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ByteDance needs to monetise its AI chatbot. But will Chinese users pay?

ByteDance is testing tiered plans for Doubao as 10 of 12 mainland users surveyed said they would not pay, citing price and weak work performance.

Summary by South China Morning Post
Doubao’s pay plans mark a turning point for China’s chatbot sector, but user reluctance raises doubts about their viability.

2 Articles

The Korea TimesThe Korea Times
Lean Left

ByteDance's AI subscription gamble: chatbot faces reality check in China

Chloe Wang, a 26-year-old fund employee in Shenzhen, said she "definitely wouldn't" pay for a subscription to Doubao, Chinese tech giant ByteDance'...

·Korea (the Republic of)
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South China Morning PostSouth China Morning Post
Center

ByteDance needs to monetise its AI chatbot. But will Chinese users pay?

Doubao’s pay plans mark a turning point for China’s chatbot sector, but user reluctance raises doubts about their viability.

·Hong Kong
Read Full Article
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  • 50% of the sources lean Left, 50% of the sources are Center
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South China Morning Post broke the news in Hong Kong on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
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