Inside OpenAI’s Plan to Roll Out Ads on ChatGPT
In Focus
- OpenAI is reportedly testing ads on ChatGPT
- Several ChatGPT users have spotted ads on the chatbot
- Introducing ads on ChatGPT will boost revenue for OpenAI
OpenAI could roll out ads on ChatGPT after the AI firm reportedly started running tests on the chatbot platform. According to Gadgets360, one ChatGPT user already spotted ads on the chatbot, a strong indicator that OpenAI could be preparing for wider integration.
OpenAI to Include Ads in Specific ChatGPT responses
The U.S.-based AI firm has been weighing on adding ads to ChatGPT to diversify its revenue since August 2025. The company is developing a built-in ad system that adds sponsored product recommendations and sponsored content in specific ChatGPT responses.
OpenAI’s ad integration update represents a shift for ChatGPT, from a subscription-based tool to a hybrid ecosystem where ads support its free tier. To train and update its AI models, the AI firm needs substantial computing power.
OpenAI has been funding its compute power needs through paid plans, including enterprise subscriptions. In August 2025, the company made its chatbot accessible to millions of Indian users after it introduced ChatGPT Go in India for $4.60 per month.
The move marked a significant milestone for the AI company as it started targeting price-sensitive markets with budget-friendly options. OpenAI is testing ads on ChatGPT, barely a week after it added a shopping assistant that curates product options for users on the chatbot.
How Would Ads Benefit OpenAI?
Adding paid ads to its offerings will enable the AI firm to meet the high operational costs it incurs running an AI assistant that has attracted massive daily usage. In October 2025, OpenAI was planning to target ChatGPT ads based on memory data as it sought to enhance personalized advertising.
By bringing ads to ChatGPT, OpenAI will be able to:
- Diversify its revenue source beyond subscriptions
- Serve free-tier users without limiting the features they can access
- Compete with other search platforms that already publish ads
- Create opportunities for new partnerships and integrations
How Will Ads Appear on ChatGPT?
ChatGPT ads are expected to be more subtle and contextual compared to the conventional banner ads. OpenAI’s Lead Engineer at AIPRM revealed the new code references added to ads on the X platform. Snippets of the code were spotted in the ChatGPT’s beta app on Android.
The code references to indicate that potential ad formats might include:
- Sponsored search cards that could display paid content
- Product carousels that highlight sponsored items
- Product recommendations that include branded suggestions
- Tier-based experience where free users get ads and paid users interact with an ad-free interface
Even with these options, the ChatGPT Android ad code will only display ads when users enter queries that are naturally commercial. Ads will not appear in responses to queries that relate to sensitive topics, education, and personal advice.
