OpenAI to monetise ChatGPT

OpenAI is currently planning to release a premium version of the popular chatbot, ChatGPT. In a recent announcement made in OpenAI's official Discord channel, the company has released a waitlist for a monetised version of ChatGPT.

In the waitlist form, OpenAI has stated that the premium version of the AI, called ChatGPT Professional, is made for "professional use", with the added benefit of always being available (i.e. no blackout windows). The waitlist also states that this premium version of ChatGPT will provide faster responses than the regular version, and users can message as many times as they want, with two times the regular daily limit. 

As per the terms stated by OpenAI, once you fill up the form, you will be eligible to be selected. Once selected, OpenAI will ask you to set up a payment process and a pilot. The company emphasises that ChatGPT Professional is an early experimental program and is subject to change. At the time of writing, OpenAI does not plan on making paid pro access generally available to the ones outside the waitlist. 

OpenAI has not yet stated when the premium version of ChatGPT will launch, or what will happen to the current free version afterwards. However, it is expected that the current free version will remain - with premium users receiving special benefits from ChatGPT Professional only. OpenAI is also looking to gauge public interest on monetising their popular chatbot based on responses they receive in these waitlist form submissions.