#United States #New York #AI tools #OpenAI #Consumer Edge

Unprecedented Growth in Consumer AI Spending

According to a recent report by Consumer Edge, a leading provider of consumer data-driven insights, there has been a staggering 116% increase in consumer spending on AI tools in the U.S. during the first half of 2025, compared to the same period last year. This growth signifies not just a trend, but a shift in the way consumers integrate AI into their everyday lives.

Leading the Charge: OpenAI

OpenAI is at the forefront of this AI spending surge, commanding an impressive 40% share of the consumer AI market. Notably, its ChatGPT Pro subscription has experienced a jaw-dropping 1,100% increase in revenue year-over-year. This incredible growth illustrates how companies can harness the power of AI to deliver exceptional value to their customers.

Rising Competitors

In addition to OpenAI, other players in the AI sector are also witnessing significant growth. Perplexity, an AI-driven search engine, has reported close to 300% growth with impressive customer retention rates. On the other hand, xAI, known for its Grok chatbot integrated with social platform X, has achieved revenue figures approximately two-thirds of those reported by Perplexity, showcasing the competitive landscape that continues to evolve.

Boom in AI Video and Business Tools

The report highlights a poignant shift in consumer content creation preferences, with AI video tools experiencing a remarkable 54% year-over-year growth. Platforms such as Runway and Invideo now account for one-third of spending in the video and art categories. Users are increasingly opting for dynamic content over traditional static formats, utilizing these tools to create professional-quality explainer videos and marketing clips.

Business tools are also gaining traction as the demand for efficient productivity solutions grows amidst the hybrid work environment. Otter.ai leads the category with a 40% market share, showing a nearly 30% growth year-over-year. Meanwhile, competitors like Fireflies.ai and Read AI have more than doubled their revenues, further emphasizing the ongoing adoption of AI in professional workflows.

Engineering and Text Tools on the Rise

The engineering-focused AI category continues to thrive, with Anthropic leading the charge, capturing nearly 70% of the spending in this segment. New entrants such as Codeium and Cursor are experiencing astronomical growth, boasting year-over-year increases of over 8,000% and 3,000%, respectively.

In the realm of text tools, platforms like Speechify and ElevenLabs grew over 70% year-over-year, evidencing the sustained demand for voice and transcription solutions. However, QuillBot, a general-purpose AI writing assistant, has only shown single-digit growth, suggesting a potential maturity in the market for these types of services.

AI as a Core Component of Daily Life

Michael Gunther, Vice President and Head of Insights at Consumer Edge, remarked, "AI is becoming deeply woven into the way people live and work. Consumers are spending significant amounts of money on AI tools, developing lasting habits across their jobs and creative hobbies. This data demonstrates that AI has moved beyond novelty; it's becoming a defining driver of the consumer economy."

Conclusion

Consumer Edge currently tracks more than 130 AI brands across various categories, including productivity, engineering, art and video, text tools, and business solutions. As this landscape continues to evolve, the importance of AI tools in driving consumer behavior and spending patterns cannot be overstated. The integration of these technologies into everyday life signifies a pivotal moment in the ongoing digital transformation affecting both individuals and businesses.