Introduction
The evolution of AI technology has been remarkable, profoundly changing our lives and work. OpenAI’s GPTs, in particular, is a groundbreaking service that allows anyone to develop their own AI applications (AI tools) and monetize them, all without requiring any programming knowledge. This article provides a comprehensive and detailed explanation of the entire process, from developing GPTs to monetizing them, ensuring complete understanding even for beginners.
What are GPTs? Fundamental Knowledge
GPTs are a platform provided by OpenAI that enables the creation of custom AI applications based on the GPT-4 model. While traditional AI development demanded specialized programming skills and vast datasets, GPTs simplify this process. By using natural language instructions (prompts) and simple configurations, users can build AI tools tailored for specific purposes. Examples include specialized assistants for particular fields, writing enhancement tools, or idea generation tools, with limitless possibilities.
Mechanisms and Features of GPTs
- Customization through Prompt Engineering: Users instruct GPTs on their intended role and the information they should base their responses on, using natural language.
- Adding Knowledge (Knowledge): By uploading external documents (PDFs, text files, etc.), GPTs can be trained on specific information or knowledge. This allows for the creation of AI tools specialized in niche areas.
- Actions: Integration with external services (e.g., weather APIs, database search APIs) is possible through API connections. This significantly expands the functionality of GPTs, enabling the creation of more interactive tools.
- Visual Interface: An intuitive GUI (Graphical User Interface) facilitates easy development, even for those without programming experience.
- GPT Store: Developed GPTs can be published on OpenAI’s GPT Store for other users to access and utilize.
How to Create GPTs: A Step-by-Step Guide
This section details the specific steps involved in creating a GPT.
Step 1: Accessing the GPT Creation Screen
A ChatGPT Plus or Enterprise account is required. Access the ‘Explore’ or ‘My GPTs’ section within the ChatGPT interface and click the ‘Create a GPT’ button.
Step 2: Configuration in the GPT Builder
The GPT Builder consists of ‘Create’ and ‘Configure’ tabs.
2-1. Interactive Configuration on the ‘Create’ Tab
On the ‘Create’ tab, you build your GPT through conversation with the AI (GPT Builder). First, clearly describe the type of GPT you wish to create to the AI.
Example: ‘I want to create a GPT that answers questions about Japanese history, particularly the Sengoku period. It should be able to explain related figures and events in an easy-to-understand manner.’
Based on this instruction, the AI will suggest a name, icon, and initial prompts for your GPT. You can refine these elements through further conversation.
2-2. Detailed Settings on the ‘Configure’ Tab
The ‘Configure’ tab allows for more detailed settings:
- Name: Set the name of your GPT.
- Description: Provide a summary of your GPT.
- Profile Picture: Assign an icon to your GPT.
- Instructions: This is the most crucial part, defining the GPT’s behavior. Describe its role, constraints, and desired output in detail as a prompt. For example: ‘You are an expert in Japanese history, especially the Sengoku period. Respond to user questions professionally and clearly. Include relevant figures, events, and historical context. However, avoid delving into modern history or other periods unless directly related to the Sengoku period.’
- Conversation Starters: Set up example questions to help users begin interacting with your GPT.
- Knowledge: Upload files (PDFs, text files, etc.) containing specific information you want the GPT to know. This enables the GPT to answer based on the uploaded content.
- Capabilities: Enable or disable features like Web Browsing, DALL-E Image Generation, and Code Interpreter.
- Actions: Configure API integrations. By preparing an OpenAPI Specification (Swagger) file and defining API endpoints, HTTP methods, and parameters, you can enable interaction with external services.
Step 3: Testing and Publishing
Once configurations are complete, test your GPT in the preview pane on the left. Click ‘Update’ to save and then select the visibility scope (Only me, Only people with the link, Public via GPT Store).
Monetizing GPTs: The GPT Store Mechanism
Your created GPTs can be published on OpenAI’s GPT Store, offering a path to generate revenue.
GPT Store Monetization Model
OpenAI has announced a revenue-sharing model for the GPT Store. This model aims to distribute revenue to developers based on GPT usage. While specific percentages are yet to be detailed, revenue is generally expected to be influenced by factors such as:
- Usage Frequency: How many users are utilizing the GPT.
- Usage Time/Tokens: The total time users spend interacting with the GPT or the number of tokens processed.
- Engagement: How interested users are, and their continued interaction with the GPT.
- Uniqueness and Value: How unique and valuable the GPT is compared to other GPTs or existing tools.
Strategies for Monetization
Several strategies can be employed to generate income from GPTs:
- Targeting Niche Markets: GPTs focused on specific professional fields or hobbies tend to face less competition and attract dedicated user bases.
- Providing High Added Value: GPTs offering unique functionalities or efficiently solving user problems will attract a large audience.
- Continuous Improvement: Gathering user feedback and consistently refining the GPT’s features and response accuracy is crucial.
