Breaking down OpenAI's revenue: 76% comes from ChatGPT paying users, 15% comes from API

As the world's highest-valued AI startup, OpenAI's sources of revenue are not complicated. In June of this year, Sam Altman stated that OpenAI's annual recurring revenue has reached $3.4 billion. According to the latest research report and related data released by FutureSearch, 76% of this revenue comes from ChatGPT paid users, while revenue from API interfaces for developers accounts for only about 15%. Specifically: ChatGPT Plus subscriptions are OpenAI's largest source of revenue, contributing 55% of total revenue, approximately $1.9 billion. Data shows that there are a total of 7.7 million ChatGPT Plus users globally, each paying a monthly subscription fee of $20. This large user base provides OpenAI with a stable cash flow. ChatGPT Enterprise targets large enterprise clients, charging $50 per account per month, contributing 21% of revenue to OpenAI, approximately $740 million. It is estimated that there are currently 1.2 million enterprise users using ChatGPT Enterprise. ChatGPT Team mainly caters to small and medium-sized enterprises and team users, charging $25 per account per month. This version contributes 8% of revenue to OpenAI, approximately $290 million, with an estimated 980,000 users. With multiple risks such as data security and intellectual property rights, generating revenue on the B side is more challenging compared to the C side. API interface services provide developers and businesses with direct access to their AI models, contributing 15% of the company's revenue, approximately $510 million. According to media reports last month, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman told employees that the company's annual revenue has doubled to $3.4 billion. The majority of this revenue (around $3.2 billion) comes from ChatGPT subscriptions and API interfaces. Through a partnership with Microsoft Azure to provide access to its AI models, OpenAI is expected to receive $200 million in annual revenue sharing. With the current most "popular" model GPT in hand, OpenAI has shown remarkable sales capabilities. As of March this year, OpenAI has generated approximately $1 billion in annualized revenue by selling access to its AI models. In comparison, Microsoft's similar product Azure OpenAI services only recently reached $1 billion in annualized revenue (ARR, referring to the revenue performance of the previous month) Multiplying by 12 to estimate annual total revenue). Tech media The Information previously reported that Ultraman told some shareholders that OpenAI is considering transforming its governance structure into a for-profit enterprise, similar to for-profit welfare companies like Anthropic or xAI. At that time, OpenAI's non-profit board will not be able to control the company. Due to the internal dispute between the non-profit faction and the for-profit faction, OpenAI experienced a shocking "palace struggle" last year, forcing Ultraman to resign at one point. OpenAI is currently valued at $86 billion, and some believe that transitioning to a for-profit company could accelerate OpenAI's IPO; in addition, Ultraman may also have the opportunity to own more shares. Reports indicate that Microsoft has always leaned towards transforming OpenAI into a mature for-profit company. Microsoft and other investors believe that if Ultraman owns more equity, he may not be as motivated to focus on other projects and invest in other AI companies. Furthermore, some believe that transitioning to a for-profit company indicates that OpenAI and Microsoft will prioritize profit over AI academic theories and broader social impact.