OpenAI's video-generating application, Sora, has exceeded ChatGPT's initial download metrics, securing more first-week iOS downloads and reaching one million downloads faster across all platforms. Data from app intelligence provider Appfigures indicates Sora recorded 627,000 iOS downloads in its first seven days, outperforming ChatGPT's 606,000 iOS downloads during its inaugural week.
Bill Peebles, OpenAI's head of Sora, announced that the application reached one million downloads across platforms in under five days. This milestone was achieved more quickly than ChatGPT, despite Sora's invite-only access model and its initial targeting solely of North America. ChatGPT was available only in the U.S. during its first week, while Sora launched in both the U.S. and Canada. Appfigures data suggests that Canada contributed approximately 45,000 of Sora's initial installs, meaning its U.S.-only iOS launch performance would have been about 96% of ChatGPT's U.S. launch.
Sora's rapid user adoption occurred despite its invite-only requirement at launch, contrasting with ChatGPT's public availability from its debut. The application quickly ascended the U.S. App Store charts, registering 56,000 iOS installs on its first day, September 30, 2025, and becoming the No. 3 Top Overall app. By October 3, it had reached the No. 1 position, according to Appfigures. This debut performance surpassed other major AI app launches, including Anthropic's Claude and Microsoft's Copilot, and was comparable to xAI's Grok launch.
The Sora application, leveraging the Sora 2 video model, enables users to generate realistic deepfakes. This capability has led to widespread public use, including the creation of deepfakes of deceased individuals, which has prompted public figures, such as Zelda Williams, daughter of the late actor Robin Williams, to request a halt to such practices concerning her father.
Appfigures data also shows consistent adoption following the initial surge. Daily iOS downloads hit a peak of 107,800 on October 1, 2025, and subsequently ranged between 84,400 on October 6 and 98,500 on October 4. This sustained performance reflects continued market engagement with the application.
