OpenAI tests advertising as new revenue stream
OpenAI has begun introducing advertisements to users of ChatGPT’s free version, marking a new phase in the company’s efforts to monetize its widely used artificial intelligence platform. The change applies to users in the United States on the free tier and the lower-cost Go subscription, which is priced at $8 per month.
The move represents a notable shift in how users interact with ChatGPT, which until now has been largely ad-free across its consumer offerings.
Ads limited to lower-tier plans
OpenAI said advertising will not appear for subscribers on higher-priced plans, including Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Education tiers. Users who wish to avoid ads entirely can upgrade to one of those plans.
Free-tier users may also opt out of advertising, but this will come with restrictions on usage, signaling a trade-off between cost, access, and experience.
Company seeks to balance monetization and trust
The company emphasized that advertisements will not influence how ChatGPT generates responses. According to OpenAI, sponsored content will be clearly labeled and kept separate from AI-generated answers.
Management said the goal is to use advertising revenue to support broader access to advanced features while preserving user trust, particularly for sensitive or personal use cases.
How ad targeting will work
Ads will be shown based on the context of user interactions rather than personal data disclosure. OpenAI said ads are matched to conversation topics, prior chats, and previous engagements with advertisements.
For example, a user asking for cooking ideas may see promotions related to grocery delivery or meal preparation services.
Privacy safeguards emphasized
OpenAI stressed that advertisers will not receive access to user chat histories or personal information. The company framed the ad model as context-aware rather than identity-based, aiming to limit privacy concerns.
At the same time, OpenAI has invited advertisers to participate in the pilot program as it evaluates demand and effectiveness.
Ads add another layer to ChatGPT’s business model
The introduction of advertising follows OpenAI’s earlier statements that subscription fees alone may not be sufficient to support long-term growth. With ChatGPT now serving hundreds of millions of users, ads introduce a scalable revenue channel alongside paid plans.
The outcome of the pilot is likely to shape how prominently advertising features in ChatGPT going forward, as the company balances user experience with the economics of operating large-scale AI systems.
