Why is OpenAI's Sora app downloads declining?

Sora app downloads have declined due to intense competition from Google's Gemini and Meta AI, alongside user interest waning amidst copyright restrictions and evolving features.

What is the current download trend for OpenAI's Sora?

Sora's downloads dropped 32% in December and an additional 45% in January, indicating a significant decrease in user acquisition.

How is consumer spending performing for the Sora app?

Consumer spending on the Sora app has decreased by 32% month-over-month as of January 2026.

Home / Technology / AI Video App Sora's Hype Fades

AI Video App Sora's Hype Fades

29 Jan

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Summary

Sora app downloads dropped 32% in December and 45% in January.
Consumer spending on the Sora app is down 32% month-over-month.
Competition from Google Gemini and Meta AI impacts Sora's popularity.

OpenAI's AI video-generation app, Sora, launched to significant fanfare in October but is now facing a sharp decline in user traction. Market intelligence reports indicate a 32% drop in downloads during December and a further 45% decrease in January. Concurrently, consumer spending within the app has fallen by 32% month-over-month as of January 2026.

The initial success of Sora, which quickly climbed the App Store charts and surpassed ChatGPT in download speed, appears to be waning. The app, initially iOS-only and invite-based, has seen its U.S. App Store ranking slip from its peak to No. 101 overall. Competition from rivals like Google's Gemini and Meta AI, which launched its own video feature, is contributing to this downturn.

Furthermore, Sora has navigated challenges related to copyright infringement, shifting from an opt-out to an opt-in model for intellectual property usage. Despite recent partnerships, such as one with Disney, these efforts have not yet boosted user acquisition or spending. The evolving landscape of AI video generation and content restrictions are key factors in Sora's current struggle.