OpenAI Forecasts Massive Growth in ChatGPT Subscriptions as User Base Expands

OpenAI is projecting a significant surge in paid ChatGPT subscribers over the coming years, according to a recent report from The Information. The artificial intelligence company expects that by 2030, around 8.5% of its estimated 2.6 billion weekly users—roughly 220 million people—will opt for a paid ChatGPT plan. If achieved, this would position ChatGPT among the world’s largest subscription-based digital services and further cement its leadership in the rapidly growing AI market.

As of July, about 35 million users were subscribed to ChatGPT’s paid offerings, including the popular “Plus” plan at $20 per month and the more advanced “Pro” plan at $200 per month. This subscriber base represents approximately 5% of ChatGPT’s weekly active users, signaling strong early adoption of premium AI tools despite their relatively recent introduction. However, Reuters noted that it could not independently verify these figures, and OpenAI has not yet issued a formal response.

Financially, OpenAI is experiencing both rapid revenue growth and rising operational costs. The company’s annualized revenue run rate is expected to reach around $20 billion by the end of the year. Still, heavy expenses tied to research and development—particularly those associated with advancing AI models and maintaining ChatGPT’s infrastructure—continue to drive substantial losses. Earlier reporting from The Information highlighted that OpenAI generated roughly $4.3 billion in revenue during the first half of 2025 but also recorded $2.5 billion in expenses during that same period.

To diversify its revenue streams, OpenAI anticipates that new product lines will contribute about 20% of its total income in the future. This week, the company unveiled a personal shopping assistant for ChatGPT, signaling a potential shift toward ad-supported or commission-based monetization models. The feature could open doors to new commercial partnerships and drive additional user engagement as AI-powered shopping tools continue gaining traction.

By expanding its subscription base and exploring new monetization strategies, OpenAI is positioning ChatGPT as not just a leading AI platform, but a major force shaping the future of digital services and consumer technology.