Meta Could Enter Cloud Computing Market if AI Data Centers Create Excess Capacity, Zuckerberg Says
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said his company could eventually enter the cloud computing market if its massive investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure lead to excess computing capacity.
Speaking during Meta’s annual shareholder meeting on Wednesday, Zuckerberg said competing with cloud giants like Amazon and Microsoft is “definitely on the table” if Meta overbuilds its data center infrastructure.
Zuckerberg Says Companies Are Already Asking to Buy Meta Compute Power
Zuckerberg reiterated comments he previously made during an earnings call last year, explaining that outside companies frequently approach Meta requesting access to AI-related services and computing resources.
“Almost every week there are different companies that come to us from outside asking us to both stand up an API service or asking if we have compute that they could buy from us at some premium to what we've bought it at,” Zuckerberg said.
Among the four major hyperscalers in the United States, Meta is currently the only company without a dedicated cloud infrastructure and services business. Despite that, Meta’s spending on artificial intelligence infrastructure is rapidly rising to match competitors.
Meta Raises AI Spending Guidance to Up to $145 Billion
In April, Meta increased its 2026 guidance for AI-related capital expenditures to between $125 billion and $145 billion. The previous forecast ranged from $115 billion to $135 billion.
Even though the company posted better-than-expected first-quarter earnings, Meta shares still fell 7% as investors expressed concern about the company’s aggressive AI spending strategy.
Zuckerberg emphasized that Meta currently plans to use most of its computing power internally. However, he acknowledged that renting out excess compute capacity could become a future business opportunity if the company overbuilds infrastructure.
“We haven't done that yet because we think that we have a use for the compute,” Zuckerberg said Wednesday. “Obviously if we get to a point where we feel that we have overbuilt, then that is an option that we have, and that is partially what gives us confidence in investing in building this out.”
Meta Plans Long-Term Monetization for AI Assistants
Zuckerberg also discussed Meta’s growing focus on AI-powered personal assistants and long-term monetization opportunities surrounding generative AI services.
The CEO said that as AI assistants become more advanced and valuable to users, Meta could eventually charge for premium versions with higher computing power and expanded capabilities.
“People will be more important in the future, not less, and as people inevitably want to get more out of these agents, there will be an opportunity to charge for premium or high compute versions,” Zuckerberg said.
Currently, Meta offers several AI-related features for businesses on WhatsApp, though those services remain free. Zuckerberg confirmed that the company is actively working on establishing a long-term monetization strategy.
Meta AI Subscription Plans Launching in Select Countries
Separately, Meta announced on Wednesday that it will begin testing paid monthly subscription plans for its Meta AI app and website. This marks the first time the company will directly charge users for AI features.
The subscription plans will cost either $7.99 or $19.99 per month depending on available features and compute access.
The initial rollout will take place in Singapore, Guatemala, and Bolivia.
Zuckerberg previously hinted at subscription-based AI products during last year’s shareholder meeting, suggesting that Meta could eventually offer paid plans that allow users to access greater levels of AI compute power.
Meta Expands AI Ambitions Beyond Social Media
Meta’s latest comments highlight the company’s broader ambitions in artificial intelligence, cloud infrastructure, and premium AI services. As competition intensifies among major technology companies, Meta appears to be positioning itself as both an AI platform and a potential future cloud computing provider.