ChatGPT Integrates Ads: AI's New Revenue Frontier?

OpenAI has announced it will start testing advertisements within its ChatGPT application for some users in the United States. This development aims to broaden the company's customer reach and diversify its revenue sources. The banner ads are slated to appear in the coming weeks for users logged into the free version of ChatGPT, as well as those on the new $8 per month ChatGPT Go plan, which has now become globally available.

Users who subscribe to OpenAI's higher-tier plans, including Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise, will not encounter any advertisements. According to OpenAI's official blog post, the ads are planned to be displayed at the bottom of ChatGPT's responses, specifically when a relevant sponsored product or service is available. These advertisements will be clearly labeled and separated from the generated content to maintain clarity.

This advertising initiative follows OpenAI's earlier introduction of shopping features within ChatGPT Search in April 2025. The company, alongside competitors like Google, is exploring advertising as a means to generate revenue from AI services. OpenAI's CEO of applications, Fidji Simo, stated that while their subscription and enterprise businesses are robust, they believe ads can contribute to making AI more accessible to a wider audience through a diverse revenue model.