In the whirlwind launch of OpenAI's Sora 2, the AI video app has quickly turned into a digital gold rush, with invite codes fetching prices on eBay that rival rare collectibles. Just days after its debut on September 30, 2025, users are scrambling for access to this TikTok-like platform powered by the upgraded Sora 2 model, which promises hyper-realistic videos complete with synchronized audio and improved physics simulation. Indeed, the hype has led to a black market where codes are resold for up to several hundred dollars, a stark reminder of how AI tools can amplify scarcity-driven excitement.
At the center of the buzz, viral clips generated by early testers have flooded social media, none more captivating than those featuring Pikachu in absurd, lifelike scenarios—from the Pokémon dashing through urban streets to battling in physics-defying arenas. These short, 10-second vertical videos, created from simple text prompts, showcase Sora 2's prowess but also raise eyebrows over potential copyright pitfalls, as users remix popular characters without restraint. Moreover, the app's collaborative features allow remixing friends' content, turning personal feeds into a chaotic canvas of AI creativity.
However, the rollout hasn't been without controversy. Reports of terrifying deepfakes, including ones depicting OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in compromising situations like shoplifting sprees, have surfaced within the first 24 hours. Such content, easily whipped up from photos or descriptions, underscores the urgent risks of misinformation in this invite-only phase, where only a select few—about 28,000 commenters on Reddit alone—are trading codes in megathreads. OpenAI insists on age-appropriate protections and system cards detailing safeguards, yet the rapid proliferation of misleading videos suggests these measures might be playing catch-up.
Indeed, with the app now available on iOS for existing OpenAI account holders, the waitlist is ballooning, and regional blocks are pushing some to VPN workarounds. As creators flock to generate everything from whimsical Pikachu adventures to satirical Altman skits, one can't help but wonder if this blend of innovation and unchecked access will redefine social media—or unleash a new wave of digital deception.