Sora’s Launch Nearly Matches ChatGPT’s iOS Debut
Sora, a video-generating AI app developed by OpenAI, has made a significant impact in its first week on the iOS App Store. According to data from app intelligence firm Appfigures, Sora was downloaded approximately 627,000 times within seven days of its release, closely approaching ChatGPT’s 606,000 downloads during its first week on iOS. However, the comparison requires context: ChatGPT was initially available exclusively in the U.S., whereas Sora launched simultaneously in the U.S. and Canada. Appfigures estimates that around 45,000 of Sora’s installs came from Canada, meaning its U.S.-only downloads were about 96% of ChatGPT’s first-week figures.Rapid Climb to the Top of the App Store
Despite being an invite-only app, Sora quickly gained traction. On its first day, it achieved 56,000 installs and surged to No. 3 on the U.S. App Store’s Top Overall chart. By October 3, 2025, it had reached the No. 1 position, outperforming recent AI app launches like Anthropic’s Claude and Microsoft’s Copilot, and matching the success of xAI’s Grok. This rapid adoption underscores strong consumer interest in AI-driven video generation tools, particularly those capable of producing realistic deepfakes.Sustained Download Momentum
Appfigures data shows that Sora’s daily download volumes peaked at 107,800 on October 1, 2025, shortly after launch. While daily installs have fluctuated since, they have remained robust, with lows around 84,400 and highs near 98,500 through October 6. These figures are notable given the app’s limited availability and invite-only status, reflecting strong demand within early adopter communities.Social Media Buzz and Ethical Concerns
Sora’s AI-generated videos have gone viral on social media platforms, especially due to its use of the advanced Sora 2 video model that enables highly realistic deepfakes. Users have created videos featuring celebrities and even deceased individuals, which has sparked ethical debates.Zelda Williams, daughter of the late Robin Williams, publicly requested that people cease sharing AI-generated images of her father, highlighting the sensitive nature of such content.
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FinOracleAI — Market View
Sora’s near-record first-week downloads signal a strong market appetite for AI-powered content creation tools. Its rapid ascent, despite invite-only access and geographic limitations, suggests significant consumer enthusiasm for innovative video generation technologies.- Opportunities: Expansion into broader markets beyond North America could drive exponential growth.
- Risks: Ethical concerns surrounding deepfake content may invite regulatory scrutiny and impact user adoption.
- Market dynamics: Sora’s success intensifies competition in the AI app ecosystem, challenging incumbents like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot.
- Monetization potential: Early traction positions Sora well for subscription or premium feature rollouts.
