Why OpenAI Discontinued Sora: Reasons for the Shutdown

OpenAI unexpectedly decided to shut down its AI-based video creation app, Sora.

The neural network allowed generating videos of various topics with almost no restrictions. We reveal the reason for the decision and details about the platform's operation below.

Sora required enormous computing resources. In the early stages, OpenAI limited video length to ten seconds to help the system handle the load. Monetization of the service was slow, and operation cost around $1 million per day. Initial popularity reached one million users, but over time the audience shrank to approximately 500,000, each consuming significant resources.

The monitoring system allowed tracking the use of computing accelerators, and the Sora development team received a significant portion of the resources. In conditions of scarcity, this raised questions among management. Paid access via ChatGPT was deemed impractical, which ultimately sealed the project's fate.

The decision came as a surprise to Disney, with which OpenAI had signed a $1 billion contract to use licensed characters for video generation. Disney learned about the cancellation approximately one hour before the public announcement and is now negotiating with other partners, officially acknowledging the experience of cooperation and respect for OpenAI's decision.

Source: The Wall Street Journal