OpenAI tests advertising as a new revenue stream
ChatGPT will begin displaying advertisements alongside answers for users in the United States, as OpenAI looks to diversify its revenue beyond subscriptions. The company announced on Friday that ads will be tested initially only for U.S. users.
The advertisements are expected to roll out in the coming weeks and will appear above or below responses, not embedded within them. According to mock-ups shared by OpenAI, ads will be shown in a clearly marked, tinted box.
Ads tied to conversation context
OpenAI said ads will be shown to adult users only when there is a relevant sponsored product or service related to the ongoing conversation. Users under the age of 18 will not see ads.
The company also said ads will not appear next to responses involving sensitive topics such as health, mental health, or politics. Users will be able to view explanations about why a specific ad was shown to them.
Shift from earlier resistance to advertising
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has previously expressed discomfort with advertising in ChatGPT, calling ads an aesthetic concern. However, he has also acknowledged the need to fund massive investments in AI infrastructure, which OpenAI has said could exceed $1 trillion over time.
Altman has stated that any advertising model would require a high bar to ensure it does not interfere with the integrity of ChatGPT’s responses or undermine user trust.
Subscriptions remain a core business
In a blog post, OpenAI emphasized that enterprise and subscription offerings remain strong, with annualized revenue exceeding $13 billion. The company said advertising would complement, not replace, its existing business model.
Alongside the ad announcement, OpenAI introduced ChatGPT Go, a new lower-cost subscription tier priced at $8 per month.
