OpenAI’s Sora App Lands on Android — Here’s What You Need to Know

The buzz around the AI video-creation app Sora has just gotten louder. Following a successful launch on iOS, Sora by OpenAI has now made its debut on Android devices — but there are still a few caveats.

What is Sora?

Sora is a mobile app designed to generate short videos powered by AI. Users can input text prompts or upload images and the app, driven by the Sora 2 AI model, generates video clips complete with sound and movement.
One of its standout features is “Cameo,” which allows users (with consent) to insert themselves into generated videos.
The app also includes a TikTok-style feed, where users can browse, like, comment and remix videos created by others.

Android Launch: What’s New and Where

The Android version of Sora is now available in a select number of countries: United States, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Phones running Android 6.0 or later are compatible.
According to commentary from users, while a few features are present, some functionalities still seem to be in rollout or partially supported on Android.

Why This Matters

• This is a significant step for Sora, expanding from iOS-only into the much larger Android market, potentially multiplying its user base.
• AI-generated video is a rapidly growing category, and OpenAI’s move into this space signals increased competition (for example from other social/AI video apps).
• The broader availability raises new questions about content moderation, copyrights, deepfakes and ethical usage. Indeed, Sora has already faced criticism around those issues.

Key Features & Limitations

• Text prompt to video: You can write a sentence, or upload an image, and Sora generates a video with sound. Gadgets 360+1
• Cameo feature: Insert your likeness into the video; you (or a friend) must opt in. gHacks Technology News
• Vertical-feed social style: Users browse clips in a feed similar to TikTok or Reels.
• Availability limitation: Only specified regions for Android so far; some features may still be catching up.
• Copyright & safety concerns: Issues around character likenesses, deepfakes, and training datasets have already been raised.
• Usage limits/tokens: Free users may have generation caps; paid tiers are likely forthcoming.

How to Get Started

1. Check if Sora is available in your country’s Google Play Store (US, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam at launch).
2. Ensure your device meets the age/OS requirement (Android 6.0 or later).
3. Install and create or log in with your OpenAI account.
4. Explore the feed, try creating a video via prompt or image, and experiment with Cameo if eligible.
5. Be mindful: double-check what rights you’re giving for likenesses and content, and review the in-app guidance about usage.
6. If you’re outside the launch region, you may need to wait until OpenAI expands availability.

What to Watch For

• Regional rollout: Many users outside the listed countries are still waiting. For instance: “Shame it’s still only in a few countries… I am from Australia too.”
• Feature parity: Some Android users report missing features presently.
• Ethical/content issues: With powerful video generation comes risk of misuse. OpenAI is already addressing such concerns.
• Monetisation and infrastructure load: Managing massive video-generation demand is challenging; OpenAI may adjust free quotas and pricing.
• Copyright compliance: If you generate or remix content, check rights and licensing implications.