Squarespace has launched subscription features to help its users earn revenue from their content. Users can generate revenue from their articles by adding a paywall to their blog, setting the price, and choosing a one-time fee or recurring subscription. Video creators can monetize content by charging for access to their library or placing a paywall directly on a video player. Squarespace users can sell individual pieces of content or bundle various content types.

Squarespace has recently introduced AI image and text generation features, marking a significant update to its platform. This move aligns with a broader trend in web design, where various website builders are incorporating AI tools to streamline the design process. Squarespace's new Blueprint AI platform automatically populates websites with AI-generated content, raising questions about the authenticity and originality of such creations. The integration of AI-generated imagery and text aims to enhance user experience by providing a quick way to visualize how a website might look. Squarespace claims that the images produced are aesthetically pleasing and inspirational, with users able to customize the tone and style of the content based on their brand personality. This feature is particularly appealing to small business owners and creatives who may not have access to high-quality stock images or the resources to create original content. However, there are concerns among users, especially creatives, about the implications of using AI-generated content. Many worry that the generic nature of AI imagery could detract from the uniqueness of their portfolios or brands. Additionally, there are legal and ethical considerations regarding the training of AI models, as some of the technology used by Squarespace relies on publicly available models from companies like Google and OpenAI. This has led to questions about the safety and legality of using such images commercially, especially given ongoing lawsuits against these companies related to the use of artists' works in training datasets. Despite these concerns, Squarespace's AI features could be beneficial for users looking to quickly prototype their websites or for those who prefer to use AI-generated content rather than traditional stock images. The platform's approach allows users to see a more tailored representation of their site, which could be particularly useful for specific niches, such as wedding photography or service-based businesses. As the landscape of web design continues to evolve with AI technology, Squarespace's latest offerings reflect a growing demand for tools that simplify the design process while also sparking debate about the future of creativity in the digital space.