ChatGPT subscriptions soar in India, monetisation still fraction of the US'

India has rapidly become ChatGPT's fastest-growing market, according to OpenAI COO Brad Lightcap. Yet, while the user base is expanding at breakneck speed, actual spending on subscriptions remains modest. 

Data from analytics firm SensorTower reveals that since 2023, Indian users have spent just $8 million on ChatGPT subscriptions via in-app purchases — a stark contrast to the $330 million spent by US users in the same period.

All the same, ChatGPT subscription grossings were at number four in India, behind YouTube and JioHotstar - an indication of overall low spending power of the users in the country. 

The revenue gap is likely influenced by the absence of localised pricing. In India, ChatGPT's base subscription starts at $20 (roughly Rs 1,700) per month, a steep price for many in a market known for price-sensitive digital consumption.

In March, ChatGPT saw a surge in downloads and usage across India following the rollout of its updated image generation feature. 

The new tool, which creates anime-inspired art in the style of Studio Ghibli, went viral on social media, sparking a wave of user-generated art. 

The frenzy was so intense that it reportedly caused brief server slowdowns, prompting OpenAI CEO Sam Altman to post on X, "India broke our servers today — Ghibli GPT is wild."

Appfigures data supports the growth spike, noting that over 20 per cent of global ChatGPT Android app downloads this year have come from India alone.

Despite the revenue challenges, OpenAI appears committed to long-term growth in India. 

Reports suggest the company is exploring a partnership with Reliance Jio, one of the country's largest telecom providers, to expand access to ChatGPT. With over 950 million internet users in India, OpenAI sees the country as a vital piece in its goal to reach a billion-plus user base.

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