OpenAI's new AI video generation application, Sora, has demonstrated significant user interest since its release, securing the top position on the U.S. App Store. Despite being available only through an invitation system in the United States and Canada, the app recorded 56,000 downloads on its first day and accumulated a total of 164,000 installations within its first 48 hours.
Key Takeaways
- OpenAI's Sora app reached the No. 1 position on the U.S. App Store shortly after its limited, invite-only launch.
- The application was downloaded 56,000 times on its first day and 164,000 times in its first two days.
- Sora's initial download figures are comparable to xAI's Grok and surpass the debuts of Anthropic's Claude and Microsoft's Copilot.
- The strong performance, even with restricted access, suggests high consumer demand for mobile-based AI video creation tools.
Impressive Launch Metrics and Chart Performance
OpenAI's entry into the mobile AI video space, Sora, has shown strong initial momentum. According to data from app intelligence firm Appfigures, the application registered 56,000 downloads on its launch day, September 30. This figure grew to a combined 164,000 installs by the end of its second day, October 1.
This early adoption translated directly into high visibility on Apple's platform. By its second day, Sora had already climbed to the No. 3 overall position on the U.S. App Store. It continued its ascent, reaching the No. 1 spot by Friday, October 3, placing it ahead of other prominent AI applications like Google Gemini and even OpenAI's own ChatGPT at the time.
Understanding the Invite-Only Model
Sora's launch was not open to the general public. Instead, OpenAI opted for an invite-only system, limiting initial access to a select group of users in the United States and Canada. This controlled rollout means the actual market demand could be substantially higher than the initial download numbers suggest. A public launch could have resulted in significantly larger figures.
Comparing Sora's Debut to Other AI Apps
To provide a clear comparison, an analysis focused on the U.S. and Canadian markets for other major AI app launches reveals where Sora stands. While its debut was strong, it did not surpass the initial launches of the two largest players in the chatbot space.
According to Appfigures' data, OpenAI's ChatGPT and Google's Gemini had more powerful day-one performances on iOS. ChatGPT secured 81,000 downloads, while Gemini followed closely with 80,000 downloads in their respective initial 24-hour periods.
Launch Day Download Comparison (U.S. & Canada)
Sora's performance places it in the upper tier of recent AI app releases. Its 56,000 day-one downloads were identical to the launch of xAI's Grok, another high-profile entry into the AI market.
Day-One iOS Downloads:
- ChatGPT (OpenAI): 81,000
- Gemini (Google): 80,000
- Sora (OpenAI): 56,000
- Grok (xAI): 56,000
- Claude (Anthropic): 21,000
- Copilot (Microsoft): 7,000
Sora's debut significantly outpaced those of Anthropic's Claude, which saw 21,000 downloads, and Microsoft's Copilot, which registered only 7,000 downloads on its first day. This highlights the strong brand recognition and consumer anticipation associated with OpenAI's products.
App Store Ranking as a Measure of Success
Beyond initial downloads, an app's ranking provides insight into its early momentum and user engagement. In this regard, Sora performed exceptionally well, especially for an invite-only product.
Reaching the No. 3 overall position by its second day is a significant achievement that indicates strong user interest and rapid adoption among those who received an invitation.
Comparing its day-two chart position to its competitors further illustrates its successful launch. While ChatGPT hit No. 1 on its second day, Sora's No. 3 rank was higher than Grok (No. 4) and Gemini (No. 6). Other apps like Copilot (No. 19) and Claude (No. 78) were significantly further down the charts, underscoring the challenge of gaining immediate traction in a crowded marketplace.
Indications of Market Demand for AI Video
The enthusiastic reception for Sora signals a growing consumer appetite for powerful, accessible AI tools, particularly in the creative space of video generation. The social-media-like experience of the app may be a key driver of its popularity, allowing users to experiment with and share AI-generated content easily.
The strong performance of an invite-only app suggests that a full public release could generate a massive wave of downloads, potentially setting new records for an AI application launch. This success also brings to light internal discussions within companies like OpenAI regarding the balance between developing consumer-focused creative tools and pursuing research on more complex, foundational AI problems.
As the app becomes available to more users, its long-term engagement and retention rates will be the next key indicators of its staying power and its impact on the broader social media and content creation landscape.
