OpenAI’s highly anticipated AI video generator, Sora, is now accessible to a wider audience without the need for invite codes in the United States, Canada, Japan, and South Korea. The change marks a significant shift from the initial rollout, which relied on limited access via invite-only systems.
No Code Needed: How to Access Sora Now
The process for accessing Sora is now straightforward for users in the supported regions:
- Download the Sora app from the Apple App Store.
- Sign in using your existing ChatGPT account credentials.
That’s it. Once logged in, you can immediately begin exploring, sharing, and creating AI-generated videos within the Sora feed. OpenAI has indicated this broader access is for a “limited time only,” so interested users should download the app soon.
Invite Codes Still Required Outside Supported Regions
Users outside the US, Canada, Japan, and South Korea must still obtain an invite code to access Sora. OpenAI is prioritizing its ChatGPT Pro subscribers for access, but paid subscriptions are not required. Android users can still use invite codes to generate videos via the web browser.
Obtaining Invite Codes: Methods and Alternatives
If you need an invite code, several methods can be used:
- OpenAI Waitlist: Download the Sora app, log in with your ChatGPT account, and opt-in for push notifications. OpenAI will notify you when access expands to your region.
- Discord Channels: Join the official OpenAI Discord server, link your ChatGPT account, and monitor the
#sora-2-codeschannel for available codes. Be patient; linking accounts can take time. - Sharing Codes: Once you gain access, you receive four additional invite codes to share with friends.
Why This Matters: The Democratization of AI Video Creation
The expansion of Sora’s accessibility reflects a broader trend in AI: moving from exclusive, research-driven access to wider public availability. This shift is critical because it accelerates real-world testing, user feedback, and innovation. The earlier invite-only phase allowed OpenAI to control the initial user experience, but broader access means more diverse use cases, faster iteration, and a more complete understanding of Sora’s capabilities.
Transparency Note
CNET’s parent company, Ziff Davis, has an ongoing legal dispute with OpenAI over copyright infringement related to AI training data. This does not affect the factual reporting of Sora’s access changes but is included for transparency.
OpenAI’s Sora is rapidly reshaping the landscape of AI video generation. With broader access now available in key regions, the tool is poised to become even more influential in the coming months.
