OpenAI's new Sora 2 video generation app went viral. Is it a real threat to Meta?

Core Insights - Meta is facing increased competition from OpenAI's new app Sora 2, which combines AI video generation with a social feed similar to TikTok and Instagram Reels, achieving over a million downloads within five days of its launch [1] - The success of Sora 2 poses a potential threat to Meta's advertising revenue, projected to reach $192 billion in 2025, as it could reduce user engagement on Facebook and Instagram [1] - Analysts express concerns about the long-term sustainability of Meta's business model in light of emerging competitors like Sora 2, which could lead to lower valuations for Meta's future earnings [1][2] Meta's Competitive Landscape - Sora 2 has outperformed the initial download rate of the ChatGPT app, indicating strong user interest and engagement [1] - Meta's response includes the launch of Vibes, a feature within the Meta AI app that allows users to create and share AI-generated videos, which has seen a significant increase in daily active users from 775,000 to 2.7 million in four weeks [1][2] - Despite the growth of Vibes, it is still considered technically behind Sora 2, which utilizes OpenAI's proprietary models for video generation [1] User Engagement and Retention - Concerns arise regarding user retention for Sora 2, with reports indicating that approximately 98% of initial users stopped using the app by day seven, suggesting it may not become a significant competitor to Meta's platforms [2] - Analysts warn that the novelty of fully AI-generated content may wear off, leading to potential declines in user interest and engagement [2] - Meta's large user base of over 3 billion daily active users provides a competitive advantage, allowing for new monetization opportunities even if one area of growth slows down [2]