OpenAI is set to transform ChatGPT from a simple Q&A tool into an integrated online shopping platform. The company is developing a payment and checkout system that allows users to purchase products directly within the chatbot, enhancing user experience and potentially creating a new revenue stream via commission on sales. Currently, ChatGPT directs users to external retail sites, but the forthcoming checkout feature aims to streamline the shopping process entirely within the platform. OpenAI is collaborating with partners like Shopify to support this integration. This strategic shift expands OpenAI’s revenue models beyond subscriptions, tapping into the vast user base of free-tier customers. Additionally, there’s an emerging advertising angle, with brands exploring “AI optimization” for better visibility in AI-generated product results. CEO Sam Altman confirmed that while placements won’t be sold, an affiliate fee is a possibility. If successful, ChatGPT could evolve into a powerful shopping assistant.
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