OpenAI’s new video-generation app, Sora, is already turning heads.
Despite being invite-only and limited to users in the U.S. and Canada, it shot up to the No. 3 spot on the U.S. App Store within just two days of launch.
According to data from analytics firm Appfigures, Sora logged 56,000 downloads on its first day and climbed to 164,000 installs in its first 48 hours.
That’s impressive traction for an app that isn’t even open to everyone yet.
How Sora’s Launch Stacks Up Against Other AI Apps
Sora’s debut didn’t just make noise – it outperformed several high-profile AI competitors.
Here’s how Sora compares to other notable AI app launches:
| AI App | Day-One Downloads (U.S./Canada) | App Store Peak Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| ChatGPT | 81,000 | #1 (Day 2) |
| Google Gemini | 80,000 | #6 |
| OpenAI Sora | 56,000 | #3 (Day 2) |
| xAI Grok | 56,000 | #4 |
| Anthropic Claude | 21,000 | #78 |
| Microsoft Copilot | 7,000 | #19 |
As you can see, Sora launched on par with Grok, outpaced Claude and Copilot, and positioned itself right behind the giants – ChatGPT and Gemini.
Why Sora’s Growth Matters
The buzz around Sora shows how much demand there is for AI-powered video tools.
Unlike ChatGPT, which is mainly text-based, Sora leans into a more social, visual experience.
Think of it like TikTok meets AI, users get to play with video content in creative and viral ways.
Even with its invite-only restriction, people are clamoring for access. Imagine how much bigger these numbers could be once the app rolls out globally.
Different Launch Strategies, Different Results
Not all AI apps launch the same way, which makes direct comparisons tricky.
- ChatGPT started on iOS, limited to U.S. users.
- Grok launched only in the U.S., India, and Australia.
- Claude entered iOS without clear regional restrictions.
- Sora focused solely on U.S. and Canada for its debut.
By narrowing its audience early, Sora may be testing infrastructure and gauging demand before scaling up – something OpenAI has done before with ChatGPT.
What’s Next for Sora?
Right now, Sora feels like a playful experiment that could reshape how people interact with AI. It blurs the line between utility and entertainment.
Some at OpenAI reportedly want the company to focus more on serious breakthroughs – like advancing AGI – rather than leaning into viral apps.
But as Sora proves, people are eager to bring AI into their everyday creative lives.
And let’s be honest: whether it’s writing reports, generating images, or making funny videos, AI is becoming as normal as checking Instagram in the morning.
