Artificial intelligence never ceases to amaze us. Every month, a new tool becomes a trend, and this time the spotlight is on Deep Research , a feature that aims to improve online research. If you haven’t tried it yet, get ready: we’re talking about a major leap forward in the way you can obtain detailed information on any topic. And the best part is that ChatGPT , the well-known OpenAI assistant, has just made it more accessible.
What exactly is Deep Research?
Imagine having an assistant that, in minutes, scans hundreds of web pages—from academic articles to Reddit threads—synthesizes key data, and delivers a structured report. That’s Deep Research. We’re talking about an advancement that has the ability to perform tasks that would normally take hours (or days) for a human.
The concept isn’t new. Gemini, another AI platform, launched its version of Deep Research late last year. However, OpenAI responded with a decisive move: in less than two months, it introduced its own tool based on the O3 model, initially exclusive to paying subscribers. The key to all this is the approach these developments offer: AI doesn’t just search for information, but makes decisions about which sources are relevant, how to compare data, and even how to prioritize findings. For many, this will be positive; for others, it will be a complete replacement.
ChatGPT opens the doors to this tool for everyone
OpenAI has announced that a “light” version of Deep Research is on the way, even for free ChatGPT users . The reason? According to the company, the new O4-mini model offers intelligence almost equivalent to the original version, but with lower operating costs. Translation: now more people can use the tool without crashing the servers.
But beware: there are details you should know. Free users have a limit of 5 queries per month. If you need more, you’ll need to subscribe to the Plus, Team, or Pro plans. For those who pay, the advantages are clear:
- Plus and Team: 10 consultations with original Deep Research + 125 in light version.
- Pro: 125 original queries + 125 light ones.
- Enterprise: 10 original queries (ideal for companies that prioritize depth).
Therefore, everyone using ChatGPT is given the option to use it, but once premium consultations are exhausted, even subscribers are automatically relegated to the light version until the monthly reset. However, OpenAI ensures that quality is maintained: reports will be more concise, but just as rigorous.
How to use Deep Research in ChatGPT?
If you want to try this feature, follow these steps below, which, as you’ll see, are really simple:
- Access ChatGPT (web version or app).
- Enter a specific prompt. An example to illustrate the tool’s capabilities is: “Research in-depth developments in electric car batteries, including expert opinions and controversies. Use academic sources and technical forums.”
- Wait 2-3 minutes. You’ll see the AI display the steps it follows in real time: source search, credibility assessment, synthesis.
- You’ll then receive your report with organized sections, key quotes, and even charts if you use the paid version.
Another step in the paradigm shift
The arrival of Deep Research to ChatGPT, especially with the arrival of its free version, is generally good news. It’s not just about saving time: it’s about how we interact with information in the digital age. The next step? Perhaps we’ll see AI designing its own research methodologies or integrating real-time data from social media.
