OpenAI Unveils Store for Customizable AI-Powered Chatbots

OpenAI has officially launched a store for GPTs, custom chatbot applications powered by its advanced text- and image-generating AI models, such as GPT-4 and DALL-E 3. The new GPT Store is accessible via a dedicated tab in the ChatGPT web client, showcasing a variety of GPTs created by both OpenAI's partners and the broader developer community. Users can easily explore popular and trending GPTs through a community leaderboard organized into categories like lifestyle, writing, research, programming, and education.

To gain access to the GPT Store, users must subscribe to one of OpenAI’s premium ChatGPT plans, including ChatGPT Plus, ChatGPT Enterprise, or the recently introduced ChatGPT Team. Notable GPT offerings at launch include a trail recommendation tool from AllTrails, a coding tutor from Khan Academy, and a content design assistant from Canva, all of which currently remain free to use.

Developers can create GPTs without needing any coding experience. The development process allows for flexibility, enabling developers to describe the features they want in simple language. OpenAI’s GPT-building tool, known as GPT Builder, will then generate an AI-powered chatbot to meet those specifications. For instance, a GPT can be trained to answer ingredient-related questions based on specific recipes or analyze a company's proprietary codebases to ensure compliance with coding standards.

To feature their GPTs in the Store, developers must verify their user profiles and submit their creations for OpenAI’s new review process, which incorporates both human and automated evaluations to ensure adherence to company policies. Users also have the option to report any inappropriate GPTs that may bypass the review.

Following concerns about the treatment of moderation staff, I inquired about the human aspect of the GPT Store’s review process, specifically regarding reviewer compensation and access to mental health resources. OpenAI had not responded prior to publication, but I will update this article as soon as further details emerge.

Initially, developers will not be able to monetize their GPTs; however, OpenAI plans to introduce a “GPT builder revenue program” in Q1, enabling developers in the U.S. to earn based on user engagement with their GPTs. OpenAI will share further information regarding payment criteria in the near future.

The announcement of the GPT Store was made at OpenAI’s inaugural developer conference, DevDay, last year, but its release was postponed in December, presumably due to a leadership shakeup within the company that occurred shortly after the initial announcement. To summarize, CEO Sam Altman was ousted by OpenAI's board of directors but was reinstated after significant pressure from investors and employees, along with a restructured board.

The introduction of GPTs marks a significant step towards democratizing generative AI applications, particularly those leveraging OpenAI’s suite of models. This shift could disrupt consultancies that primarily focus on developing similar solutions for clients, leaving questions about the implications of such changes for the industry.

Update (January 11, 1:07 PM Eastern): In response to inquiries regarding the moderation process for GPTs, an OpenAI representative provided the following statement:

“As a first step, before any human reviewer sees a GPT application, we leverage our AI models for content screening based on our GPT policy guidelines. We work with our existing vendors that support OpenAI’s customer support and compliance efforts to provide an additional review layer before the GPT is published publicly. We partner with vendors who compensate these reviewers well for the important work they do and ensure they are offered access to industry-leading wellness resources.”