Meta is set to test a paid subscription service for its AI-powered chatbot, Meta AI, later this year — a move mirroring similar offerings by OpenAI and Microsoft, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters on Thursday.
The test is expected to begin in the second quarter of 2025, though the source noted the service is unlikely to generate significant revenue until at least next year.
Meta AI, launched in September 2023, is a virtual assistant powered by large language models designed to handle reasoning tasks. While Meta declined to comment on the planned subscription, the initiative reflects CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s push to strengthen the company’s standing in the AI race against Microsoft-backed OpenAI and Google.
In January, Zuckerberg announced Meta would invest up to $65 billion this year to expand its AI infrastructure. Reuters previously reported that the company is also creating a new division within its Reality Labs unit to develop AI-powered humanoid robots capable of assisting with physical tasks.
Alongside the chatbot subscription, Meta plans to roll out a standalone Meta AI app in the second quarter, joining its suite of social platforms, including Facebook and Instagram, according to CNBC.
Tech giants have been pouring billions into AI development following the rise of ChatGPT. Microsoft recently revealed plans to invest $80 billion in data centers for fiscal 2025, while Amazon expects its AI-related spending in 2025 to surpass the $75 billion projected for this year.
