Poe, the multi-AI chatbot aggregator launched by Quora in late 2022, has gained popularity by providing users with a unified interface to access various competing large language models (LLMs), such as OpenAI’s GPT-3.5/4, Anthropic’s Claude, Google’s PaLM 2, and Meta’s Llama 2. In April, Poe expanded its platform to allow third-party creators, including individuals and organizations, to develop their own chatbots using the supported LLMs.
Recently, Poe introduced a monetization model that enables these creators to generate revenue from their chatbots within the Poe app.
In a recent interview, Quora CEO Adam D’Angelo shared insights into this initiative and his vision for Poe’s future. “We’re lowering the barrier to entry to foster a vast ecosystem of AI products,” D’Angelo stated. “Poe will enhance both diversity and the range of applications available to users.”
D’Angelo highlighted two pivotal changes: allowing bot makers to earn from their creations and providing API access for anyone to integrate new natural language models into the platform. Both changes are now operational, with creators already earning revenue and new models being integrated.
Supporting Creator Costs
Operating large language models necessitates significant computing resources. D’Angelo explained that Poe has partnerships with major API providers, like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google, which require funding for LLM technology usage. As the goal is to offer thousands or even millions of conversational AI options, negotiating individual contracts becomes unwieldy. Thus, Poe implemented a revenue-sharing model, where part of user payments to Poe will be distributed to creators, helping cover the costs of developing specialized bots.
Poe’s monetization strategy has two main components: first, creators receive a share of revenue from the $20 monthly subscription when their bot leads a user to sign up for the app. Second, creators will soon have the option to set per-message fees, earning compensation for each user interaction. This flexible model allows bot developers to generate immediate revenue while also establishing a recurring income stream based on usage.
D’Angelo emphasized that beyond API access, the creation of quality experiences demands substantial work, making revenue-sharing essential for building sustainable businesses around these bots.
Encouraging Innovation with New Model Access
Poe aims to spur innovation by allowing smooth integration of various language models. “Our API is completely open-ended,” D’Angelo said, highlighting the benefits of enabling third parties to connect custom models instead of relying solely on those provided by Poe.
Recognizing the rapid advancements in the field, D’Angelo wants Poe to promote diversity rather than limit it. Supporting external creators to connect tailored models enhances the entire ecosystem, citing examples like the Mistral model fine-tuned by Fireworks.ai.
Fostering Diversity and Lowering Barriers
D’Angelo likened Poe’s approach to web browsers like Chrome and Safari, which drastically lowered the barriers for website development. This shift allowed more individuals to create websites and led to intense competition based on content and services, rather than technical expertise. “When you lower barriers, competition thrives, and businesses emerge based on the experience delivered,” he explained.
This philosophy extends to conversational AI, where unique experiences will distinguish successful bots, rather than just model capabilities. “We’re enabling a flourishing ecosystem of AI products that will increase diversity rather than simply boost competition,” he stated.
Empowering Niche Developers
While major players continue advancing language model research, Poe is dedicated to empowering smaller, niche developers. “We want to help them bring their innovations to a global audience, especially as they navigate the costs associated with serving models,” D’Angelo said.
He expressed enthusiasm for advancements in text, image, audio, and video generation, noting that techniques like model fine-tuning present additional opportunities. By supporting specialized creators, Poe enhances diversity and options for users.
Accelerating Innovation Together
Poe aims to drive rapid innovation across the conversational AI landscape, avoiding bottlenecks within its infrastructure. By empowering external developers and applications, Poe believes it can hasten advancements in specialized models and vertical applications, ultimately improving accessibility and utility for users worldwide.
D’Angelo acknowledged the fast-paced nature of the industry: “Our hope with the API and these monetization tools is to ensure we don’t become a hindrance to progress.”
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