Sora app update lets you create AI pet videos

The quick answer

The latest Sora update adds new features to expand your creative control. Follow these four steps to use them now:

1. Create pet cameos: Use reference videos of your pet or a favorite object to create a shareable AI character for your video prompts.
2. Edit your videos: Use the new video editing tool to stitch multiple generated clips together into a single, cohesive video.
3. Join social channels: Find or create dedicated community channels for universities, companies, or sports clubs to share targeted content.
4. Get ready for Android: Pre-register for the Sora Android app on the Google Play store to be notified when it launches.

What the Sora app update means for you

OpenAI's Sora is the top AI video generation app on the App Store, hitting 2 million downloads while still being invite-only. This major platform update gives creators more control, better social tools, and wider access.

The new features directly address user feedback. You get tools to move beyond the old "generate-and-pray" method and start building more complex, intentional video content. This update is a clear signal that Sora plans to be a central hub for creative AI video.

For brands and creators, this means more power to produce unique assets. The ability to create consistent characters and edit clips unlocks new potential for storytelling and marketing campaigns.

How to create your first Sora pet cameo

The most popular new feature is "cameos," which lets you turn your pet or any object into a reusable AI actor. You upload reference material to create an AI persona that you and your friends can use in prompts.

This builds on Sora's existing character system but extends it to non-human subjects. Here is how to create a cameo of your own.

Step 1: Capture your reference video

Sora needs a short video to learn your pet's appearance. Film a 10-15 second clip of your dog, cat, or guinea pig. For best results, capture them from multiple angles in a well-lit space.

Ensure the background is simple so the AI can focus on the subject. The same process works for an object, like a stuffed toy or a branded product.

Step 2: Upload and create your cameo

Inside the Sora app, navigate to the generation UI. A new option will allow you to create a cameo. Upload your reference video and give your cameo a unique name, like "Buster the bulldog" or "Company mascot plushie."

The app will process the video to create the AI model. Once complete, your cameo is ready to use in any new video generation prompt.

Step 3: Use your cameo in a prompt

To use your new asset, simply include its name in your text prompt. For example: "A cinematic shot of [Buster the bulldog] wearing sunglasses and driving a tiny convertible."

Sora will generate a video featuring your specific pet based on the reference model you created. This allows for consistent character use across multiple videos, a key feature for brand storytelling.

Step 4: Share and discover trending cameos

Your created cameos are shareable with friends. The updated UI will also display trending cameos in real time, making it easy for popular characters to go viral. Imagine your pet becoming a famous AI actor used in thousands of videos.

This creates powerful opportunities for organic marketing. A brand could create a cameo of its mascot and watch as the community incorporates it into their own content.

Using the new Sora video editor

A major limitation of early AI video tools was the lack of editing capabilities. The latest Sora app update introduces the first wave of internal editing tools, starting with clip stitching.

This feature lets you combine several short, generated clips into a longer, more structured video. It gives you direct control over the final narrative.

Generate your source clips

Start by generating 2-4 short video clips, each based on a specific prompt. Think of these as individual scenes for your larger story.

For example:

• Clip 1: "A coffee cup steaming on a wooden desk, morning light."
• Clip 2: "A close-up of fingers typing quickly on a laptop keyboard."
• Clip 3: "A person smiling and nodding during a video call."

Previously, you would have to export these clips and use a third-party editor. Now, you can assemble them directly within Sora.

Arrange and stitch your clips

From your gallery, select the clips you want to combine. The new editing interface will allow you to drag and drop them into your desired order. This simple timeline view is designed for speed and ease of use.

Once you are happy with the sequence, use the "stitch" function to merge them into a single MP4 video file. This process is essential for creating ads, explainers, or any video that requires a sequence of shots. Effectively managing your brand's video content just became much easier.

What comes next for editing

OpenAI has confirmed that clip stitching is only the beginning. More sophisticated editing features are planned for future updates. These may include tools for trimming clips, adding text overlays, and incorporating audio tracks.

New social channels and community building

Sora is also evolving from a simple content feed into a community platform. The update introduces dedicated social channels for specific groups like universities, companies, and sports clubs.

This move positions Sora as a competitor to both TikTok for discovery and Discord for community engagement. It gives brands a powerful tool to connect with niche audiences.

Instead of posting to a general feed, you can share content directly with a community that is already invested in your topic. This is a game-changer for anyone building a social media strategy around AI content.

Engage with your niche community

For example, a university could create a channel for its students to share AI-generated videos about campus life. A sports club could host a channel for fans to create highlight reels of their favorite players.

Brands can create channels to foster a community around their products. A makeup company could start a channel where users share AI videos featuring virtual product try-ons or creative looks.

These dedicated spaces ensure your content reaches a relevant and engaged audience, increasing its impact and fostering genuine connection.

Sora for Android and platform improvements

After a dominant run on Apple's App Store, the Sora app is officially coming to Android. The app is already available for pre-registration on the Google Play store, with a full launch expected soon.

This expansion will massively increase Sora's user base, bringing in a flood of new creators, content, and trends. For brands, it means access to a much larger audience. Staying on top of trends will be crucial, which is where a fully managed social media plan can help you adapt quickly.

Alongside the Android launch, OpenAI is also improving the app's core experience. Users have reported that the content moderation can be overly strict, and the company is working to reduce excessive flagging. This, combined with general performance upgrades, will make the app faster and more reliable for all users.

This focus on accessibility and performance shows that Sora is moving from an experimental tool to a mature content creation platform ready for mainstream adoption. The full details of the launch confirm a major push to make AI video generation a daily habit for millions.