OpenAI Shuts Down Sora Video App Amid Strategy Shift and Dropping User Interest
OpenAI announced the closure of the Sora video generation app. The company announced this on social network X and thanked users for the content and community created. Meanwhile, the exact termination dates of the service and API have not yet been disclosed — they promise to announce them later.
What is known
The company explained the decision by changing priorities. The Sora team will focus on real-world simulation research — a direction that has applications in robotics and will help solve physical problems in a real environment.
We’re saying goodbye to the Sora app. To everyone who created with Sora, shared it, and built community around it: thank you. What you made with Sora mattered, and we know this news is disappointing.
— Sora (@soraofficialapp) March 24, 2026
We’ll share more soon, including timelines for the app and API and details on…
Signs of declining interest in Sora appeared as early as the beginning of 2026. After a rapid start in the App Store, the app's popularity quickly decreased. According to analysts, downloads and user spending fell consecutively over several months, and in December, a 32% decline was recorded compared to November.
The closure of Sora also coincides with a strategic change for OpenAI following the release of new models focused on professional tasks — programming and analytics.
It is also reported about the end of cooperation between OpenAI and Disney. According to media reports, the company rejected a $1 billion investment that the parties had previously agreed upon.
Source: OpenAI
