OpenAI’s Sora App Experiences Decline in Popularity After Initial Surge
OpenAI’s newly launched video generation app, Sora, is facing significant challenges just weeks after its impressive debut. While the app quickly soared to the top of the U.S. App Store, recent figures indicate a sharp decline in both downloads and user spending, suggesting that the initial enthusiasm for the AI-driven video platform may be waning.
Launched in October, Sora became an instant hit, racking up over 100,000 installations on its first day, an impressive feat considering it was an invite-only app. It commanded the No. 1 spot in the U.S. App Store and hit 1 million downloads faster than any of its predecessors, including ChatGPT. However, after this initial success, the app’s momentum appears to have faltered.
According to data from Appfigures, Sora’s downloads plummeted by 32% month-over-month in December, a worrying trend especially during the holiday season, when mobile app usage typically increases. January 2026 saw an even steeper decline, with downloads dropping by 45%, reaching a total of 1.2 million. In tandem, consumer spending within the app slid by 32% in January, further emphasizing the challenges ahead.
Sora allows users to create videos by utilizing AI, enabling the inclusion of their own likenesses and integrating music and sound effects. The app has gathered a total of 9.6 million downloads across both iOS and Android, with users spending about $1.4 million, predominantly from users in the U.S.
Key Performance Metrics:
- Total Downloads: 9.6 million
- User Spending: $1.4 million ($1.1 million from the U.S.)
- January Spending: $367,000 (down from $540,000 in December)
- Current App Store Ranking: No. 101 in Overall Free Apps, No. 7 in Photo & Video category on iOS; No. 181 on Google Play.
Despite these numbers, Sora has lost its position among the top 100 free U.S. apps, raising concerns about its sustainability. Factors contributing to this downturn include intense competition from newer AI applications, such as Google’s Gemini and Meta’s Vibes, which have been rapidly gaining user traction.
Furthermore, Sora’s initial lack of strict copyright protections has led to potential legal issues, as users could create videos featuring popular copyrighted characters. OpenAI has since shifted its policy to a stricter opt-in model, attempting to navigate the complexities of intellectual property rights. A recently announced partnership with Disney allowed further integration of its characters, but this strategic move has not yet translated into increased user installations or spending, casting doubt on the effectiveness of these efforts.
While the initial buzz around Sora positioned it as a significant contender in the social media landscape, interest appears to diminish. As the app grapples with retention challenges, it remains to be seen whether new features or partnerships can rejuvenate user engagement and ultimately pave the way for a successful turnaround.