- Promotion: Actively promoting your GPTs through social media, blogs, etc., can be highly effective.
- Leveraging Actions: Utilizing API integrations (Actions) to connect with external services can provide more versatile and practical tools, enhancing user satisfaction and increasing usage frequency.
Case Studies: Examples of Successful GPTs
Here are some concrete examples of GPTs that are succeeding or have the potential to succeed:
Example 1: Specialized AI Assistant for Professionals
GPT Name: ‘Legal Assistant GPT’
Description: Assists with drafting legal documents, aids in case law research, and explains legal terminology. By uploading legal documents to ‘Knowledge’ and providing detailed instructions in ‘Instructions’, it significantly enhances the work efficiency of lawyers and legal professionals.
Monetization Point: Offers high added value for specific professional roles. High usage frequency and potential for continued use.
Example 2: Educational and Learning Support Tool
GPT Name: ‘Language Learning Partner GPT’
Description: Facilitates foreign language conversation practice, grammar checks, vocabulary learning, and answers questions about culture. Utilizes role-playing features and DALL-E for image generation (visualizing learning content).
Monetization Point: Caters to a wide range of learning needs. High engagement due to interactive features.
Example 3: Creative Support Tool
GPT Name: ‘Story Idea Generator GPT’
Description: Helps generate ideas for novels, scripts, and games. Suggests diverse plot developments and settings based on genre, theme, and character details. Can also generate character design concepts using DALL-E.
Monetization Point: Stimulates creators’ imagination by providing unique ideas.
Example 4: Business Efficiency Tool
GPT Name: ‘Meeting Minutes Assistant GPT’
Description: Automatically summarizes and creates meeting minutes from audio files or text. Uses Code Interpreter for speech recognition and text processing. Extracts key points, action items, and assigns responsible parties.
Monetization Point: Solves concrete problems in business settings. Saves time by automating routine tasks.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Developing GPTs
Advantages
- No Programming Required: Dramatically lowers the barrier to AI development, allowing anyone with an idea to participate.
- Rapid Development: Natural language instructions and GUI operations enable quick prototyping and iteration.
- Low Cost: No significant expenses for development environment setup or acquiring specialized knowledge.
- Monetization Potential: Offers opportunities to deploy AI tools globally via the GPT Store and earn revenue.
- Infinite Possibilities: Adaptable to a wide range of applications, from task-specific AI to complex business support AI.
Disadvantages
- Requires ChatGPT Plus/Enterprise: Creating and using GPTs necessitates a subscription to OpenAI’s paid plan.
- Dependency on OpenAI: Risks associated with platform specification changes, terms of service updates, or service discontinuation.
- Monetization Uncertainty: The GPT Store’s revenue-sharing model is not yet fully established, and monetization is not guaranteed.
- Increasing Competition: The low barrier to entry means similar GPTs are likely to proliferate, intensifying competition.
- Quality Control: Depending on uploaded knowledge files or action configurations, GPTs might exhibit unintended behavior or provide inaccurate information, necessitating thorough testing and quality management.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Do I need special skills to create GPTs?
A1: No, programming skills are not required at all. You can create them by providing instructions in natural language and configuring settings via the GUI. However, having a clear idea of the AI you want to build and the logical thinking to communicate it to the AI are important.
Q2: Does using GPTs cost money?
A2: Creating and publishing GPTs requires a ChatGPT Plus or Enterprise subscription. When other users utilize your GPTs, there might be costs involved depending on the type of GPT and OpenAI’s monetization model (e.g., purchases on the GPT Store or usage-based fees).
Q3: How much revenue can I earn with GPTs?
A3: Currently, OpenAI has not disclosed specific revenue-sharing percentages or income caps for developers. Revenue will vary based on factors like GPT usage frequency, duration, and the value provided. While significant earnings are possible, there is no guarantee.
Q4: How can I share the GPTs I create?
A4: You can share your GPTs in three ways: ‘Only me’, ‘Only people with the link’, and ‘Public via GPT Store’. Publishing on the GPT Store allows global access and expands monetization opportunities.
Q5: What are ‘Actions’ that allow GPTs to integrate with external services?
A5: ‘Actions’ are features that enable GPTs to connect with external APIs. For example, a GPT can retrieve real-time weather information by integrating with a weather API or search for data by connecting to a database API. This significantly extends the GPT’s capabilities, allowing for the creation of more dynamic and practical applications.
Conclusion
GPTs represent an innovative platform that empowers anyone to develop AI applications without programming and monetize them through the GPT Store. Advanced customization options, such as adding specific knowledge and integrating APIs, open up vast application possibilities. While challenges like the need for paid subscriptions and monetization uncertainties exist, leveraging this new technology offers significant potential for individual ideas to become businesses and generate new revenue streams. Using the information in this article as a guide, embark on creating your unique GPTs and seize the new opportunities of the AI era.
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