OpenAI sees paid ChatGPT users reaching 220 million by 2030
OpenAI projects that by 2030 about 8.5% of an estimated 2.6 billion weekly users, or roughly 220 million people, will subscribe to its chatbot, placing ChatGPT among the world’s largest subscription services, reports a Qazinform News Agency correspondent.
The projection reflects growing global reliance on advanced conversational AI. Current trends already show strong uptake. As of July, about 35 million users, roughly 5% of ChatGPT’s weekly active base, paid for Plus or Pro plans priced at $20 and $200 dollars per month.
The expanding subscriber base is expected to push OpenAI’s annualized revenue run rate to nearly $20 billion by year end, though the company continues to record significant losses tied to research and computing costs. Earlier data showed $4.3 billion in revenue during the first half of 2025 and $2.5 billion in cash burn driven by investment in new models and the operation of ChatGPT.
OpenAI aims to diversify revenue streams, with about 20% expected from new shopping and advertising-based features. This week the firm introduced a personal shopping assistant, signaling a broader push into monetizable consumer services.
Earlier, Qazinform News Agency reported that OpenAI had launched a pilot version of group chats on ChatGPT for users in several countries.
