Meta Platforms is set to introduce a paid subscription service for its AI-powered chatbot, Meta AI, joining industry leaders OpenAI and Microsoft in monetizing advanced AI models. According to a Reuters report citing a source familiar with the matter, the test phase for the subscription model will begin in the second quarter of this year. However, Meta does not anticipate significant revenue from the service until at least 2025.
Launched in September 2023, Meta AI is a virtual assistant that utilizes large language models to perform reasoning tasks, provide real-time responses, and engage users across Meta’s ecosystem, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The planned subscription model follows a growing trend among AI companies seeking to generate revenue from premium offerings that provide enhanced capabilities compared to free-tier services.
While details about the pricing structure and additional features remain scarce, the move aligns with broader industry strategies where companies charge users for more powerful and efficient AI tools. OpenAI, for instance, offers ChatGPT Plus, which provides access to GPT-4, while Microsoft integrates Copilot into its suite of business tools through subscription-based services.
The adoption of AI subscription models signals a shift in the monetization strategies of tech giants. For Meta, introducing a paid tier for Meta AI could complement its advertising-driven revenue model. The company has heavily invested in AI research and infrastructure, particularly through its Llama models, and a successful subscription service could help offset those costs.
Despite the planned rollout in the coming months, Meta does not expect the service to generate substantial revenue immediately. The company may use the initial phase to refine its offering, gauge user interest, and optimize AI capabilities before launching the service on a larger scale in 2025.
As the AI landscape becomes increasingly competitive, Meta’s foray into paid AI services could position it as a major player in the premium chatbot market. If successful, the subscription model may pave the way for more advanced AI-driven interactions across Meta’s platforms, further integrating AI into everyday digital experiences.
