Why ChatGPT Plus Should Charge by Token Usage
ChatGPT Plus should transition to a flexible pricing model based on token usage rather than a fixed \$20 monthly fee.
- Current Pricing: \$20 per month.
Proposal: Token-Based Pricing Model
- GPT-4 API charges \$2.50 per 1M input tokens and \$10 per 1M output tokens. A similar usage-based model would be ideal for ChatGPT Plus users.
- To overcome the limitations of iOS fixed-price subscriptions, OpenAI could implement a wallet system.
- Users would deposit funds (e.g., \$20), with token usage deducted either in real-time or daily. A minimum balance (e.g., \$10) would be required to maintain uninterrupted service.
Benefits:
- Flexibility: Low-usage users aren’t overcharged, while high-usage users pay proportionally.
- Fairness: Users pay only for what they consume.
- Adaptability: Integrates seamlessly with existing subscription models.
With 300 million weekly users, shifting to this model could attract more subscribers. Based on a projected \$11.6 billion revenue, around 48.33 million users are likely on the current \$20/month plan.
This flexible pricing approach would offer a fairer, more customized experience for users.