OpenAI is shutting down Sora, its standalone video-generation app, as the company shifts priorities toward more resource-intensive AI development, including robotics and enterprise tools.
The company confirmed Tuesday that it will wind down the app, which launched last year and quickly became one of the most visible AI video platforms. Sora’s debut marked a major step in OpenAI’s expansion beyond chat-based tools into creative and social media-style applications.
But the company now says it is narrowing its focus.
“As we focus and compute demand grows, the Sora research team continues to focus on world simulation research to advance robotics that will help people solve real-world, physical tasks,” an OpenAI spokesperson said in a statement to CNN News.
The move reflects the growing strain of computing costs tied to advanced AI systems. OpenAI said it is making trade-offs as it prioritizes projects with broader long-term impact.
Sora saw early success, rising to the top of Apple’s App Store shortly after its September launch. However, it also faced criticism. Copyright holders raised concerns about the use of intellectual property and likenesses in AI-generated videos, while critics warned the platform could contribute to misinformation.
OpenAI had attempted to address some of these concerns through partnerships. In December, the company reached a deal with Disney to allow its characters to appear in user-generated content. That agreement is no longer moving forward following OpenAI’s shift in direction.
Disney confirmed the change in a statement to CNN, saying it “respects OpenAI’s decision” and will continue exploring ways to responsibly engage with AI while protecting creators’ rights.
OpenAI stated in the captions of a video post that it is working on options to help users export and preserve content created on Sora ahead of the shutdown.
Originally written by: JULIA VARNIER
Source: CBS Austin
Published on: 25 March 2026
Link to original article: OpenAI to shut down Sora video app, shifts to robotics and enterprise AI
