ChatGPT Sets Record For Fastest-Growing User Base

ChatGPT, the popular chatbot from OpenAI, is estimated to have reached 100 million monthly active users in January, just two months after launch, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in history, according to a UBS study on Wednesday. Reuters reports: The report, citing data from analytics firm Similar Web, said about 13 million unique visitors used ChatGPT per day in January, more than double the levels in December. "In 20 years following the internet space, we cannot recall a faster ramp in a consumer internet app," UBS analysts wrote in the note. OpenAI, a private company backed by Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O), launched ChatGPT in late November. It took TikTok about nine months after its global launch to add 100 million users and it took Instagram 2-1/2 years, according to data from Sensor Tower. [...] Analysts believe the viral launch of ChatGPT will give OpenAI a first-mover advantage against other AI companies. The growing usage, while adding up to a substantial amount of computing cost, has also provided valuable feedback to help train the chatbot's responses. While ChatGPT is currently free to use, the company on Wednesday launched a new pilot subscription plan for the chatbot called ChatGPT Plus. It starts at $20 per month and includes access to ChatGPT even during peak times, faster response times and priority access to new features and improvements.

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