The Rise and Fall of Sora 2: OpenAI's "AI TikTok" Loses Its Shine

In late September 2025, OpenAI released Sora 2, an iOS app that lets users generate short videos with artificial intelligence. Even though signing up required an invite, the app was an instant hit: it reached No. 1 in the overall App Store rankings and passed a million downloads in just a few days. It looked as though OpenAI had created a new leader in entertainment and generative AI.

Interest in Sora 2, however, fell as fast as it had risen. Just a week after launch, the download rate had dropped significantly. The phenomenon sparked heated debate in tech circles. So what caused the app's popularity to fade so quickly?

One key reason is likely the invite system. OpenAI's limited access fueled interest on one hand, but on the other it held back mass adoption. Many people who wanted to try Sora 2 simply couldn't, which naturally affected overall download and audience retention numbers.

Another important factor is the nature of AI-generated content. Despite Sora 2's impressive capabilities, the videos it produces often look repetitive and lack the spontaneity and creativity of human-made content. Users may have quickly grown tired of similar-looking clips and lost interest in the app.

The hype effect can't be ruled out either. New apps often draw attention at launch thanks to aggressive promotion and media coverage. Once the initial buzz wears off, though, users start judging the app more critically, and many of them stop using it.

For OpenAI, this could be a valuable lesson. The company will certainly keep developing generative AI technology, but it needs to account for the factors that drive an app's popularity and long-term success. It may be worth rethinking the access system, making AI-generated content more varied and creative, and paying more attention to audience retention.

Overall, the Sora 2 story shows that even the most innovative and technologically advanced apps aren't immune to a drop in popularity. Success in the mobile app world takes not only cutting-edge technology but also a deep understanding of users' needs and preferences. As a leader in AI, OpenAI has every chance to learn from this experience and build even more successful products in the future.