OpenAI to Shut Down Sora Video App and API, Ending $10 Billion Partnership with Disney

Odaily News OpenAI has announced the shutdown of its AI video generation platform Sora and related APIs, redirecting resources towards "world simulation research to advance robotics." This decision also halts a previously announced $10 billion investment partnership with Disney centered around Sora.

OpenAI stated that as the company continues to focus on its AGI roadmap and the computing power required to support agent AI capabilities, it has decided to cease operations of Sora as a consumer-facing application and API. However, the AI image generator built into ChatGPT will remain unaffected. The company will announce the shutdown timeline for the application and APIs, as well as user content preservation plans, at a later date.

According to reports, Sora's operational costs were approximately $15 million per day. OpenAI first launched the Sora text-to-video model in February 2024, followed by the release of the more advanced Sora 2 and a standalone mobile app supporting social video streaming and user "cameo" features. In December 2024, OpenAI and Disney announced a three-year agreement licensing approximately 250 Disney characters for AI video generation, covering franchises such as Frozen, Star Wars, and Marvel.

Disney stated that it respects OpenAI's decision to exit the video generation business and will continue to explore other avenues for collaboration with generative AI.