Sora's First-Week Downloads Near ChatGPT's Launch Figures

According to new data from app intelligence firm Appfigures, OpenAI's video generation app Sora has technically surpassed ChatGPT's first-week performance on iOS after rocketing to the top of the U.S. App Store. Their estimates indicate Sora amassed 627,000 iOS downloads in its first seven days, outperforming ChatGPT's 606,000 downloads in its debut week.

This comparison isn't entirely fair, however, as ChatGPT initially launched exclusively in the U.S. whereas Sora was available in both the U.S. and Canada. Appfigures notes that Canada accounted for roughly 45,000 installations; had the data been U.S.-only, Sora's launch would have represented about 96% of ChatGPT's initial figures.

Despite being an invite-only application, Sora's rapid consumer adoption is noteworthy, especially since ChatGPT was publicly available at launch, making Sora's performance particularly impressive.

Sora quickly gained 56,000 downloads on its first day, propelling it to the number three spot among top overall apps on the U.S. App Store. By October 3rd, it had claimed the top position. This powerful debut outpaced other major AI app launches, including Anthropic’s Claude and Microsoft’s Copilot, matching the initial momentum of xAI’s Grok.

A quick glance at social media confirms Appfigures' data with numerous anecdotes. Videos generated by Sora, which utilizes the new Sora 2 model and enables users to create realistic deepfakes, appear everywhere. Some users are even creating deepfakes of deceased individuals, a trend that prompted Zelda Williams, daughter of the late actor Robin Williams, to publicly ask people to stop sending her AI-generated images of her father.

Appfigures reports that the app has maintained steady adoption since its market debut on September 30, 2025. Its data shows daily iOS downloads peaked at 107,800 on October 1, 2025, with subsequent daily installs ranging from a low of 84,400 (October 6) to 98,500 (October 4).

While these numbers are slightly lower than the initial surge, they remain strong for an application that still maintains an invite-only access model.

Connect with 10,000+ Tech and VC Leaders at Disrupt 2025

Join industry heavyweights from Netflix, Box, a16z, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Hugging Face, Elad Gil, and Vinod Khosla—just a few of the 250+ top-tier leaders hosting 200+ sessions packed with actionable insights to accelerate your startup's growth and sharpen your competitive edge. Don't miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt and this opportunity to learn from the leading voices in technology. Secure your ticket before the event sells out to save up to $444.

Connect with 10,000+ Tech and VC Leaders at Disrupt 2025

Gain insights from prominent figures at Netflix, Box, a16z, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Hugging Face, Elad Gil, and Vinod Khosla—part of a prestigious group of 250+ visionaries leading 200+ sessions designed to deliver the strategies that drive startup success and enhance your competitive advantage. Don't miss your chance to learn from the top minds in tech. Register now before doors open to save up to $444.