OpenAI is considering introducing advertising to its AI products as it seeks new revenue streams while restructuring as a for-profit company. CFO Sarah Friar mentioned that the company plans to be thoughtful about implementing ads but clarified that there are no active plans to pursue advertising currently. OpenAI has been hiring advertising talent from companies like Meta and Google, indicating a potential future shift towards ad-supported models.
Key Points
- Revenue Growth: OpenAI is experiencing rapid growth and sees significant opportunities within its existing business model.
- Hiring Talent: The company has hired advertising experts from big tech rivals, including Kevin Weil from Instagram and Shivakumar Venkataraman from Google.
- Current Revenue: OpenAI's revenues have surged to about $4bn annually, driven by the success of ChatGPT, which has over 250 million weekly active users.
- Cost Challenges: Despite high revenues, the steep costs of developing AI models mean OpenAI expects to burn through more than $5bn of cash annually.
- API and Licenses: A significant portion of revenue comes from API access and selling ChatGPT licenses to businesses and developers.
Advertising Considerations
- Economic Sensitivity: Ad models are sensitive to economic cycles and can shift focus from users to advertisers.
- Leadership Experience: Both Friar and Weil bring extensive advertising experience, which could be beneficial if OpenAI decides to pursue ads.
Future Prospects
- Exploring Options: While open to exploring new revenue streams, OpenAI is currently focused on leveraging existing opportunities without actively pursuing advertising.
