Chat GPT creators OpenAI have discontinued a "mind-blowing" video app just over a year after it was first released in the UK.
Sora is a programme that uses AI (artificial intelligence) to create short video clips based on user prompts.
It was first launched back in December 2024, before being released in the UK in February 2025.
OpenAI discontinues Sora app
But now, just over a year later, OpenAI has revealed it is shutting down Sora.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), it said: "We’re saying goodbye to Sora.
"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.
"We’ll share more soon, including timelines for the app and API and details on preserving your work."
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.
We’ll share more soon, including timelines for the app and API and details on…— Sora (@soraofficialapp) March 24, 2026
Fans of the video-creation app took to the comments to share their disappointment, describing it as the "end of an era".
One person posted: "What!!! Sora was mind-blowing when I used it once, and it was not even available in India.. I was hoping to use it more when it became available in India. Sad to see it go."
Another added: "End of an era for creators Sora pushed creative boundaries now the focus shifts to what replaces it and how users can preserve their work and momentum."
A third user wrote: "Ngl this is an actual wtf moment. now @xai and Deepmind are the only two big companies with image models on a large scale (not including OSS and neolabs). Probably a bad sign for days to come."
Why has OpenAI discontinued Sora?
OpenAI is shutting down both the Sora app and the internet-based platform.
The US company, speaking to the BBC, said it has discontinued Sora so it can focus on other developments "that will help people solve real-world, physical tasks".
OpenAI is also set to cancel its $1 billion (US) content partnership with Disney, according to the British broadcaster.
The two companies had previously signed a three-year deal allowing Sora users to create AI videos with Disney characters like Mickey Mouse and Yoda from Star Wars.
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