OpenAI has announced that it will begin testing advertisements within its ChatGPT platform, targeting free users in the United States. This decision is anticipated to create a new revenue stream for the company, which has previously focused primarily on subscription-based services. The ads will not be included in OpenAI's Plus, Pro, and Enterprise subscription plans. Additionally, the newly launched Go offering will also feature ads for users opting for this lower-cost plan.
OpenAI's CEO, Sam Altman, highlighted that this initiative could help the company meet its significant spending commitments, particularly given that digital advertising has traditionally been a profitable sector for major tech firms such as Google and Meta. In 2025, OpenAI secured over $1.4 trillion in infrastructure deals and reported an annual revenue run rate of $20 billion.
The advertisements will be clearly labeled and will appear at the bottom of ChatGPT responses. OpenAI has stated that ads will not influence the content generated by the chatbot, and it will not sell user data to advertisers. Furthermore, users under 18 will not see ads, and advertisements will be excluded from discussions on sensitive subjects such as politics and health.
Despite expressing prior concerns about the potential impact of ads on user trust, Altman acknowledged that testing ads was a possibility. OpenAI has committed to refining the advertisement experience based on user feedback, emphasizing its dedication to maintaining user trust and prioritizing user needs throughout this new endeavor.