Artificial intelligence research company OpenAI has sent ripples through the tech world with the announcement of Sora 2, the next generation of its text-to-video model, and an accompanying social media app. The announcement, made via a livestream on September 30, 2025, marks OpenAI's entry into the social media arena with a platform where all content is generated by artificial intelligence.
The new application, simply named Sora, functions as a social network where users can follow friends and share content. However, in a radical departure from existing platforms, all of the content is created by the AI Sora. OpenAI's Thomas Dimson explained during the presentation, "It's not posted by bots, it's posted by humans, but it's all AI-generated." The app was initially released for iPhone users in the United States and Canada, with access granted through an invitation system.
Key Features and Capabilities
The Sora 2 model introduces significant improvements over its predecessor. OpenAI states the model features more accurate physics, sharper realism, and synchronized audio. One of the most talked-about new features is "Cameo," which allows users to integrate their own faces or their friends' faces into AI-generated scenes. This function requires a "liveness check" to verify identity and capture a person's likeness. Furthermore, Sora 2 can generate videos with sound, a first for OpenAI that puts it on par with competitors like Google's Veo 3.
The platform is designed to encourage creativity over passive consumption. Users can "remix" each other's creations, putting their own spin on them. OpenAI has stated that its feed algorithm is not optimized for time spent in the feed but is explicitly designed to maximize creation.
Controversy and Challenges
The launch was not without its issues. Controversy almost immediately arose over the use of copyrighted material. Users began generating videos featuring well-known characters, leading to a swift backlash from rights holders. The Motion Picture Association released a scorching statement urging OpenAI to take action. Initially, the policy required rights holders to "opt-out," but OpenAI quickly reversed course, promising "more granular control" for creators.
This reaction led OpenAI to implement sweeping new guardrails, which in turn caused user frustration. The app's rating on the App Store plummeted, with users complaining that the censorship restrictions made the platform "boring and useless." Furthermore, the realistic nature of the videos has raised concerns about misinformation and deepfakes. OpenAI is addressing these concerns by applying a unique watermark to every exported video to identify it as AI-generated.
A Broader Strategy
The launch of Sora 2 and its app is part of a broader expansion strategy for OpenAI. The company has recently announced a flurry of initiatives aimed at cementing its dominance in the AI space. These include strategic partnerships with companies like Spotify and Zillow, as well as massive infrastructure investments, such as chip deals with NVIDIA and AMD. These moves suggest OpenAI is not just aiming to develop models, but to create an entire ecosystem that could redefine how we connect and create in the digital age.