OpenAI launched its Sora video-generation app in October 2024 for iOS devices on an invite-only basis, topping the U.S. App Store and reaching 1 million downloads faster than ChatGPT, but Appfigures data shows subsequent declines in downloads and consumer spending.
The app recorded over 100,000 installs on its first day despite the invite-only restriction and iOS exclusivity. This rapid adoption propelled Sora to the number one position in the U.S. App Store overall free apps category. Powered by OpenAI’s Sora 2 video generation model, the app functions like an AI-enhanced TikTok, enabling users to generate videos through text prompts.
Key features include the ability for users to cast themselves or their friends as main characters in the videos, provided they grant permission. Shared videos become available for remixing by others, who can customize elements further. Videos support additions of music, sound effects, and dialogue to build complete scenes based on user inputs.
Appfigures data indicates Sora’s monthly downloads decreased by 32 percent from November to December 2024. This drop occurred during the holiday period, when mobile apps typically experience growth due to new smartphone gifts and increased user leisure time for exploring and installing applications and games.
The downward trend accelerated in January 2026, with installs falling 45 percent month-over-month to 1.2 million. Consumer spending followed a similar path, declining 32 percent month-over-month to $367,000 in January from December’s peak of $540,000.
Across both iOS and Android platforms, Sora has accumulated 9.6 million downloads to date. Total consumer spending stands at $1.4 million, with the United States contributing $1.1 million. The remaining revenue comes from Japan, Canada, South Korea, and Thailand.
In the U.S. App Store, Sora no longer appears in the top 100 overall free apps, currently ranking at number 101. Within the Photo & Video category, it holds the number 7 position. On Google Play in the U.S., the app ranks number 181 among top free apps overall.
Google’s Gemini app, featuring the Nano Banana model, has emerged as direct competition, contributing to its own popularity gains. Meta AI’s app introduced Vibes video functionality, which boosted its downloads in October 2024 coinciding with Sora’s launch period.
OpenAI faced challenges with copyright infringement on the platform. Initially, the company operated an opt-out policy for intellectual property usage, requiring Hollywood studios and agencies to actively exclude their content. Users generated videos incorporating popular characters such as SpongeBob and Pikachu, which increased early adoption but drew backlash.
To address legal threats and studio concerns, OpenAI transitioned to an opt-in model for copyrighted material and implemented stricter controls within the app. OpenAI did not immediately respond to a request for comment on these changes or performance data.
In December 2025, OpenAI announced a partnership with Disney, permitting users to generate videos featuring Disney characters within Sora. This development followed reports of some users creating videos with Disney content under prior looser policies. The partnership has not yet resulted in increased installs or consumer spending.
Sora 2 launched amid expectations positioning it as an AI-driven social video platform. The app’s mechanics encourage social interaction through character casting and video remixing, though participation requires user consent for likeness usage. Appfigures tracks these metrics through market intelligence on app stores.
