Reddit and OpenAI collaborate to train the AI on user postings

Reddit and OpenAI have partnered so that the AI startup will have access to real-time data from Reddit for ChatGPT and any future AI products the company chooses to introduce. Reddit will be able to add Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered features to its platform by utilizing OpenAI’s technology. 

Additionally, OpenAI will start running ads on the latter’s platform. Remarkably, the social media network and Google inked a similar agreement in February that is reportedly valued at about $60 million (approximately Rs. 500 crores) annually.

Also Read: OpenAI to Introduce AI Search Engine Before Google’s I/O

The partnership’s specifics were disclosed in a Reddit blog post. However, no financial details were disclosed. Reddit’s Data API (application programming interface) will be made available to OpenAI, enabling the business to extract real-time content from the platform and utilize it for ChatGPT and other products. 

Interestingly, it wasn’t stated if the information would be utilized to display search results or to train the AI models. Given that there have been several recent rumours indicating OpenAI is developing an AI-powered search engine that may compete with Google Search, the latter option is not completely out of the question.

Reddit will gain access to OpenAI’s AI models to develop features for its platform, thus, the social media network will also profit from this agreement. The business announced that AI features for Redditors and mods—subreddit moderators—will be available soon.

Remarkably, OpenAI disclosed in its announcement post that CEO Sam Altman of the company had shares in Reddit. On the other hand, COO Brad Lightcap oversaw the transaction, and its independent Board of Directors gave their approval. Interestingly, Reddit’s SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) filings show that Altman is the company’s third-largest shareholder.

Also Read: Reddit Reveals Users Data for AI Training During FTC Inquiry On Licensing Deal

Reddit’s announcement last year that it will start charging for its API—which has been free since the company’s founding—sparked an outcry among its users. The community did not like the change, and several subreddits went private in protest since many third-party apps that used its API could not afford to run. The business, however, stood by its choice. After a year, the API is now a paid product that OpenAI and Google have already purchased. In March 2024, the social media network went public.