OpenAI's ChatGPT Plus is Available for Free for Select Users: Check Features, Eligibility, More

OpenAI has announced that ChatGPT Plus will be available at no cost to selected users in the coming weeks. Typically priced at $20 (approximately Rs. 1,700) monthly, this subscription offers access to advanced research and reasoning models, along with limited Sora video generation capabilities. The plan removes restrictions on messaging, file uploads, and image creation while providing limited Sora video access.

In a recent announcement on X (formerly Twitter), CEO Sam Altman revealed that students in the US and Canada will receive free ChatGPT Plus access until May's end. This is part of a promotional offer detailed on OpenAI's support website. Students must verify their status through SheerID to claim this benefit, which includes two months of free access for current subscribers.

ChatGPT Plus Subscription Features

The free version of ChatGPT provides access to ChatGPT-4o mini and limited GPT-4o and o3-mini models. However, the Plus subscription enhances this by offering deep research and multiple reasoning models like o1, o3-mini, and o3-mini-high. It also includes a preview of the GPT-4.5 model introduced in February.

Subscribers enjoy increased file uploads, messaging capabilities, and image generation compared to free-tier users. Additionally, they can utilise advanced voice mode with video and screensharing support. The subscription also allows for custom GPT creation and testing upcoming platform features.

Ghibli Effect Boosts ChatGPT Usage

The introduction of a viral feature known as the Ghibli Effect has led to record usage levels for ChatGPT. This feature enables users to create Ghibli-style AI images using the free tier of ChatGPT. OpenAI is also planning to extend deep research features to free users soon.

ChatGPT Plus subscribers benefit from exclusive features not available on the free tier, such as limited Sora video generation access. OpenAI continues to enhance its offerings by incorporating Anthropic's Model Context Protocol support for improved user experience.

This initiative reflects OpenAI's commitment to expanding accessibility while providing advanced tools for enhanced user engagement. By offering these benefits without charge temporarily, OpenAI aims to broaden its reach among students and other eligible users.