When OpenAI teased Sora back in 2024, it looked like magic. When they finally released Sora 2 to the public late last month, the magic seemed to have faded. New data from Appfigures reveals a startling trend: downloads for the Sora app dropped by a massive 45% in January 2026 alone, and the retention rate is abysmal compared to competitors.
The “Lobotomized” Model The primary complaint from the user base is that the version of Sora 2 released to the public is significantly “nerfed” compared to the demos shown by OpenAI’s research team. Early beta testers have taken to X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit to complain about the aggressive safety filters. Simple prompts involving public figures, copyrighted characters, or even mild action sequences are routinely blocked.
“It feels like using a Ferrari in a school zone,” wrote one prominent AI artist. “The engine is powerful, but you aren’t allowed to go above 10 mph.”
The Pricing Problem Then there is the cost. OpenAI has locked the full capabilities of Sora 2 behind a steep paywall—reportedly part of the new $200/month ChatGPT Pro tier or a high per-video credit system for API users. For the average creator, this is a non-starter, especially when Google’s Veo 3 offers 4K resolution and superior audio synchronization for a fraction of the price (or included in existing Gemini Advanced subscriptions).
The Rise of “Vibes” While OpenAI aimed for Hollywood, they missed the social media mark. Meta has swooped in with “Vibes,” a new standalone AI video feed that launched earlier this month. Unlike Sora’s serious, cinematic approach, Vibes is being called the “TikTok of AI”—it’s fast, free, and fun. Millions of Gen Z users are flocking to Vibes to create meme-style AI clips, leaving Sora 2 to look like a stiff, expensive corporate tool.
What’s Next? OpenAI is reportedly scrambling to release a “Turbo” update to fix the rendering speed and loosen some restrictions, but the damage might already be done. In the fast-moving world of generative AI, being first doesn’t matter as much as being usable. Right now, Sora 2 is neither.
