Your videos are not a permanent cloud archive
OpenAI says creators can export content through the Sora sunset page. It also says that data associated with Sora use will be permanently deleted after the discontinuation process and any final export window. Treat the export route as a temporary recovery mechanism, not long-term storage.
How to export
- Visit sora.chatgpt.com/sunset and choose Export.
- Wait for OpenAI's email confirming that the archive is ready.
- Download the archive promptly and keep the original file unchanged.
- Open the archive and verify a sample from the beginning, middle and end of your history.
What a usable archive should contain
A folder of final MP4 files is better than nothing, but it does not preserve the workflow needed to reproduce or revise them. Build a project-level archive around each important output.
- Final video and any intermediate versions worth retaining.
- Original prompt and later prompt revisions.
- Reference images, video, audio and rights documentation.
- Duration, aspect ratio, resolution and model information where available.
- Client approval, campaign name and delivery date.
Use two independent backups
Keep one working copy and one recovery copy in separate systems. A synchronized folder alone is not enough if deletion, corruption or account loss propagates to every device. Test that the recovery copy can be downloaded and played.
Preserve the creative logic
The most valuable asset may be the relationship between prompt, references, iterations and final output. Preserve that context now so a future tool—or a different model inside afterSora—can continue the project without starting from zero. afterSora is independent and is not affiliated with OpenAI.
