OpenAI to discontinue original Sora video generation service

OpenAI has announced the discontinuation of its original Sora video generation service. The web and app versions for general users are scheduled to end on April 26, 2026. Additionally, Sora 2 and the Videos API are slated to be phased out by September 24, 2026.

While OpenAI has not provided a detailed official explanation for the shutdown, reports suggest the decision stems from a strategic shift to focus resources on other research areas, such as robotics. Other contributing factors reportedly include copyright concerns, safety issues, high operational costs, and intense competition within the AI video market.