Sora, the AI video generator from OpenAI, is now officially available for Android users in the United States, Canada, Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. The app was first launched for iOS in September, where it quickly rose to the top of the App Store charts and amassed over one million downloads in a single week. With its release on the Google Play Store, Sora is expected to attract an even larger user base, which will likely result in a significant surge in downloads.
The Android version includes all the same features as the iOS version. This includes the Cameos feature, which allows users to generate videos of themselves performing various activities by using their own likeness. Users can share these videos in a feed that is reminiscent of TikTok, enabling them to discover and engage with content created by others. This move appears to be a strategic effort by OpenAI to strengthen its position within the competitive short-form video sharing market. The AI company aims to rival major players like Meta, which recently launched its own AI video feed called Vibes, as well as established platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.
Despite its popularity, the Sora app has faced criticism for its handling of deepfakes. Shortly after its initial launch, users began uploading disrespectful videos of historical figures, including Martin Luther King Jr. In response, Sora paused the generation of content depicting Dr. King last month and strengthened its safety guardrails. The company also recently addressed backlash concerning copyrighted characters like SpongeBob and Pikachu. It changed its policy for the Sora app from an opt-out approach to an opt-in system for rights holders.
Additionally, OpenAI is currently involved in a legal dispute with the celebrity video maker Cameo regarding the name of Sora’s flagship feature, which is also called Cameo.
Looking ahead, OpenAI plans to introduce more features to Sora. These will include character cameos, which will let users create AI-generated videos featuring their pets and inanimate objects. Basic video editing tools are also planned, including the ability to stitch multiple clips together. Sora also intends to help users customize their social feeds to focus on content from selected individuals rather than a large, general audience.