Amid its ongoing disagreement with the U.S. Department of Defense, Anthropic’s AI-powered large model product, Claude, has experienced a notable and sustained increase in popularity among paying consumers, establishing itself as a key player in the consumer AI market. Data shows that the number of paid subscribers for Claude has doubled this year, with both new sign-ups and returning users hitting all-time highs. The vast majority of these new users have chosen the entry-level Pro plan, priced at $20 per month.

Through a combination of targeted advertising, expanded product offerings, and the rollout of innovative features, Anthropic has successfully drawn in a substantial consumer base. Despite the controversy surrounding its dealings with the U.S. Department of Defense, the company has managed to boost its brand visibility and achieve significant growth in commercial subscriptions.