OpenAI Sora Hits 1 Million Downloads in 5 Days Breaking AI App Launch Records
OpenAI’s latest innovation, Sora, a video-generating AI app, has made a stunning debut by reaching 1 million downloads in under five days.
According to app analytics firm Appfigures, Sora surpassed ChatGPT’s iOS launch performance, which had 606,000 downloads in its first week.
Sora achieved 627,000 installs in just seven days and hit the 1 million mark even faster — despite being invite-only and available exclusively on iOS.
What Is Sora and Why Is It So Popular?
Sora allows users to generate lifelike videos using AI, including deepfakes and creative clips. Its popularity is fueled by social media buzz, where Sora-generated content has gone viral.
The app launched simultaneously in the U.S. and Canada, with Canada contributing around 45,000 installs. Even with restricted access, Sora climbed to the No. 1 spot on the U.S. App Store by October 3, outperforming competitors like Microsoft Copilot and Anthropic’s Claude.
Growth and Controversy
Sora’s growth has been rapid since its release on September 30, 2025, with daily downloads peaking at over 107,000. However, the app’s ability to create realistic deepfakes has sparked ethical concerns.
For instance, Zelda Williams, daughter of the late Robin Williams, publicly urged users to stop sending her AI-generated images of her father, highlighting the emotional and moral implications of such technology.
Impact on Users and Businesses
Sora’s success signals a growing demand for AI-generated video tools, especially among content creators, marketers, and entertainment professionals.
Its performance also reflects a shift in consumer interest from text-based AI (like ChatGPT) to immersive, visual experiences.
For businesses, Sora could open new avenues in advertising, storytelling, and customer engagement — but also raises questions about responsible use and digital ethics.
FAQ
What is OpenAI’s Sora app used for?
Sora is an AI-powered video generation app that creates realistic clips, including deepfakes and creative content.
Is Sora available to everyone?
Currently, Sora is invite-only and available only on iOS, but it has already reached 1 million downloads in under five days.
Image Source:Photo by Unsplash
