If you created videos with Sora, the most important thing to know is that there are two different shutdown timelines. OpenAI discontinued the Sora web and app experiences on April 26, 2026, while the separate Sora API is scheduled to permanently shut down on September 24, 2026. OpenAI still provides a way for users to export Sora content and recommends doing it as soon as possible.
Sora’s consumer web and app experience has already been discontinued, but Sora content can still be exported. OpenAI currently directs users to its Sora sunset page, where you can sign in and select Export. You will receive an email when the export is ready.
OpenAI also says data associated with your use of Sora will ultimately be permanently deleted after discontinuation and after any final export window that may be offered has passed.
Do not treat September 24 as the confirmed deadline for ordinary users to export Sora videos. September 24 is the documented Sora API shutdown date. OpenAI has not published a fixed final consumer export deadline.
Is Sora Shutting Down?
Yes. OpenAI discontinued the Sora web and app experiences on April 26, 2026. The separate Sora API is scheduled to be discontinued on September 24, 2026.
That distinction matters because saying simply that “Sora shuts down September 24” is incomplete. The consumer Sora experience has already ended. September 24 applies to the API used by developers and software integrations.
OpenAI’s current Sora discontinuation guidance confirms both dates.
The consumer-facing Sora web and app experiences were discontinued.
OpenAI says the Sora API is scheduled to permanently shut down.
Sora Shutdown Dates at a Glance
Here is the simplest way to separate the shutdown, export and deletion timelines.
| Sora feature | Current status | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Sora web experience | Discontinued | Ended April 26, 2026. |
| Sora app experience | Discontinued | Ended April 26, 2026. |
| Sora content export | Available | OpenAI currently lets users export content through the Sora sunset page. |
| Sora API | Scheduled to end | OpenAI says it will permanently shut down September 24, 2026. |
| Final consumer export deadline | Not specified | OpenAI says users will be notified by email if a final export window is offered. |
| Remaining Sora-associated data | Will be deleted | OpenAI says it will permanently delete associated Sora data after discontinuation and any final export window that may be offered. |
How to Export Your Sora Videos
OpenAI provides a dedicated sunset page for exporting content created in Sora. You do not need access to the old Sora app to begin this process.
- Open the official Sora sunset page. Visit sora.chatgpt.com/sunset.
- Sign in to the OpenAI account you used with Sora. Make sure you are using the account connected to the Sora content you want to preserve.
- Select Export. OpenAI’s current instructions say to click Export from the sunset page.
- Watch for OpenAI’s export email. OpenAI says you will receive an email when the export is ready.
- Download the export. Save the files to a device or storage location you control.
- Verify the important content. Check that files you care about are present before treating the export as complete.
- Keep a backup. If a project would be difficult to replace, consider keeping another copy in a separate storage location.
OpenAI currently directs users to the Sora sunset page for content exports.
Open Sora Sunset PageIs September 24 the Deadline to Export Sora Videos?
No fixed September 24 consumer export deadline is currently stated in OpenAI’s documentation. September 24, 2026 is the announced shutdown date for the Sora API.
OpenAI separately tells Sora users that exports are still available and recommends exporting content as soon as possible.
OpenAI also says that if a final export window is offered, users will receive an email before that window begins.
The phrase “if a final export window is offered” is important. It means readers should not assume that OpenAI has guaranteed another opportunity later.
Practical recommendation: if you have Sora content worth keeping, export it while the official export option is available instead of waiting for an unannounced final deadline.
What Happens to Your Sora Data After the Shutdown?
OpenAI says it will eventually permanently delete data associated with your use of Sora.
According to its current discontinuation guidance, deletion happens after Sora’s discontinuation and after the period of any final export window passes, if OpenAI is able to offer one.
This makes the export more than a convenience. If you have videos or other Sora content that you want to preserve, the durable copy should live somewhere you control rather than only inside the discontinued service.
Does exporting guarantee that every file you expect is there?
OpenAI explains how to request an export, but its discontinuation page does not say that users should assume every expected item has been preserved without checking it.
