OpenAI touts broadening Codex usage with 5 million weekly active users

OpenAI said Codex has more than 5 million weekly active users with knowledge workers representing 20% of users and growing rapidly.

In a report on Codex usage, OpenAI outlined the metrics for Codex, which is broadening out to be more than a code tool. Make no mistake that the purpose of the OpenAI report is to reclaim some buzz for Codex vs. Anthropic's Claude franchise, notably Claude Cowork.

With OpenAI and Anthropic both headed to the public markets, you'll likely see a drumbeat of dueling headlines. Nevertheless, OpenAI's report confirms what we've been hearing anecdotally--Codex is used widely and the audience is broadening. OpenAI's ability to deliver via Codex without restrictions has been a big win and the launch of its desktop app juiced usage.

OpenAI said:

"The data suggests a broader shift is underway. Knowledge workers primarily use Codex to create reports, spreadsheets, presentations, contracts, and other work products. They are also increasingly using it for research, data analysis, workflow automation, and building lightweight tools that previously required engineering support."

The reality is Codex is often being used alongside of Claude Cowork and Code. What'll be interesting is how other tools get incorporated into the work engine mix.

For now, OpenAI looks like its developer share for Codex has fallen off with gains in knowledge workers.

Here's a look at the fastest growing Codex use cases from OpenAI's report. Note that these are week-over-week gains and should be used directionally.

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