Nomura published a research report stating that, Doubao, the most popular consumer AI chatbot in mainland China under ByteDance, launched a subscription plan on May 4 with four tiers: a basic free version, a standard version at RMB68 per month, an enhanced version at RMB200 per month, and a professional version at RMB500 per month.This marks the first time a major AI chatbot in mainland China has introduced a paid subscription plan. The broker believed the move carries significant implications for the overall AI chatbot market. Doubao maintains a leading position in the mainland consumer AI chatbot market, with 133 million DAUs in March, way beyond the 29 million of Tongyi Qianwen under BABA-W (09988.HK) +1.000 (+0.794%) Short selling $961.22M; Ratio 11.256% . As the user base and usage time grow rapidly, the free model may result in mounting cost pressures, prompting ByteDance to roll out the subscription plan.Related News Citi: TENCENT (00700.HK) Mgmt Optimistic on AI Progress; Domestic Chip Supply Expected to ImproveNomura said it remains uncertain whether Doubao's competitors, including Alibaba Group Holding Limited (BABA.US) , DeepSeek and TENCENT (00700.HK) +2.400 (+0.547%) Short selling $865.79M; Ratio 8.160% , will follow suit, but it expects the entire market to eventually transition to a subscription model. After recently adjusting its strategy for Tongyi Qianwen, Alibaba may prioritize the development of more commercializable agent-based models. Within the mainland internet sector, Nomura maintained its Buy ratings on Alibaba (BABA.US) , TENCENT (00700.HK) +2.400 (+0.547%) Short selling $865.79M; Ratio 8.160% and J&T EXPRESS-W (01519.HK) +0.180 (+2.128%) Short selling $84.75M; Ratio 20.666% . (HK stocks quote is delayed for at least 15 mins.Short Selling Data as at 2026-05-22 16:25.) (Real-time Streaming US Stocks Quote; Except All OTC quotes are at least 15 minutes delayed.)
AASTOCKS Financial News