Where to request a Sora invite code

OpenAI distributes Sora invite codes through a waitlist, not through a public sign-up page. You request access by joining the waitlist on OpenAI's website, then wait for an invitation email. There is no way to buy, trade, or jump the queue — OpenAI sends codes in batches based on their own timeline.

To join the waitlist, go to openai.com/sora and look for a button or link that says "Join the waitlist" or "Request access". You will need an OpenAI account. If you do not have one, you can create it with an email address or by signing in with Google, Microsoft, or Apple. OpenAI will send the invite code to the email address on your account.

As of now, Sora access is limited. OpenAI has rolled it out to a small group of users and is expanding slowly. Being on the waitlist does not mean you will receive an invite — it means you are in line to be considered. The wait can be weeks or months.

Key Takeaways

  • Sora invites come only through OpenAI's official waitlist at openai.com/sora, not through third-party sites or resellers.
  • You need an OpenAI account to join the waitlist, and the invite code will be sent to your registered email address.
  • OpenAI sends codes in batches on their own schedule, and there is no way to speed up the process or may provide you will receive one.
  • Beware of scams: do not pay for invite codes or enter your password on unofficial websites claiming to offer Sora access.

What happens after you receive an invite code

When OpenAI sends you an invite code, it will arrive as an email from OpenAI. The email will contain a link or instructions on how to redeem the code. Click the link or follow the steps to activate Sora on your account. Once activated, you can log into your OpenAI account and access Sora from the dashboard.

Sora is not a separate app or download. It runs in your web browser at openai.com. You do not need to install anything. After you redeem your code, Sora will appear as an option alongside ChatGPT and other OpenAI tools in your account.

Why the waitlist exists and what it means

OpenAI uses a waitlist because Sora is still in limited release. The tool requires significant computing power to generate videos, and OpenAI is rolling it out gradually to test how people use it, gather feedback, and make sure the system is stable. This is common for new AI tools — they start with a small group and expand as the company gains confidence in the product.

Being on the waitlist does not mean you are may provide access. OpenAI may never send you an invite, or the invite may come months from now. The company does not publish how many people are on the waitlist or how long the wait typically is, because both change constantly as they add new users.

Spotting scams and staying safe

Because Sora access is limited and people want it, scammers have created fake websites and social media accounts offering invite codes for money. These are not legitimate. OpenAI does not sell invite codes, and no third-party site can give you one.

Do not enter your OpenAI password on any website except openai.com. Do not pay money for a Sora invite code. Do not click links in emails unless you are certain they came from OpenAI — check the sender's email address carefully. Scammers often use addresses that look similar to OpenAI's real address but have a small difference.

If you receive an email claiming to offer Sora access and you did not request it, it is almost certainly a scam. Delete it and do not click any links.

What to do if you have not received an invite yet

If you joined the waitlist weeks or months ago and still have not received an invite, there is no action to take. Resending your request or contacting OpenAI support will not move you up in the queue. OpenAI processes the waitlist on their own schedule.

You can check whether you are still on the waitlist by logging into your OpenAI account and visiting openai.com/sora. If the page shows a "Join the waitlist" button, you are still waiting. If it shows "You have access" or a link to Sora, your invite has been processed.

If you believe there is a technical problem — for example, you received an invite email but the redemption link does not work — you can contact OpenAI support through your account settings. Be specific about what happened and include the date you received the email.

Alternatives if you want to create videos now

If you need to create AI-generated videos before Sora becomes widely available, other tools exist. Runway, Pika, and Synthesia all generate videos from text prompts or images, though they work differently from Sora and produce different results. None of these require an invite code — you can sign up directly.

These tools are not the same as Sora. They have different strengths and limitations. If you are waiting for Sora specifically because you saw a particular feature or style, another tool may not do what you need. But if you need to start working with AI video now, they are worth exploring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a Sora invite code from someone else who has one?

No. Invite codes are tied to individual OpenAI accounts and cannot be transferred or shared. If someone offers to give you their code, it will not work on your account. The only way to get access is through your own invite from OpenAI.

How long does it usually take to get an invite after joining the waitlist?

OpenAI does not publish average wait times, and the wait varies widely. Some people have received invites within weeks; others have waited months. There is no way to know when your invite will arrive or if it will arrive at all.

Is there a way to pay to skip the waitlist?

No. OpenAI does not offer a paid fast-track option for Sora. If a website claims you can pay to jump the queue, it is a scam. Do not send money or personal information.

What if I created my OpenAI account after Sora was announced — am I too late?

No. You can join the waitlist with a new account. OpenAI does not have a cutoff date for when you created your account. The waitlist is open to anyone with an OpenAI account.

Do I need a paid ChatGPT subscription to use Sora?

OpenAI has not confirmed whether Sora will require a paid subscription or be free. Access is currently limited to invited users, and pricing details have not been announced. When Sora becomes more widely available, OpenAI will publish pricing information.