# ByteDance may face challenges as it moves to offer paid subscription plans on Doubao.

*fintech · news · 2026-05-07 · South China Morning Post*

## Key points

- ByteDance is planning to introduce paid subscription plans for its Doubao AI app.
- A survey of 12 Chinese AI users found 10 unwilling to pay for Doubao’s current features.
- Users cite high prices and less impressive work task performance compared to overseas AI tools.
- Doubao is mainly used for simple tasks; users doubt its value as a paid productivity tool.

**Companies:** OpenAI, ByteDance
**Countries:** China, United States

[Read the full story on South China Morning Post](https://www.scmp.com/tech/tech-trends/article/3352661/bytedances-ai-subscription-gamble-chatbot-faces-reality-check-china)

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