OpenAI to Introduce Ads on ChatGPT for Some Users

OpenAI has announced its intention to roll out advertisements on ChatGPT, targeting certain users in the U.S. This move aims to generate additional revenue from its AI chatbots, which are expensive to develop.

Starting soon, users of the free tier and the lower-cost Go plan—available globally—will begin to see ads. Importantly, these ads will be distinct from the responses generated by ChatGPT.

Conversely, those subscribed to the more premium Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise plans won’t encounter any ads. OpenAI reassures that these advertisements won’t influence ChatGPT’s responses and insists user conversations will remain private and not be shared with advertisers.

This decision represents a notable change for OpenAI, which has primarily depended on subscription models. The company faces significant pressure to boost its revenue as it invests heavily in data center infrastructure and gears up for an anticipated initial public offering.

OpenAI projects that its spend on artificial intelligence infrastructure could exceed $1 trillion by 2030, yet hasn’t detailed its specific funding strategies.

Analysts suggest that while the introduction of ads might create a substantial revenue stream from ChatGPT’s 800 million active users weekly, it could also alienate some users and potentially damage their trust in the platform.

If users find the ads to be bothersome, they might easily switch to competitors like Google’s Gemini or Anthropic’s Claude, noted eMarketer analyst Jeremy Goldman.

Moreover, OpenAI’s strategy could challenge competitors who claim to offer “ad-free by design” services, pushing them to clarify how they intend to monetize their products.

OpenAI has clarified it won’t show ads to users under 18 and plans to restrict ads related to sensitive subjects such as health and politics.

According to the company, the ads will appear at the bottom of ChatGPT responses when relevant sponsored products or services are identified. The ChatGPT Go plan will initially launch in India and, later on, in the U.S. for $8 a month, as announced by the Microsoft-supported startup.