Sora Invite Codes Are Gold. Here’s How to Actually Get One

OpenAI’s new AI video app Sora hit number one on Apple’s App Store this week. But there’s a catch. You can’t just download it and start creating videos.

The app requires an invite code. Plus, it’s only available in the U.S. and Canada for iPhone users. So if you want in, you need to know where to look.

Let’s break down how to snag access before everyone else floods the platform.

What Makes Sora Worth the Hype

Sora generates short-form AI videos from text prompts or images. Think TikTok meets Midjourney but for video content.

The new Sora 2.0 model powers the app. OpenAI claims it’s “physically accurate, realistic, and more controllable” than previous systems. In fact, early users are creating surprisingly polished videos that look nearly professional.

But here’s what makes it different. You can remix other users’ videos. You can even cameo as a character in your own AI-generated clips. That’s a level of personalization most AI video tools don’t offer yet.

Step-by-Step Access Guide

Getting into Sora requires following specific steps. Miss one and you’ll wait longer for access.

First, check your iPhone. Sora needs iOS 18.0 or later. Older phones won’t work. Update your system before attempting anything else.

Next, download the app. Head to the iOS App Store and search for Sora. The download is free but useless without an access code.

Then, log in using your OpenAI account. If you don’t have one, create it first. This connects your Sora access to your OpenAI credentials.

Hit “Notify me when access opens.” A screen appears asking for an access code. This is where most people get stuck.

Who Gets Priority Access

OpenAI isn’t handing out codes randomly. They’re prioritizing ChatGPT Pro subscribers first.

Why? Pro users already pay $20 monthly for ChatGPT Plus. So OpenAI rewards paying customers with early Sora access. It’s a smart move to keep subscribers happy and reduce server load from free users flooding the system.

However, Pro subscription doesn’t guarantee immediate access. You’ll still need to request and wait for your invite code to arrive.

Where to Find Invite Codes Right Now

Don’t have ChatGPT Pro? Don’t panic. Invite codes are floating around several places.

The official OpenAI Discord server hosts the most legitimate code sharing. Users with access are posting spare codes in specific channels. Join the server and watch for new posts. Speed matters here.

X (formerly Twitter) threads also have codes. Search “Sora invite code” and sort by latest. But be careful. Some accounts post fake codes or phishing links. Stick to verified accounts when possible.

Reddit communities like r/OpenAI and r/ArtificialIntelligence see regular code drops. Users often share codes they received but don’t need. Again, first come first served.

Plus, some generous users create code giveaways. Follow OpenAI-focused creators who might host contests or drops.

What You Can Actually Do With Sora

Once inside, Sora opens up several creative options. The interface resembles TikTok with a scrollable feed of AI-generated videos.

Text-to-video generation works like you’d expect. Type a prompt describing your desired video. Sora’s AI interprets it and renders a clip. The results can range from basic to surprisingly cinematic depending on your prompt quality.

Image-to-video conversion lets you upload a still image. Sora then animates it into a short video. This feature works well for bringing photos to life or creating dynamic versions of artwork.

The remix feature stands out as genuinely unique. You can take someone else’s Sora video and modify it. Change the style, add elements, or completely reimagine the concept. It’s collaborative AI creation.

Character cameos let you insert yourself into videos. Upload a photo and Sora places you in the generated scene. Early adopters are having fun creating fictional movie trailers starring themselves.

The Catch Most People Miss

Sora’s U.S. and Canada exclusivity frustrates international users. OpenAI promises expansion to more countries soon. But “soon” in tech time could mean weeks or months.

Moreover, iPhone exclusivity leaves Android users completely out. No official word yet on when or if Android support arrives. That’s half the mobile market locked out.

And here’s something else. The invite system creates artificial scarcity. Sure, it helps manage server load during launch. But it also generates massive buzz and FOMO. Free marketing through exclusivity.

Why This Matters for Content Creators

AI video generation represents the next frontier for social media. Text and image AI already transformed how people create content. Now video follows the same path.

Content creators who master Sora early gain a competitive advantage. They’ll understand the tool’s strengths and limitations before the masses arrive. Plus, early adopter content often performs better simply because it’s novel.

But there’s a darker side. AI-generated video flooding social feeds could make distinguishing real from fake even harder. We’re already seeing “AI slop” discussions emerge. Sora might accelerate that problem.

The Real Question Nobody’s Asking

OpenAI launched Sora as invite-only despite obvious demand. Why not open it to everyone?

Server capacity plays a role. Video generation requires massive computational resources. Too many users at once would crash the system. So invite codes throttle demand while infrastructure scales.

But I suspect there’s more to it. OpenAI wants to control the initial user base. By prioritizing paying customers and limiting access, they can monitor how people use the tool. They can identify safety issues before millions of users create content.

Smart move. But frustrating if you’re stuck outside looking in.

Your best bet? Join those Discord servers and Reddit communities now. Watch for code drops. And if you’re serious about getting access, consider upgrading to ChatGPT Pro. That $20 monthly fee might be your fastest ticket inside.