What you need to know about Sora 2 access

Sora 2, OpenAI's video generation tool, is not yet open to everyone. Right now, access is limited to people who receive an invite code directly from OpenAI. You cannot request a code through a form or sign up for a waitlist on OpenAI's main website — the invites go out to specific users based on how OpenAI is rolling out the tool.

If you have been invited, you will receive an email from OpenAI with your code. That email will come to the address associated with your OpenAI account. The code itself is a string of characters that you enter when you first try to use Sora 2.

Key Takeaways

  • Sora 2 invites come directly from OpenAI by email — there is no public signup form or waitlist you can join yourself.
  • Check the email address linked to your OpenAI account, including spam and promotions folders, for your invite code.
  • If you have been invited, you enter your code on the Sora 2 login page after signing into your OpenAI account.
  • OpenAI expands access in phases, so not receiving an invite yet does not mean you will never get one.

Check your email for an existing invite

Start by looking at the email address you used when you created your OpenAI account. OpenAI sends invite codes by email, so if you have been selected, the message will arrive there. Check your inbox first, then look in Spam, Promotions, and Updates folders — invite emails sometimes land in these sections by mistake.

Open the email from OpenAI and look for a code that is usually a mix of letters and numbers. The email will explain that this code gives you access to Sora 2 and tell you where to use it. If you find your code, skip ahead to the section on entering it into your account.

If you do not see an invite email after checking all folders, you have not been selected yet. This does not mean you will never receive one — OpenAI is releasing Sora 2 to more users over time.

How to enter your invite code

Once you have your code, go to the Sora 2 website or open the Sora section of your ChatGPT account. Sign in with your OpenAI account if you are not already logged in. Look for a field or button that says "Enter invite code" or "Redeem code" — the exact wording may vary depending on which interface you are using.

Paste or type your code into that field exactly as it appears in your email. Do not add spaces before or after the code. Click the button to submit it. If the code is valid, your account will be unlocked for Sora 2, and you will be able to start creating videos.

If you get an error message saying the code is invalid or expired, double-check that you copied it correctly. If it still does not work, the code may have expired or been tied to a different email address. Contact OpenAI support through your account settings to ask about your access status.

What to do if you have not received an invite yet

There is no way to request an invite code or join a public waitlist for Sora 2. OpenAI controls who gets access and when, and they do not have a form for people to request early access. Checking OpenAI's official website or social media accounts will tell you whether they have announced new access phases, but that is the only way to know when your turn might come.

Keep the email address on your OpenAI account current and check it regularly. If OpenAI decides to send you an invite, it will arrive there. Some users report receiving invites weeks or months after creating their account, while others get them sooner — the timeline varies.

Avoid scams claiming to sell invite codes

Do not buy invite codes from third-party websites, social media sellers, or anyone claiming to have codes to sell. These are scams. Legitimate invite codes come only from OpenAI through official email, and they are free. Paying money for a code will result in losing your money, and the code will not work.

Similarly, do not enter your OpenAI password or account details on any website other than openai.com or the official ChatGPT app. Scammers create fake login pages that look like OpenAI's site but steal your credentials instead. Always type the URL yourself or use a bookmark you know is correct.

Understanding Sora 2's rollout phases

OpenAI releases new tools to a small group of users first, then expands access gradually. This is called a phased rollout. Sora 2 started with a very limited group and is expanding over time. Being in an early phase means you get to use the tool before most people, but it also means features may change and bugs may appear.

The company does this to test the tool with real users, catch problems, and make improvements before opening it to everyone. If you are not in the current phase, you are not locked out forever — you may receive an invite in a later phase. Following OpenAI's official announcements on their website or blog is the best way to know when the next phase begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use someone else's invite code?

No. Invite codes are tied to the email address they were sent to, and you cannot transfer them to another account. If someone gives you their code, it will not work when you try to enter it.

What if my invite code expired?

Codes do expire if you do not use them within a certain timeframe. If your code no longer works, contact OpenAI support through your account settings and explain that your code expired. They may issue you a new one.

Is there a waitlist I can join for Sora 2?

OpenAI does not have a public waitlist for Sora 2. Access is determined by the company's rollout schedule. The only way to know when you might get access is to check OpenAI's official announcements.

Do I need to pay for Sora 2 after I get the invite code?

The invite code itself is free and unlocks access to Sora 2. However, using Sora 2 may require a paid subscription or credits, depending on OpenAI's pricing model at the time you receive your invite. Your invite email will explain any costs involved.

Can I get an invite code if I am outside the United States?

OpenAI's rollout may be limited to certain countries at first. If you are outside the initial availability region, you may not receive an invite yet. Check OpenAI's official website to see which countries currently have access to Sora 2.