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OpenAI recently unveiled Sora 2, an AI-powered app enabling users to easily create realistic video "cameos" of themselves using simple text prompts. Although only available in the United States and Canada at present, its popularity has already caused counterfeit clones to emerge in app stores worldwide, leading to confusion among users worldwide.

Dozens of Fake Sora 2 Apps Flood App Stores

According to a report by 9to5Mac, highlighted by tech blogger John Gruber of Daring Fireball, several fake apps have emerged following the official Sora 2 launch. One clone, titled “Sora 2: AI Video Generator”, has even reached ninth place in Apple’s “Top Photo & Video” chart.

Many impostor apps utilise OpenAI's branding, logos and references to other AI tools like the Google Veo 3 model to appear legitimate. Many include expensive in-app purchases and weekly subscription fees that dupe users into thinking they have downloaded an official version.

Experts advise users to only download from official OpenAI links or app stores, as fraudulent versions may utilise personal data improperly.

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What the Real Sora 2 App Offers

The official Sora 2 app combines OpenAI’s advanced video generation technology with social networking features inspired by platforms such as Instagram and TikTok.

At its core, the app lets users create AI avatars, called cameos, that look and sound just like them. With a short text prompt, users can generate hyperrealistic short clips — for instance, making their digital likeness play beach volleyball, give a speech, or even wrestle an elephant.

These videos were generated with OpenAI's Sora 2 model, which builds upon its earlier breakthroughs in realistic video synthesis, motion tracking and character animation.

Users have the flexibility of sharing, remixing or keeping their videos private - offering creative freedom without jeopardizing privacy.

How to Use Sora 2: Step-by-Step

Download and Sign In: The genuine Sora 2 app is available only via sora.com or the Apple App Store. Users must log in using their OpenAI account, and some may need an invitation during the initial rollout.

Create a Cameo: Record your likeness by reading a short numeric sequence, turning your head in different directions, and recording a brief audio sample.

Customise Settings: Control privacy by selecting between public, private, or disabled visibility modes.

Generate Videos: Type prompts such as “Me walking through a neon-lit city” or “Delivering a speech at a university” — Sora 2 will generate a short, synchronised video in seconds.

Share and Remix: Completed videos appear in a scrollable social feed, where users can collaborate or remix others’ creations.

Expansion Plans and Pro Access

OpenAI has confirmed that a premium version, Sora 2 Pro, will be offered to ChatGPT Pro subscribers for early testing. The social feed and sharing features will remain invite-only during the initial phase.

A broader international rollout is planned “soon,” although OpenAI has not announced a fixed timeline for availability outside North America.

A Familiar Problem in the App Ecosystem

The proliferation of fake Sora 2 apps highlights an ongoing problem in digital marketplaces: scam developers taking advantage of trending technologies to mislead users. Both Apple's App Store and Google Play have struggled to control such activity despite having established robust review systems.

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Until OpenAI expands Sora 2 globally, users are strongly advised to avoid third-party clones that promise “instant access” or early downloads. These imitations not only risk privacy breaches but can also charge hidden fees or compromise devices.

Bottom Line

OpenAI's Sora 2 represents an impressive leap forward in artificial intelligence-powered video creation, merging creativity with realism. However, its immense popularity has attracted scammers hoping to cash in on it; currently users should stay with official sources of OpenAI to avoid downloading fake apps.