In the whirlwind launch of OpenAI's latest AI venture, Sora 2 has quickly become the talk of tech circles, with invite codes turning into a hot commodity overnight. Announced just days ago on September 30, 2025, by CEO Sam Altman himself via his blog, the new model promises enhanced video generation—think photorealistic clips complete with synchronized audio and improved physics simulation. But it's the accompanying iOS app, simply named Sora, that's fueling the frenzy. Users can now type prompts to whip up 10-second vertical videos, remix content, and share them in a TikTok-like feed, all while building personal AI avatars.
Indeed, the excitement has led to a scramble for access. During this invite-only phase, codes are being traded vigorously on Reddit's r/OpenAI megathread, where thousands have commented in hopes of snagging one. Even eBay has seen listings pop up, with some sellers hawking codes for upwards of $50, highlighting the hype around what Altman calls a "low-friction" creative tool. Yet, not everyone's thrilled. Within 24 hours of rollout, reports surfaced of copyright headaches—Hollywood studios scrambling to opt out as branded cartoons, including unauthorized Pikachu animations, flooded early user feeds.
Moreover, the app's ease in generating deepfakes has raised eyebrows. Terrifying clips of Sam Altman himself—shoplifting in one bizarre example or spouting nonsense in others—have proliferated, underscoring the risks of unchecked AI content. Critics point out how Sora 2's advancements in realism could blur lines between fact and fiction even further, especially with features like "Cameo" that insert users into scenes. OpenAI insists safeguards are in place, including age-appropriate protections during onboarding, but the rapid spread of misleading videos suggests otherwise.
However, for those lucky enough to get in, the possibilities seem endless. From quick Pikachu romps to personalized adventures, Sora 2 is redefining casual content creation. Still, as invite codes dwindle and controversies mount, one can't help but wonder if this bold step forward might stumble under its own viral weight.