Google Bard beta tester: how can you join?

A guide to joining the Bard beta program

Funmi Looi Somoye

Funmi Looi Somoye

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Latest: As of March 21st, access to the Google Bard beta tester pool is incredibly unlikely. Google Bard’s release date seems to have arrived.

As such, Google Bard has moved to select ‘public’ access. However, if there’s useful, additional, information on being a Google Bard beta tester we will update the below.

Google Bard Beta tester info

There’s always something special about testing out new software before other members of the public. It’s thrilling to have access to completely unseen tools and to be among the first to launch the new user interface.

At the moment, Google Bard is only available to a select group of users. In a February blog post Google’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, stated that Bard will become “widely available to the public in the coming weeks”.

But how do you gain access to the Google Bard beta? Previously, according to multiple sources, you could have gained access to the chatbot by receiving an API key directly from Google.

With this special API key came the ability to make requests to the model, allowing you to chat with Bard AI. It is unclear, however, if Google is still accepting beta tester applications.

Google Bard Access

So, let’s see how you can become a Google beta tester. It is important to note, that it is very difficult to be sent the Google Bard beta access code – if you still even can.

The tech giant carefully handpicked a limited group of users to participate in testing and feedback. They have pretty strict expectations and will only select those who will use the bot in an ethical and responsible manner.

This seems to be the approach being taken with the now public release too, and is not dissimilar to some of Google’s better-known services – even Gmail was originally-invite only when it first arrived.

Is Google opening Bard chatbot to beta testers?

With a recent announcement, Google have made the beta version of Bard available to the public. However, there’s a limited number of users allowed, so you’ll have to sign up to the waitlist.

How do I become a Google beta tester?

Although Google’s rules are fairly strict, you can still look to be added to the ranks of beta testers as Google does allow members of the public to request consideration. Here are the steps you need to follow to become a Google beta tester:

  1. First things first head to the Google Beta Testing website.
  2. Create an account by signing up, or log in if you already have one.
  3. Select ‘become a tester’ on the testing program homepage, and that’s it. If approved, you should now be an official Google beta tester.

Do Google beta testers get paid?

Not an easy question to answer. Companies often use beta testers for external feedback (think iOS public beta releases), and this testing doesn’t always mean being paid.

Internal testers would get paid, and the website Glassdoor – where employees can review companies anonymously – does list ‘Google Beta Testing’ salaries.

However, it isn’t possible to know the specifics of remuneration since this information is clearly sensitive. This also means it’s unclear who has been paid what for testing which of Google products.

Final Thoughts

Google’s latest chatbot, Bard, is set to be a direct competitor to OpenAI’s infamous ChatGPT. Once fully released we expect to see a full-on battle between these AI chatbots – Bard AI vs Chat GPT.

Until then, the only ways you can use Google Bard is by trying your luck using the method we have outlined above, or joining the public waitlist and being selected. If you are interested in other articles about AI, why not read ChatGPT, AI apps and the future: with Dr Matthew Shardlow.