What Will An OpenAI Social Media App Mean For Existing Platforms?

OpenAI is quietly building a social feed inside ChatGPT, report The Verge and CNBC. The project would let users share AI‑generated images in real time, turning the chatbot into both a studio and a gallery.

The Verge and CNBC say OpenAI has a hidden prototype inside ChatGPT that acts like a timeline for AI art. Users can post images made with the chatbot and scroll through other posts in real time.

 

What Could A ChatGPT Feed Add To The Platform?

 

The company sees constant user posts as a stream of material for model training. Testers swap prompts, edits and feedback, giving engineers insight into what grabs attention.

The idea grew after the March release of the new image tool, which flooded servers and showed how eager people are to share pictures. Putting the stage inside the app could keep those pictures off X and give OpenAI a view of trends without leaving its ecosystem.

 

What Would This Mean For Existing Platforms?

 

Experts have shared how they think a new OpenAI social media platform would impact social media apps that already stand today. Here’s what they said…

 

Our Experts:

 

• Alexandre Fossier, Digital Trend and iGaming Expert, iGamingNuts
• Ben James, Founder, 404-Gen
• Cahyo Subroto, Founder, MrScraper

 

Alexandre Fossier, Digital Trend and iGaming Expert

 

 

“If OpenAI were to launch a social media app, it would definitely shake things up, but not necessarily in the way people might expect. Coming from the digital gaming and tech space, I’ve seen how platforms grow when they offer not just another place to post, but a totally different kind of experience. If OpenAI can use its AI capabilities to create something genuinely new. And something that feels more intuitive, smarter, and more helpful than existing apps, they’ve got a real shot at carving out space in an already crowded market.

“The big advantage OpenAI has is, of course, is the tech. They’re not just another startup trying to build a community from scratch. They’ve already built tools that millions of people rely on for content, research, creative work, and automation. If they apply that same level of intelligence to a social platform. Such as smarter content curation, personalized discovery, or AI-assisted creation tools. It really could be a game-changer, especially for creators, writers, and niche communities who feel buried on bigger platforms.

“In the gaming world, we’ve seen platforms explode just by giving users more control or creating smarter ecosystems. Think of how Discord overtook traditional forums, or how Twitch became the go-to for live content. If OpenAI builds something that feels more useful than performative, less about chasing likes and more about meaningful, creative interaction. That alone could attract users who are tired of the noise on mainstream platforms.

“That said, tech alone won’t be enough. A lot of apps have great engines behind them but fail to build a loyal community. If OpenAI can find the balance between their cutting-edge AI and a user experience that actually feels human and collaborative, they’ve got a shot. The potential is there, however they’d need to approach it more like a platform that enables creators and communities, not just another feed to scroll.”

 

Ben James, Founder, 404-Gen

 

 

“If OpenAI launched a social media app, it would send shockwaves through the industry. They already sit at the center of the AI movement—imagine giving them direct access to billions of daily social interactions. That’s a massive data and influence play. The real threat to existing platforms isn’t just competition—it’s that OpenAI has the tech, the mindshare, and the distribution to redefine what a social app even is. It wouldn’t just be social—it would be intelligent, generative, adaptive. That’s a whole new game.”

 

Cahyo Subroto, Founder, MrScraper

 

 

“In my opinion, if OpenAI launched a social media app, it would instantly shift the dynamics of the industry, not because of branding, but because of what it could do technically. OpenAI already has the infrastructure to personalise content, moderate conversations at scale, and automate user interactions in ways existing platforms are only starting to explore. That means they could build a social experience that adapts in real time, surfaces smarter content, and responds to user behaviour with much more precision.

“What sets OpenAI apart is not the feed, rather, it’s the model behind it. Their strength is in creating systems that learn and adjust continuously. If they combine that with a simple, user-first interface, they could easily become the most intelligent social platform in the market, and that would raise the bar for everyone else.”
 

 

Could An OpenAI Social Media App Compete With Famous Apps?

 

When it comes to whether or not this app could directly compete with the famous apps, experts believe this is what will happen…

 

Our Experts:

 

• Adam Biddle, CEO and Co-Founder, GH05T
• Chelsea Hopkins, Social Media & PR Manager, Fasthosts
• Tom Stone, Co-Founder, re:act
• Said Lopez, Head of AI, Spike

 

Adam Biddle, CEO and Co-Founder, GH05T

 

 

“The success of any social media app hinges on its ability to establish a strong cultural reason to exist. So far, I can’t see how OpenAI plans to do that based on what’s been leaked.