A sensible workflow is to download the export, open it and compare the contents with the important Sora projects you remember creating. If something appears to be missing, preserve what you received and use official OpenAI support for account-specific questions.
Use the SAVE Method for Your Sora Export
The SAVE method is a simple Designs24hr framework for turning the shutdown notice into four practical actions.
Sora Export Not Working? Check These First
OpenAI’s discontinuation page explains the official export path but does not provide a detailed fix for every possible export problem. Start with account, email and official-page checks before trying anything more complicated.
| Problem | Check first | Best next step |
|---|---|---|
| You do not see the content you expected | Confirm that you signed in with the OpenAI account you originally used for Sora. | If you used more than one account, check each relevant account separately. |
| You requested an export but have not seen the email | Check the inbox tied to your OpenAI account, including spam or junk folders. | Continue through OpenAI’s official export route rather than handing account access to a third-party downloader. |
| The sunset page does not work as expected | Confirm that you are using the official sora.chatgpt.com domain and are signed in. | Retry through the official OpenAI page or contact OpenAI support if the account-specific issue continues. |
| Your downloaded export appears incomplete | Compare the downloaded files with the important projects you remember creating. | Preserve the files you received and use OpenAI support for unresolved account-specific questions. |
| A website or extension promises a special Sora export | Check whether it asks for account access, credentials or sensitive information. | Prefer OpenAI’s own export process whenever possible. |
Before Sora Disappears: Export Checklist
Use this checklist to reduce the chance of leaving an important project behind.
- Identify every OpenAI account you may have used with Sora.
- Open the official Sora sunset page.
- Sign in to the correct account.
- Select Export.
- Watch the account email inbox for the export notification.
- Download the export when it is ready.
- Check that important projects are present.
- Store important files outside Sora.
- Keep another backup if the content would be difficult to replace.
- Do not assume September 24 is the consumer export deadline.
- Do not depend on a final export window that has not been guaranteed.
What Happens to Sora Credits and Refunds?
OpenAI says purchased ChatGPT/Sora credits can still be used for Codex if you choose to use them there.
OpenAI directs users with refund questions to its standard ChatGPT subscription refund guidance.
Does the Sora shutdown automatically mean you get a refund?
OpenAI’s discontinuation page does not say that every Sora user automatically qualifies for a refund because the product was discontinued.
If you have a billing or subscription issue, follow the refund guidance linked from OpenAI’s current Sora discontinuation page rather than assuming eligibility.
What Happens to the Sora API on September 24, 2026?
OpenAI’s current developer reference marks the Sora video API as deprecated and states that it is scheduled to permanently shut down on September 24, 2026.
This is different from the consumer export timeline. The API deadline matters to developers, apps and automated workflows that still rely on OpenAI’s Sora video endpoints.
Does the shutdown affect Sora 2 and Sora 2 Pro API workflows?
OpenAI’s current video creation API reference lists sora-2 and sora-2-pro as supported model values on the video endpoint, while marking that API resource as deprecated and scheduled for shutdown on September 24.
In practical terms, developers should treat integrations that rely on those Sora video API endpoints as affected by the announced API discontinuation.
- identify every workflow that calls Sora video API endpoints;
- identify customer-facing features that depend on those calls;
- preserve data or generated assets the application is responsible for retaining;
- remove assumptions that Sora API generation will continue after September 24;
- update product documentation, errors and user messaging before the shutdown;
- review current OpenAI developer documentation before selecting any replacement workflow.
Developers can confirm the current notice in the OpenAI video API reference.
Why Was Sora Discontinued?
OpenAI’s current Sora discontinuation article explains when Sora was discontinued, how content exports work, what happens to data, how credits are handled and when the API shuts down.
It does not provide a detailed official explanation for why OpenAI decided to discontinue Sora.
That means claims that the shutdown happened because of cost, competition, usage, copyright issues or a specific product strategy should not be presented as OpenAI’s official reason unless OpenAI publishes supporting information.
What Should You Do With Exported Sora Videos?
