OpenAI’s Sora App Crashes After Viral Launch — Downloads Plummet 45% in January

In a stunning reversal of fortune, OpenAI’s ambitious video-generation app Sora is bleeding users at an alarming rate, just months after rocketing to the top of the App Store. Once hailed as the “TikTok of AI,” the platform is now struggling to maintain relevance in an increasingly crowded and competitive AI video landscape.

🚀 From #1 to #101: The Meteoric Fall

When Sora launched in September 2025, it was the talk of the tech world. Powered by Sora 2, OpenAI’s advanced video-generation model, the iOS app hit 1 million downloads faster than ChatGPT and quickly claimed the #1 spot on the U.S. App Store. Even with an invite-only system, users were clamoring to get in.

But the honeymoon didn’t last.

According to data from Appfigures, Sora’s monthly downloads dropped 32% in December and then plummeted 45% in January 2026, falling to just 1.2 million installs. Consumer spending followed suit, declining 32% month-over-month in January. The app, which once dominated the charts, is now ranked #101 in the U.S. App Store’s Top 100 free apps and #181 on Google Play.

🎥 What Went Wrong?

1. Fierce Competition

Sora isn’t the only player in town anymore. Google’s Gemini app, powered by its Nano Banana model, has surged in popularity, while Meta AI’s Vibes video feature has also siphoned off users. The AI video space is heating up, and Sora is losing its edge.

2. Copyright Chaos

Initially, OpenAI allowed users to generate videos featuring copyrighted characters like SpongeBob and Pikachu, which fueled early adoption. But after backlash from Hollywood studios, OpenAI shifted to an opt-in model for intellectual property, severely limiting creative freedom. While a recent deal with Disney allows some character use, it hasn’t been enough to reignite interest.

3. Privacy Concerns

Many users were uncomfortable with Sora’s unique feature that lets friends cast your likeness in AI videos. Without the allure of familiar faces or popular IP, the app’s novelty wore off quickly.

4. Hype Fatigue

The initial buzz around Sora 2 as a “social media disruptor” has faded. Users are moving on to fresher, more flexible platforms.

📉 The Numbers Don’t Lie

• 9.6 million downloads across iOS and Android to date
• $1.4 million in consumer spending (U.S. accounts for $1.1 million)
• $367,000 spent in January, down from $540,000 in December
• No longer in the Top 100 free apps on the U.S. App Store

🔮 Can Sora Stage a Comeback?

OpenAI has yet to comment on the decline, but the road ahead is steep. To regain momentum, Sora will need more copyright deals, innovative features, and a rebranding strategy that addresses user concerns. Whether it can reclaim its throne as the “TikTok of AI” remains to be seen.

Tags: #Sora #OpenAI #AI #VideoGeneration #AppStore #TechNews #Viral #DecliningDownloads #Competition #CopyrightIssues #SocialMedia #TechCrunch #Innovation #AIApps #MarketTrends

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