OpenAI Launches GPT Store

In a move that will further expand the use of its widely popular ChatGPT AI chatbot service, OpenAI has launched its promised GPT Store for users to share the custom chatbots that they create.

This comes months behind schedule – the platform was originally slated to launch in November but was presumably delayed by the widely publicized upheaval at OpenAI that saw the OpenAI board firing CEO Sam Altman. Altman returned to his role a week later after threats of a mass exodus by employees.

In a blog post announcing the GPT Store, OpenAI says users have already created over 3 million custom versions of ChatGPT. As part of the process of building a GPT, users can upload additional data and craft custom prompts before publishing it for use by others.

Some examples mentioned by OpenAI include a coding tutor, a personalized trail recommender for runners, a book recommender, and a tutor for math and science.

OpenAI has released usage policies and GPT brand guidelines that published GPTs must comply with. It also created a review system that uses both automated vetting and human reviewers. Users are encouraged to report GPTs that infringe the guidelines.

Of course, it didn’t take long for users to start releasing bots that break OpenAI’s rules on GPT, including “girlfriend bots” which are prohibited under the rules against GPTs “dedicated to fostering romantic companionship”. Some were since taken down, though others have quickly taken their place.

A revenue-sharing program will be available for US-based GPT creators in the first quarter of this year. No specifics are available at this point, though OpenAI says users will be paid based on user engagements with chatbots.

The GPT Store is available to paid subscribers only, including ChatGPT Plus, Team, and Enterprise plans.

GPT Team is a new offering targeted at smaller teams. Similar to the Enterprise plan, the Team plan offers greater control over uploaded data, while custom GPTs created can be privately shared with team members. At USD30 per month, Team is priced slightly more than Plus, though the price comes down to USD25 per month when billed annually.

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