After the preservation step is complete, organize the exported files according to how you plan to use them rather than leaving everything in a single archive.
- Personal projects: keep important originals plus a second backup when the files would be difficult to replace.
- Content creation: sort clips by topic, campaign, client or publishing destination.
- Social and video publishing: check the dimensions and aspect ratios required by your next platform before resizing or editing.
- Business or client work: preserve files according to your own contracts, privacy requirements and record-retention needs rather than treating an AI service as permanent storage.
- Sensitive content: review what is inside an export before moving it to shared drives or collaboration tools.
Helpful Next Steps From Designs24hr
Once your Sora files are safely exported, these Designs24hr resources can help with organizing your next creative workflow, preparing video dimensions and understanding AI tools more broadly.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Sora Shutdown
Is Sora shutting down?
Yes. OpenAI discontinued the Sora web and app experiences on April 26, 2026. The Sora API is separately scheduled to permanently shut down on September 24, 2026.
When did the Sora app shut down?
OpenAI says the Sora web and app experiences were discontinued on April 26, 2026.
When does the Sora API shut down?
OpenAI’s developer documentation says the Sora API is scheduled to permanently shut down on September 24, 2026.
Can I still export my Sora videos?
Yes. OpenAI currently says Sora content can be exported by visiting sora.chatgpt.com/sunset, signing in and selecting Export. OpenAI says you will receive an email when the export is ready.
How do I export Sora content after the app shut down?
Use OpenAI’s Sora sunset page. Sign in to the account you used with Sora, select Export and watch the connected email inbox for a notification that the export is ready.
Is September 24 the deadline to export Sora videos?
OpenAI currently identifies September 24, 2026 as the Sora API shutdown date, not as the confirmed final deadline for consumer Sora exports. OpenAI recommends exporting content as soon as possible and says users will be notified if a final export window is offered.
Will my Sora videos and data be deleted?
OpenAI says data associated with your use of Sora will eventually be permanently deleted after discontinuation and after the period of any final export window that may be offered has passed.
Is a final Sora export window guaranteed?
No guarantee is stated in OpenAI’s current wording. OpenAI says that if a final export window is offered, users will be notified by email before it begins.
Can I still use the old Sora web app?
OpenAI says the Sora web and app experiences were discontinued on April 26, 2026. Its current discontinuation instructions direct users who need their content to the Sora sunset export page.
What happens to purchased Sora credits?
OpenAI says purchased ChatGPT/Sora credits can still be used for Codex if you choose to use them there.
Can I get a refund because Sora was discontinued?
OpenAI directs users with refund questions to its ChatGPT subscription refund guidance. Its current Sora discontinuation article does not say that every user automatically qualifies for a refund.
Does the September 24 shutdown affect Sora 2 API use?
OpenAI’s current video creation API documentation lists sora-2 and sora-2-pro as model values on an API resource that is marked deprecated and scheduled to permanently shut down September 24, 2026. Developers relying on those Sora video endpoints should therefore plan for the API shutdown.
Why is my Sora export not working?
First confirm that you are signed in to the correct OpenAI account and are using the official Sora sunset page. If an expected export email has not appeared, check the email inbox connected to the account, including spam or junk folders. Use official OpenAI support for unresolved account-specific problems.
Why did OpenAI discontinue Sora?
OpenAI’s current Sora discontinuation help article does not provide a detailed official reason for the decision. Explanations that go beyond OpenAI’s published information should therefore be treated as speculation.
The Bottom Line
The Sora shutdown has two dates that should not be mixed together. The Sora web and app experiences ended April 26, 2026, while the Sora API is scheduled to permanently shut down September 24, 2026.
OpenAI currently still provides a Sora content export and recommends exporting as soon as possible. It has not published September 24 as the final consumer export deadline, and it has not guaranteed that a later final export window will be available.
If you have Sora content you want to keep, the practical next move is straightforward: request the export now, verify the downloaded files and store important copies somewhere you control.
Export them while OpenAI’s official export option remains available. Save this guide or share it with someone who may still have Sora content they need to preserve.
