ChatGPT adoption skyrockets in India, but monetization may be trailing

For years, U.S.-based tech companies have tapped into India’s vast and increasing internet user base for growth. OpenAI is no exception. But while the AI lab claims that India is one of its fastest-growing ChatGPT markets, third-party data suggests that OpenAI may be struggling to turn that momentum into revenue. According to analytics firm SensorTower, users in India have spent $8 million on ChatGPT subscriptions through in-app purchases since 2023. That doesn’t include purchases made through the ChatGPT web app. But notably, it’s a fraction of the $330 million SensorTower estimates U.S. users have spent on ChatGPT in-app. One likely factor is the lack of local pricing for India. OpenAI’s cheapest ChatGPT plan in the country costs $20 (more than ₹1,700) per month, which is considered expensive for a digital subscription in India. When contacted, OpenAI did not share specific details about its growth in India but pointed us to a recent post on X by COO Brad Lightcap, which claims th ... Read full article.