Meta is experimenting with a standalone application for Vibes, its AI-generated video feature, signaling a potential shift in how the company approaches short-form video and artificial intelligence integration. Originally launched in September 2025 within the Meta AI app, Vibes allows users to create and share short, vertical videos generated or significantly altered by AI. The company is now testing a dedicated app, offering a more focused experience for both content creation and consumption.
The move comes as Meta seeks to establish a stronger foothold in the rapidly evolving landscape of AI-generated content, particularly in the face of competition from OpenAI’s Sora. While Meta AI offered an initial platform for Vibes, a standalone app allows for a more streamlined and immersive environment, potentially attracting users specifically interested in AI-driven video creation and discovery. According to a statement provided to TechCrunch, Meta believes the format has gained enough traction to warrant its own dedicated space.
A Dedicated Space for Synthetic Video
Vibes distinguishes itself from traditional social video platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels by offering a feed populated entirely by AI-generated content. Users can either generate videos from scratch using AI tools or remix existing Vibes videos, adding new visuals, music and stylistic adjustments. The resulting videos can then be shared directly within the Vibes feed, sent via direct message, or cross-posted to Instagram and Facebook Stories and Reels. This integration with existing Meta platforms is a key aspect of the strategy, allowing for broader distribution of AI-generated content.
The decision to develop a standalone app reflects a broader trend within Meta towards separating distinct AI-powered features into dedicated applications. The Meta AI app, for example, also serves as a hub for managing AI glasses and accessing the core Meta AI assistant. By isolating Vibes, Meta can tailor the user experience specifically to the needs of AI video creators and viewers, potentially fostering a more engaged community.
Competition with OpenAI’s Sora
The timing of the standalone Vibes app test is notable, coinciding with the emergence of OpenAI’s Sora as a significant competitor in the AI video generation space. Sora, launched shortly after Vibes, also focuses on creating and sharing AI-generated videos, and has garnered considerable attention for its ability to produce high-quality, realistic content. Meta explicitly positions the standalone Vibes app as a more direct response to Sora, aiming to capture a share of the growing market for AI-generated video.
While Meta hasn’t disclosed specific usage numbers, the company claims that Vibes has performed well within the Meta AI app, with increasing user engagement in creating, discovering, and sharing AI-generated videos. This positive traction has fueled the decision to explore a standalone app, which Meta believes will provide a more focused and immersive experience. The company also noted a rise in collaborative features, with many Vibes videos being shared directly with friends, mirroring the sharing patterns observed on Reels.
Early Testing and Future Development
Currently, the standalone Vibes app is being tested in Brazil and Mexico. This limited rollout allows Meta to gather user feedback and refine the app’s features before a wider release. The company plans to expand the app’s functionality based on community input, suggesting a commitment to iterative development and user-centric design. Potential future features could include more advanced creation tools, enhanced personalization algorithms, and new monetization options.
The launch of a standalone Vibes app represents a significant step for Meta in its exploration of AI-generated content. While the long-term success of the app remains to be seen, it demonstrates the company’s willingness to experiment with new formats and technologies in the ever-evolving social media landscape. The question remains whether users will embrace a platform entirely populated by algorithmically created videos, or if the appeal of authentic, human-generated content will ultimately prevail. However, Meta’s investment in Vibes signals a belief that AI-generated video has a viable future as a core creative format.
