ChatGPT Head Reveals Growth Secrets, Monetisation Plans, and Future Vision
Nick Turley, the head of ChatGPT at OpenAI, has opened up about the AI’s explosive rise, unique user loyalty, and evolving plans for monetisation. While Sam Altman is the company’s public face, Turley has quietly guided ChatGPT from launch to becoming the fastest-growing software product in history, now boasting 700 million weekly users.
One of the most striking revelations was the emotional bond users have formed with ChatGPT. The launch of GPT-5 highlighted this connection when many demanded the return of the older GPT-4o model. OpenAI brought it back soon after retirement, an unexpected move that will influence how future model transitions are handled.
On the business side, Turley expressed strong confidence in the subscription model, which initially helped manage server overload. Unlike many platforms where user activity fades after sign-up, ChatGPT’s newer subscribers are as engaged as the early ones. Enterprise adoption is also accelerating, with paying business customers jumping from three million to five million in recent months. Turley views workplace integration as a key driver of long-term growth.
While OpenAI is cautious about introducing advertising, indirect monetisation may be explored if it can be done without compromising personalised and unbiased responses. Turley stressed that protecting user trust is essential.
Commerce inside ChatGPT is another frontier. The AI now suggests products, and OpenAI is considering affiliate-style revenue sharing. Still, Turley insists these features will only expand once the product discovery experience feels natural and valuable for users.
Looking ahead, ChatGPT could move beyond a simple chatbot and embed itself into productivity tools and workflows. Turley’s vision reflects a careful balance between innovation, revenue generation, and preserving what makes ChatGPT unique. This strategic approach could help OpenAI maintain its lead as AI adoption continues to accelerate.
