Is social media about to enter its most bizarre chapter yet? OpenAI, the minds behind ChatGPT, have launched a new social app called Sora 2 that's raising eyebrows and sparking debates. The catch? It's filled entirely with AI-generated videos. Want to dive into this strange new world and see what all the fuss is about? Here's your guide to getting access.
Katelyn Chedraoui Writer I
Katelyn is a writer with CNET covering artificial intelligence, including chatbots, image and video generators. Her work explores how new AI technology is infiltrating our lives, shaping the content we consume on social media and affecting the people behind the screens. She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in media and journalism. You can reach her at kchedraoui@cnet.com.
Expertise: artificial intelligence, AI image generators, social media platforms
2 min read
Just when you thought the digital landscape couldn't get any more surreal, OpenAI, the company that gifted us with ChatGPT, has unveiled Sora 2 – a brand new social media platform. Named after OpenAI's groundbreaking video-generating AI, Sora 2 is now available on the App Store. But hold on, you can't just download it and immediately start scrolling. There's a velvet rope, and getting past it requires a special key.
And this is the part most people miss... Sora 2 isn't your typical social network. It's a platform populated entirely by videos created using artificial intelligence. Yes, you read that correctly. The app itself even states that nothing on it is authentic. But here's where it gets controversial... OpenAI wants you to use this platform to connect with friends. Is this the future of social interaction, or a step too far into the uncanny valley?
To participate in this intriguing (and perhaps slightly unsettling) experiment, you'll need an invite code from someone who's already a member. These codes started circulating recently, so if you're eager to get inside, here’s what you need to do to increase your chances.
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How to Snag an Invite Code for OpenAI's Sora 2 App
Follow these initial steps to try and obtain an invite code:
- Download the Sora 2 app from the Apple App Store. Make absolutely sure you select the app with the navy and white cloud icon to avoid downloading a fake.
- Log in with your existing ChatGPT account, or tap "Use different account" if you prefer.
- Tap "Notify me when access opens." This puts you on a waiting list, hoping for an invite.
- In the pop-up window, allow Sora 2 to send you push notifications. This is crucial because that's how you'll receive your invite code if you're selected.
OpenAI announced in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that they are launching the initial rollout in the US and Canada and intend to expand to more countries very soon. They're also prioritizing access for their paying Pro users. So, a ChatGPT Pro subscription might increase your chances of getting in early.
Once you manage to get an invite code, you can complete setting up your Sora 2 account. You can then access and use Sora 2 through the mobile app or the website. As a bonus, you'll also receive four new invite codes to share with your friends, allowing you to spread the AI-generated social experience.
(Disclosure: Ziff Davis, CNET's parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems. This adds an interesting layer to the relationship between CNET and OpenAI, doesn't it?)
For more in-depth information, check out our articles on what to know about AI video generators and the best AI image generators.
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So, what do you think? Is Sora 2 a fascinating glimpse into the future of social media, or a disturbing sign of things to come? Would you want to interact on a platform where everything is fake? And more importantly, do you think friendships built on AI-generated content can be genuine? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
