora 2 and a New Social App

OpenAI has launched Sora 2, an advanced video and audio generation model, along with a new Sora app. The app is designed as a TikTok-style platform where users can generate and share AI-powered videos.

The company said the new model improves physics-based realism, making generated clips look more natural. Example videos from OpenAI showcase sports moves, gymnastics routines, and diving sequences that follow real-world rules.

Brings Realistic AI Video

The Sora 2 model replaces the original Sora released last year. It reduces the distortions often seen in AI video.

OpenAI explained that earlier models bent reality to meet prompts. In contrast, Sora 2 creates realistic outcomes. For example, a missed basketball shot now bounces off the backboard instead of teleporting into the hoop.

This shift highlights OpenAI’s focus on realism in generative media.

The Sora App: A TikTok-Style Feed

Alongside the model, OpenAI launched the Sora app for iOS. The app allows users to generate and post videos in a scrolling feed, similar to TikTok or Instagram Reels.

At launch, the platform is invite-only but available in the U.S. and Canada. OpenAI plans to expand availability soon.

The Sora app is free, but users may pay for extra video generation during peak demand.

Cameos: Upload Yourself into AI Videos

A unique feature of the Sora app is “cameos”. Users can upload a one-time video and audio recording to verify identity. This recording lets the AI capture their likeness for future videos.

With cameos, users can place themselves or their friends inside AI-generated scenes. They can also give permission to others to use their likeness in collaborative videos.

OpenAI says this feature is central to the experience of Sora 2, enabling more personal and social storytelling.

Privacy and Parental Controls

The Sora app uses ChatGPT-linked parental controls. Parents can limit infinite scrolling, disable personalization, and manage direct messages.

The platform’s algorithm relies on user activity, engagement, IP-based location, and ChatGPT history. However, users can turn off conversation history tracking.

Despite safeguards, concerns remain about misuse of AI likeness. OpenAI admits users could generate harmful or deceptive videos even with consent systems.

Monetization at Launch

Currently, OpenAI says the Sora app will remain free to use. Monetization will come only through extra video generation credits during high traffic periods.

This approach allows users to experiment with Sora’s features without cost, while OpenAI gathers feedback on safety and engagement.

Competition with TikTok and Meta

OpenAI’s timing is notable. Just last week, Meta introduced “Vibes”, a video feed inside its Meta AI app. The Sora app directly enters this competitive short-form video space dominated by TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts.

Unlike its rivals, however, Sora relies on AI-first creation. This could redefine how users generate and share content in real-time.

Challenges with AI Safety

As with other AI platforms, safety remains a key challenge. Allowing users to share likenesses creates risks of misuse. Even trusted connections could generate misleading content with someone’s cameo.

Non-consensual and harmful videos are already a major issue online. Regulators worldwide are still catching up to laws on AI-generated media.

OpenAI will need strong safeguards to ensure Sora avoids becoming another platform vulnerable to abuse.

Availability and Access

• App: iOS only at launch
• Regions: U.S. and Canada initially
• Model access: Sora 2 Pro available to ChatGPT Pro users without invite
• Platform: Invite-only for now

The company has not announced an Android version yet, but wider access is expected soon.

Conclusion

With Sora 2 and the Sora app, OpenAI enters the competitive short-form video market. By combining generative AI with social features like cameos, OpenAI positions Sora as a new kind of content platform.

The success of Sora will depend not only on its technical strength but also on how effectively OpenAI manages user safety, privacy, and trust.