OpenAI will shut down the Sora video app and API, ending its $1 billion partnership with Disney

SmartContractAuditor · 2026-03-25T00:31:21+00:00

OpenAI announced the closure of its AI video generation platform Sora and its API, redirecting resources toward world simulation research to advance robotics technology, which has resulted in the discontinuation of a $1 billion investment partnership with Disney. Sora's operational costs reached $15 million per day, with details regarding the application shutdown timeline and user content preservation plan to be announced in the future. Disney will continue exploring new ways to collaborate with generative AI.

SmartContractAuditor

2026-03-25 00:31:21

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Odaily Planet Daily reports that OpenAI has announced the shutdown of its AI video generation platform Sora and related APIs, redirecting resources toward “world simulation research to advance robotics technology.” This decision also means that a $1 billion investment partnership previously made with Disney around Sora will no longer proceed.

OpenAI stated that as the company continues to focus on the AGI roadmap and supporting the computational power needed for intelligent AI capabilities, it has decided to cease operations of Sora as a consumer application and API. However, the AI image generator integrated into ChatGPT will remain unaffected. The company will announce the shutdown schedule for the applications and APIs, as well as plans for preserving user-created content.

Reportedly, Sora’s operational costs are about $15 million per day. OpenAI first launched the Sora text-to-video model in February 2024, followed by the release of a more advanced Sora 2 and the launch of a standalone mobile app supporting social video streaming and user “guest star” features. In December 2024, OpenAI and Disney announced a three-year agreement licensing approximately 250 Disney characters for AI video generation, covering series such as Frozen, Star Wars, and Marvel.

Disney stated that it respects OpenAI’s decision to exit the video generation business and will continue exploring other ways to collaborate with generative AI.

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