Katarzyna Petru
Sora, the popular OpenAI app for generating videos using artificial intelligence, has officially landed on Android. From now on, users from the USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam can use it.
After its debut on iOS in September, Sora quickly climbed to the top of the App Store charts, gaining over a million downloads in just a week. Now, with its launch on Google Play, the app has the potential to attract a considerably larger number of users and strengthen OpenAI's position in the mobile AI tools market.
Create videos with your own image – like TikTok, but from OpenAI
The Android version offers the same features as the iPhone edition – including the popular Cameos module, which allows users to generate short films with their own image performing various actions. These clips can then be shared in a special feed reminiscent of TikTok, making Sora not only a creative tool but also a social platform.
This is a clear strategic move by OpenAI aimed at entering the world of short-form videos and competing with giants like Meta (with its new AI feed “Vibes”), TikTok, and Instagram.
Controversies Surrounding Deepfakes and Copyrighted Characters
However, there were some issues. Following the release of the iOS version of the app, users began creating inappropriate content – including videos depicting historical figures, such as Martin Luther King Jr., in an unworthy manner. As a result, OpenAI temporarily blocked the ability to generate materials featuring his likeness and strengthened its safeguards.
The company also had to face a wave of criticism regarding the use of copyrighted characters, including SpongeBob and Pikachu. The response was a shift from an “opt-out” policy (default inclusion of characters unless the rights holder requests removal) to a “opt-in” system, where owners must first give permission for their characters to be used in Sora.
What’s next? Animals, objects, and AI editing
OpenAI is announcing further updates to the app. Among the planned features will be:
Cameos with characters and animals – users will be able to create videos featuring their pets or even everyday objects,
Simple video editing tools – including merging several clips into one,
Personalised social feed – allowing users to follow selected individuals instead of random creators.
Sora on Android is another step in OpenAI's offensive, which consistently combines generative technologies with entertainment. If the trend continues, the app could quickly become a serious competitor to TikTok – albeit with a touch of artificial intelligence.
