Sora 2 Public Launch in US and Canada
October 1, 2025 — Following the September 30 announcement, OpenAI has begun the public rollout of Sora 2 to users in the United States and Canada through an invite-only access system.
Rollout Strategy
OpenAI is taking a measured approach to the Sora 2 launch, beginning with limited geographic availability and controlled access to ensure system stability and gather user feedback.
Regional Availability: Initial access is restricted to the United States and Canada. OpenAI has not yet announced timelines for expansion to other regions, though international rollout is planned for future phases.
Invite System: Access is currently invite-only for both the web platform (sora.com) and the iOS app. Users can request invites through the official waitlist, with OpenAI gradually expanding access as infrastructure scales.
Access Tiers
Sora 2 is available through multiple tiers:
Free Tier: All users with invites receive free access to Sora 2 with usage limits based on available computing capacity. Free users can generate videos up to 720p resolution with OpenAI watermarks.
ChatGPT Pro: Subscribers to ChatGPT Pro ($200/month) automatically receive access to Sora 2 Pro with higher quality (1080p), longer videos (up to 16 seconds), no watermarks, and 10,000 monthly credits.
Enterprise (Coming Soon): Custom plans for businesses with higher volume needs and dedicated support.
Why Invite-Only?
OpenAI's gradual rollout serves multiple purposes:
Infrastructure Scaling: Video generation is computationally intensive. The invite system allows OpenAI to manage demand and scale infrastructure without service disruptions.
Safety and Moderation: Limited initial access enables OpenAI to refine safety systems, content moderation tools, and usage policies based on real-world usage patterns.
Quality Assurance: Early users provide valuable feedback that helps OpenAI identify and address issues before broader release.
How to Get Access
Users interested in Sora 2 can:
- Join the Waitlist: Visit sora.com to join the official waitlist
- ChatGPT Pro: Subscribe to ChatGPT Pro for immediate access to Sora 2 Pro
- Check Email: OpenAI sends invite codes to waitlist users in waves
Looking Ahead
OpenAI has stated that access will expand progressively as they:
- Scale up computational infrastructure
- Refine safety and moderation systems
- Gather user feedback and iterate on features
- Prepare for international rollout
While no specific timeline has been provided for general availability or international expansion, the phased approach suggests OpenAI is prioritizing stability and responsible deployment over rapid expansion.
Users outside the US and Canada are encouraged to join the waitlist now, as regional expansion is expected in the coming months.
For updates and to join the waitlist, visit sora.com.