“Every major social platform that’s thrived – from Facebook and Snapchat to Reddit – began with a grassroots, organic community. These platforms weren’t imposed from the top down; they earned their place by becoming culturally relevant to a specific group of people first, and only then did they expand.

“When big tech tries to force a social media app into the world without that kind of organic traction, it usually falls flat. Just look at Google+ – I’d put Meta’s Threads in the same category. Corporate infrastructure and distribution alone don’t create thriving communities. There has to be a cultural reason for the app to exist, and it has to be known for one thing. Instagram made everyone a photography expert with filters. Facebook was great for stalking your ex. LinkedIn was your online professional CV. If OpenAI wants to succeed in launching a social platform, it needs to nail this – one simple, well-defined reason to exist from day one.

“Even newer niche platforms like BeReal work because they’re culturally focused and clear in their purpose. Right now, OpenAI’s attempt feels like an “X” clone with an AI twist – but with no compelling reason why anyone should actually use it. Without that kind of cultural clarity, it’s hard to see how it’ll gain traction beyond the initial novelty.”

 

Chelsea Hopkins, Social Media & PR Manager, Fasthosts

 

 

“Since the explosion of AI in recent years, and its profound impact on corporations and the general public, it is undoubtedly going to see continued expansion across various areas. The use of Artificial Intelligence in social media is already entrenched, with many platforms using AI to power various functions including content creation and moderation, and targeted advertising. I can only see this use of AI across social media heading on an upward trajectory.

“While the younger generations may well be embracing and welcoming the use of AI, as it is likely becoming instinctive to them as they grow with the use of artificial intelligence, there is undoubtedly discourse around the morality of AI. It raises questions as to ‘where do we draw the line?’ between artificial intelligence, and the subsequent erosion of humanity, and costs to the environment that come with the runnings of AI. We only have to look as far as the recent AI ‘Doll Trend’, where individuals and businesses are using software like ChatGPT to generate a doll or action figure, and sharing this far and wide, globally, on social media platforms. Is this taking away work and creativity from real digital artists?

“Ultimately, social media, at its core, is about people. It is important to consider that while AI can be a beneficial tool for people, it may come at a cost in humanity, whereby people and human interaction and connections become compromised by technology.

“Elon Musk and Sam Altman are reportedly already in cahoots about starting a social network primarily with AI, and it’s likely either party could use their tech influence to be a leading app. From AI-powered content creation, which is already circulating social platforms, to personalised feeds, I wonder to what extent creativity, expression, art, and humanity may be compromised by technology. I believe it is likely we will see that AI could be a limitless force in the social media landscape, but whether this should be completely welcomed, is questionable.”

 

Tom Stone, co-founder, re:act

 

 

“An OpenAI social media app has the potential to shake things up.

“People are already using OpenAI tools to power content across TikTok, Instagram, and X, so building a platform that taps into that existing behaviour feels like a natural next step.

“If the app allows integration with other channels, it could become a creative hub in its own right. With OpenAI’s tech credibility and growing brand recognition, it’s not a stretch to imagine it competing with the biggest names in social.

“The key will be turning this organic momentum into something scalable, and ideally, profitable. Right now, the user base is there, it just needs a smart, seamless product to keep them engaged. If they get the UX right, it could easily become the go-to space for AI-driven creativity.”
 

Said Lopez, Head of AI, Spike

 

 
“It depends on how they position their app. They currently have one of the biggest, if not, the biggest personal data warehouse in the world. The new memory features of ChatGPT highlight the power they hold.

“From a user point of view, I would be interested to see which angle they take to get customers; but from a business point of view, it could be the most personalised platform ever.

“As consumers are not only increasingly expecting but demanding personalised experiences on social media, and wanting to be served content tailored to their preferences and interests, an OpenAI-powered app could revolutionise the market, and truly compete with established giants like TikTok and Instagram.

“Once again, the information they hold about us is tremendous. They know about everything we have asked questions about, like our company issues, our worries, our workouts… anything that went into the app.

“That’s why it’s extremely important to regulate the way in which AI is commercialised. A tool like this is very dangerous as it can extremely polarise views and people.

“As always, the customer has the last word here; but if they manage to find an interesting angle, the big winner is going to be the advertiser that joins the app, as they will be able to access consumer information at a level that has not been possible previously.”