The projection would place ChatGPT among the largest subscription services globally. As of July 2025, around 35 million users—roughly 5% of the weekly active base—were paying for ChatGPT Plus or Pro tiers, priced at $20 and $200 per month respectively.
OpenAI's annualized revenue run rate is anticipated to reach about $20 billion by the end of this year, according to earlier statements from sources familiar with the company's finances. At the same time, operating losses continue to grow, driven largely by substantial spending on research, model development, and infrastructure required to run ChatGPT and other services.
In the first half of 2025, OpenAI recorded approximately $4.3 billion in revenue, marking a 16% increase compared with the full-year figure for 2024, while expenditure reached $2.5 billion, mainly for AI development and operational costs, previous reporting showed.
The company expects that around 20% of future revenue will come from newer offerings, including shopping-related and advertising-supported features. This week, OpenAI launched a personal shopping assistant within ChatGPT, a development that could open additional income streams through advertising partnerships or commission-based transactions.
These initiatives form part of OpenAI's broader strategy to diversify revenue sources beyond traditional subscription fees while continuing to expand the capabilities and reach of its flagship chatbot. The projected growth in paid subscribers reflects confidence in sustained user demand for premium features and enhanced functionality over the coming years.
