According to The Information, the AI company OpenAI expects that at least 220 million weekly users of its chatbot ChatGPT will pay for a subscription by 2030. This figure is based on an analysis of 260 million weekly users, with an estimated 8.5% choosing to pay, marking ChatGPT's potential to join the ranks of the world's largest subscription services.

As of July this year, ChatGPT had approximately 35 million paid users, accounting for about 5% of its weekly active users. These users chose either the $20-per-month "Plus" plan or the $200-per-month "Pro" plan. Although OpenAI's annual revenue is expected to reach around $2 billion by the end of the year, the company is also facing increasing losses.

According to the latest data, OpenAI generated about $4.3 billion in revenue during the first half of 2025, a 16% increase from last year. However, the company also spent about $2.5 billion on research and development and operations for ChatGPT. To achieve profitability, OpenAI expects about 20% of its revenue to come from new product features, including shopping and advertising-related services. This week, the company launched a personal shopping assistant, which may pave the way for future monetization through ads or commissions.

OpenAI has not yet responded to the report, and the media has not been able to verify the information immediately. Despite many challenges, OpenAI continues to demonstrate strong determination and potential in advancing AI technology and business models.

Key Points:

🌍 OpenAI expects to attract 220 million paid ChatGPT users by 2030, becoming one of the world's largest subscription services.

💰 As of July this year, ChatGPT had 35 million paid users, with annual revenue expected to reach $2 billion, but losses are also increasing.

🛒 OpenAI plans to expand revenue sources through new products like a shopping assistant to address the pressure from R&D and operational costs.