OpenAI Sora Feed: The Algorithm That Ranks Creativity Over Passive Scrolling

Key Takeaways

• Sora Feed prioritizes active creation over passive consumption with creativity-focused ranking algorithms
• Parents control feed personalization and continuous scroll for teens through ChatGPT parental controls
• Algorithm considers ChatGPT history, engagement signals, and safety filters to personalize recommendations
• OpenAI’s multi-layer safety system filters harmful content through generation-stage blocking and human review

OpenAI published its Sora Feed philosophy on February 3, 2026, detailing how the platform’s ranking algorithm differs from traditional social media. The system optimizes for creativity and connection rather than time spent scrolling, positioning Sora as an AI-native content creation platform with user control mechanisms. This approach marks a departure from engagement-maximizing algorithms used by conventional video platforms.

How Sora Feed’s Ranking Algorithm Actually Works

The Sora recommendation system analyzes multiple signal categories to personalize video feeds without replicating engagement-bait patterns. OpenAI employs large language models to power “steerable ranking” a natural language interface where users instruct the algorithm on content preferences in real-time.

The algorithm evaluates these signal types:

• User activity on Sora: Posts you’ve created, accounts you follow, content you’ve liked, comments you’ve made, videos you’ve remixed, and general location data derived from your IP address
• ChatGPT integration: Your conversation history with ChatGPT influences recommendations unless you disable this connection through Sora’s Data Controls in Settings
• Content engagement signals: Views, likes, comments, instructions to “see less content like this,” and remix frequency
• Author credibility metrics: Follower counts, past post performance, and historical engagement patterns of content creators
• Safety classification: Whether content violates OpenAI’s usage policies or requires age-restriction

The system defaults to showing content from accounts you follow and your connections, prioritizing videos predicted to inspire your own creations rather than maximizing watch time. OpenAI states this creates a more “communal” experience focused on active participation.

Parental Controls Integrated With ChatGPT Accounts

Parents manage teen Sora access through ChatGPT’s parental controls, which became available when Sora 2 launched on September 30, 2025. The controls include three primary toggles:

1. Personalized feed: When disabled, Sora shows non-personalized content without using the teen’s activity history or ChatGPT conversations
2. Continuous feed: Turning this off limits uninterrupted scrolling; by default, teens have limits on continuous scrolling
3. Messaging: Parents control whether teens can send or receive direct messages within the platform

OpenAI clarifies these controls do not provide parents access to teen conversations with ChatGPT and do not enable real-time monitoring of Sora activity. The system sends safety alerts in certain situations, though specific trigger criteria are not publicly disclosed.

Teen accounts receive additional safeguards by default:

• Limitations on mature content output
• Teen profiles not recommended to adult users
• Adults cannot initiate messages with teens
• The feed is designed to be appropriate for teen audiences

Multi-Layer Safety Architecture Blocks Harmful Content

OpenAI implements content filtering across multiple stages to prevent policy violations from reaching the Sora feed. The safety architecture combines automated systems with human oversight.

Content Moderation Approach

OpenAI blocks content at the generation stage and monitors published videos through automated scanning tools. Human review teams complement automation by monitoring user reports and proactively auditing feed activity.

Prohibited Content Categories

Content flagged for removal from Sora feeds includes:

• Graphic sexual or violent material
• Extremist propaganda and hateful content
• Self-harm promotion, disordered eating depictions, and unhealthy exercise behaviors
• Appearance-based critiques and bullying
• Dangerous challenges likely to be imitated by minors
• Engagement bait and low-quality spam content
• Unauthorized likeness recreation of living individuals or deceased public figures
• Intellectual property infringements
• Misinformation and deceptive content
• Child safety violations
• Harassment and abusive behavior
• Manipulated media without disclosure
• Content that violates privacy

OpenAI acknowledges safety systems remain “living, evolving” and will require continuous refinement based on user feedback. The company states it will “adjust the details” as real-world usage patterns emerge and new risks surface.

Steerable Ranking Gives Users Direct Algorithm Control

Sora includes natural language ranking controls that let users directly instruct how their feed operates. You can tell the system things like “show me more cinematic videos” or “prioritize content from artists,” leveraging OpenAI’s language models to interpret intent and re-weight recommendation signals.

This “steerable ranking” system represents OpenAI’s attempt to give users more agency over their algorithmic experience. Rather than relying solely on implicit signals like watch time and engagement, the system accepts explicit natural language instructions about content preferences.

OpenAI positions this design as maximizing creation rather than consumption, countering concerns that algorithmic feeds inherently promote passive scrolling behaviors. The effectiveness of this approach at scale remains to be demonstrated as the platform expands beyond its initial user base.

Design Philosophy: Connection Over Consumption

OpenAI’s stated goal is creating a recommendation system that “supports active, creative participation rather than passive scrolling“. The company emphasizes three core principles:

1. Prioritize creativity: Surface content likely to inspire users to create their own videos
2. Foster connection: Weight content from followed accounts and connections higher than viral global content
3. Empower user control: Provide steerable ranking so users can directly shape their experience

The feed also aims to be “appropriate and valuable for all types of users, from professionals to people looking for creative inspiration“. OpenAI acknowledges balancing safety, creativity, and community values remains an ongoing challenge.

Limitations Creators Should Consider

OpenAI openly states the Sora Feed balances safety with creative freedom but “won’t get this balance perfect from day one”. The company expects to “adjust the details over time” based on how the community uses the platform.

The algorithmic bias toward followed accounts and connected content may limit discoverability for new creators lacking established audiences. OpenAI has not disclosed whether the feed incorporates viral “For You” style recommendations for users with minimal activity history.

Parental controls offer limited monitoring capabilities parents cannot view teen activity or restrict specific content types beyond the general mature content limitations. Parents also cannot prevent teens from creating content or control whose likeness appears in videos.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)