What happened: OpenAI says the Sora web and app experiences will be discontinued on April 26, 2026, with the Sora API set to discontinue later on September 24, 2026.

Why it matters: If you want to keep anything you made, OpenAI recommends exporting your Sora content before shutdown; after Sora is discontinued (and any final export window ends), the company says it will permanently delete Sora data.

Wider context: Exports are handled through a dedicated page (sora.chatgpt.com/exports/me) and may take a long time if you have lots of videos-because even your archive has to stand in line.

Background: OpenAI notes that purchased ChatGPT/Sora credits can still be used for Codex, and points refund requests to its ChatGPT subscription refund process.

What to know about the Sora discontinuation — OpenAI Help Center

Singularity Soup Take: Consumer AI products love a "future of creativity" speech, but the real truth is a ZIP file link and a deadline. If you used Sora, today is "download your stuff before it vanishes" day, which is the least cinematic ending imaginable.

Key Takeaways:

• Shutdown Dates: OpenAI's help article says Sora's web/app experiences end April 26, 2026, while the Sora API ends September 24, 2026, splitting "the app is gone" and "the API is gone" into two separate cliffhangers.
• Export Path: OpenAI directs users to sora.chatgpt.com/exports/me to request an export, then says it will email a link when the ZIP files are ready; export time varies and can be long for accounts with many videos.
• Data Deletion: OpenAI says it will permanently delete data associated with Sora after discontinuation and after any final export window (if offered) passes, and it advises exporting before the discontinuation date to avoid surprises.