OpenAI Temporarily Removes Invite Requirements for Sora AI Video App in Select Regions

No Invite? No Problem. You Can Now Join Sora Without an Access Code in the US

OpenAI's new Sora app takes AI and social media to a whole new level. The creators of ChatGPT have decided to launch a social media platform where every video is AI-generated -- no ads, no influencers, no reality required. Until recently, getting into Sora meant tracking down an elusive invite code, but that's no longer the case for everyone. OpenAI has now opened access to users in the US, Canada, Japan and Korea without a code, meaning you can download the app and start exploring right away. The company said this availability is only "limited time only," however. If you're outside those regions, though, you'll still need to wait for wider access or find an invite code. Here's how it works. Don't miss any of our unbiased tech content and lab-based reviews. Add CNET as a preferred Google source. How to download and log into Sora without a code Once logged in, you can instantly start watching, sharing and creating AI-generated videos in the Sora feed. If you don't live in these countries, you'll need to try one of the following methods to log in. How to get an invite code for OpenAI's Sora app To get an invite code, take these initial steps: OpenAI said in a post that it's starting the initial rollout in the US and Canada and intends to expand quickly to additional countries. The company is prioritizing its paying Pro users for Sora access, but you don't have to be a paying user to get into Sora. Android users won't be able to scroll the app, but they can use an invite code to generate AI video clips with Sora 2 through the web browser. Once you get an invite code, you can finish setting up your Sora account. You can then use Sora through the mobile app or website, and you'll get access to four new invite codes to share with your friends. How to get a Sora 2 invite code through Discord If you don't want to wait to move through OpenAI's wait list, you can also try your luck through Discord. Here's how. Be mindful of OpenAI's server rules, and do not sell Sora 2 invite codes. (Disclosure: Ziff Davis, CNET's parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.) For more, check out what to know about AI video generators and the best AI image generators.

Sora 2 is now available without an invite -- but only for a limited time

When OpenAI launched its new AI video generator, Sora 2, it did so with a waitlist in place. This meant the only way to get access was to have a friend who was already on the app invite you. Well, that waitlist has now gone. OpenAI has announced that, for those in the US, Canada, Japan, and South Korea, the waitlist has been removed, allowing you to go to the app store and log in straight away without the need for an invite. However, there is a bit of a catch here. OpenAI has stated that the removal of the invite code is temporary. It hasn't been made clear how long that time will be, so you might need to act fast to get in. For now, this ability is only available in the countries listed above. OpenAI is likely doing a slow rollout of the app to limit overuse or prevent its servers from coming under too much pressure. In the past, OpenAI has tried rolling out its new features to everyone at once. When this has happened, the company has usually had to reduce usage quickly due to popularity. Since it launched, Sora 2 has become one of the most popular AI video generators on the internet. It is also one of the more unique ones available, which has proved both good and bad for OpenAI. This is because of the company's more lenient safeguards. When using Sora 2, there is more opportunity to recreate characters and people, including portraits of celebrities and fictional characters. Because of this, OpenAI has faced a number of lawsuits and copyright strikes from famous people or their families. It has also been one of the driving forces of the app's popularity. When we tested Sora 2 vs Gemini's Veo 3.1, OpenAI's biggest AI video competitor, Sora 2 was the overall winner, but it was a close battle. It took the lead for its focus on realism, as well as visual style and storytelling. If you aren't in any of the regions that are able to try it now without a waitlist, there are plenty of other great AI video generators out there right now. We would recommend trying Gemini's Veo 3. Alternatively, Kling 2.5 Pro is a lesser-known tool that we have seen success with, or alternatively, Midjourney's video generator offers a lot of fun and creativity in its style.

Sora AI app now available without an invite, but there's a catch

OpenAI launched its AI-powered Sora app in the U.S. and Canada at the end of September, but you needed an invite to download it. Well, the company has just removed that restriction and so you can now grab it from the iOS App Store and log in straight away, just like you would any other app. Recommended Videos And there's more good news: The company has expanded Sora availability to Japan and South Korea, opening up the AI video generator to millions more people in another part of the world. But take note -- the availability is for a limited time only. OpenAI doesn't say for how long availability will last as it's likely down to the volume of downloads and how its systems cope with the added demand. In other words, it could reinstate the requirement for invites at any moment. Additionally, when OpenAI does reintroduce restrictions, it's not clear if it means that general availability will also be paused for users in Japan and South Korea. Either way, the best thing to do right now is head across to the App Store and download the app while you can. OpenAI made the announcement in a post on X on Wednesday. You can now get into the Sora app without an invite code in the US, Canada, Japan, and Korea. Limited time only. -- OpenAI (@OpenAI) October 29, 2025 The move shows Sora's rollout advancing from a limited and controlled launch toward broader availability, demonstrating OpenAI's readiness to scale the app and expand its user base without restrictions ... at least for now. OpenAI also announced a new feature called "character cameos" that lets you create unique videos from a short clip that you've already taken. Find out more about it below: The Sora app lets you create and browse AI-generated videos featuring personalized digital avatars. Created using text prompts, the short clips can include yourself, friends, pets, or objects. Launched exactly a month ago for the iPhone (an Android version should be on the way), OpenAI's Sora app quickly became a viral hit. The app's popularity reflects the increasing demand for AI-powered video creation tools with social and creative features. However, in its short time of availability, Sora has faced controversy over copyright violations and the videos using the likeness of deceased celebrities.