OpenAI’s Bold Bet: 220 Million Paying ChatGPT Users Targeted by 2030
Artificial intelligence giant sets sights on massive subscription growth
The User Acquisition Playbook
OpenAI isn't just playing in the AI sandbox—they're building an empire. With ChatGPT already revolutionizing how we interact with technology, the company's latest ambition reveals staggering confidence in their product's staying power.From Free Users to Paying Customers
The leap from casual users to committed subscribers represents one of tech's toughest challenges. Yet OpenAI's roadmap suggests they've cracked the code—transforming curious experimenters into loyal paying customers at unprecedented scale.The Monetization Machine
While traditional tech companies struggle with user retention, OpenAI appears to have discovered the secret sauce. Their projected growth trajectory would make even the most bullish Silicon Valley veteran do a double-take—and leave venture capitalists wondering why they didn't think of it first.Just remember: in the world of tech projections, everyone's a genius until the quarterly reports hit. But if anyone can pull this off, it's probably the company that taught machines to write poetry.
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Growth Trends and Cash Use
ChatGPT has seen strong use this year. The service had about 400 million weekly users in February, about 700 million in August, and about 800 million in October. The trend helps explain why OpenAI expects a larger paid base in later years. Even so, the cost side is still heavy. OpenAI is on track for an annual run rate near $20 billion by this year’s end. The Information noted that OpenAI made about $4.3 billion in the first half of 2025. The report also said the firm lost about $2.5 billion in that span due to research costs and system use.
OpenAI is also working to grow its use in firms. The company states that more than one million business clients now use its product set. In addition, OpenAI launched a low-cost plan, ChatGPT Go, for $5 per month in parts of the world with lower incomes. India is now the largest user base for the new plan. As a result, OpenAI sees room for a wider mix of paid plans in the next few years.
New Revenue Sources
OpenAI expects that about 20% of future revenue will come from new product types. One area is shopping tools. On November 24, OpenAI released a new shopping guide inside ChatGPT that uses a tuned version of the GPT-5 mini model. The tool helps users check prices, pick gifts, track deals, and find items with photo input. The feature is open to all users for now, which may help seed wider use.
OpenAI has also added fast checkout links with select sellers. The list includes Etsy, Shopify stores, and brands like Skims and Glossier. The setup may support extra income through links or sales. The company has not stated when it will add ads to the main product. Even so, the MOVE into retail tools hints at a broader plan to create new income streams.
Overall, the new forecast signals that OpenAI aims to raise both reach and revenue through paid plans and new services. The next few years will show how well the firm can balance use, cost, and product growth.
Using TipRanks’ Comparison Tool, we’ve compared some of the notable companies that employ chatbots, similar to OpenAI’s ChatGPT. The comparison tool helps investors gain a broader outlook on each stock and the industry as a whole.
