OpenAI gets new domain Chat.com

OpenAI has made a major acquisition, securing Chat.com, one of the internet’s oldest and most iconic domain names, originally registered in 1996. Starting today, anyone who visits Chat.com will be redirected to ChatGPT, OpenAI’s flagship AI chatbot. The news was initially teased by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman with a simple tweet saying “Chat.com,” sparking curiosity. Later, an OpenAI spokesperson confirmed the acquisition to TechCrunch, though the company did not disclose the price paid for the domain.

Chat.com, a highly valuable and recognized asset, has long been a sought-after domain due to the premium “Chat” keyword, making it a prime piece of digital real estate in the tech industry. Last year, Dharmesh Shah, co-founder and CTO of HubSpot, bought the domain for a reported $15.5 million, one of the largest domain sales in history. In March, Shah hinted at selling the domain to an undisclosed buyer, and today, he confirmed that OpenAI is the new owner, even suggesting he received shares in OpenAI as part of the deal.

While the acquisition of Chat.com is a significant move, it doesn’t appear to be part of a broader rebranding effort for OpenAI. Instead of using the domain to create a separate brand, the domain will simply redirect to ChatGPT, further boosting the visibility of OpenAI’s popular chatbot. This could be a strategic effort to broaden access to ChatGPT and enhance brand recognition, especially as the chatbot continues to grow in popularity.

The acquisition of Chat.com signals OpenAI’s ongoing push to solidify its position as a leader in AI-driven communication. By owning such a prestigious domain, OpenAI is making a statement about its commitment to making AI more accessible and recognizable to the public. While the details of the deal remain under wraps, industry experts are already speculating on the long-term impact of this acquisition on the future of AI.

For now, OpenAI is keeping quiet on any future plans for Chat.com, but the acquisition is a clear indication of how seriously the company is taking its mission to shape the future of AI communication.