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ChatGPT Ads Launch: OpenAI's New Monetization Strategy
OpenAI begins testing ads beneath ChatGPT conversations, source says
The move marks the first time the chatbot’s free tier will host paid content directly in the user interface. While the model itself remains unchanged, a small banner‑style slot will sit below each conversation, separating the dialogue from any promotional material. Industry observers have long wondered how the company will fund the expensive compute behind its service, especially as usage climbs.
A source familiar with the rollout told CNBC that the experiment is meant to gauge user tolerance and advertiser interest without disrupting the core experience. The placement is deliberately low‑key, aiming to keep the chat flow intact while still delivering measurable impressions. According to that insider, the firm does not expect advertising to dominate its earnings picture; it “expects ads to make up less than half of its revenue long term.” This cautious approach hints at a broader monetization strategy that balances free access with incremental revenue streams.
OpenAI will reportedly start testing ads in ChatGPT today.
OpenAI will reportedly start testing ads in ChatGPT today The ads will appear in a separate area beneath your chat. The ads will appear in a separate area beneath your chat. A source close to the situation tells CNBC that OpenAI "expects ads to make up less than half of its revenue long term." Last week, Anthropic showed off a Super Bowl commercial poking fun at OpenAI, saying "ads are coming to AI," but not to its AI chatbot Claude.
The version of the ad that aired during the game was a little less direct after OpenAI CEO Sam Altman called the campaign "clearly dishonest." OpenAI will show ads to logged-in users who use the app for free or subscribe to its cheaper Go subscription. The company says it will "keep your conversations with ChatGPT private from advertisers," but notes that the ads will still be "optimized based on what's most helpful to you." Advertisers won't have an impact on ChatGPT's answers, according to OpenAI.
Will users notice the change? OpenAI has begun placing clearly labeled advertisements in a dedicated strip beneath ChatGPT conversations, a move the company announced last month and now puts into practice. The ads sit apart from the dialogue, so the interface remains visually distinct.
A source close to the rollout told CNBC that OpenAI expects advertising to account for less than half of its long‑term revenue, suggesting the model is meant to complement, not replace, existing monetisation streams. The decision raises questions about how the presence of commercial content might affect user experience, especially for those who rely on the tool for uninterrupted assistance. Because the test is just starting, data on click‑through rates, user satisfaction and any impact on subscription uptake remain unavailable.
OpenAI’s cautious phrasing—“expects ads to make up less than half of its revenue long term”—implies uncertainty about the ultimate financial contribution of this channel. Only the forthcoming test results will clarify whether the approach balances revenue goals with the platform’s core purpose.
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Common Questions Answered
Which ChatGPT users will see ads during the initial testing phase?
OpenAI will begin testing ads for free ChatGPT users and ChatGPT Go subscribers in the United States. Paid tiers like Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise subscriptions will remain completely ad-free during this initial rollout.
How will ads be displayed within ChatGPT conversations?
Ads will appear at the bottom of ChatGPT responses and will be clearly labeled as sponsored content. OpenAI promises that these ads will be visually separated from the AI-generated responses and will not influence the chatbot's actual recommendations or answers.
What privacy protections has OpenAI implemented for ad testing?
OpenAI has committed to not selling user conversation data to advertisers and will provide users with control over ad personalization settings. The company emphasizes that ads will be contextually relevant but will not compromise user privacy or data protection.
What is OpenAI's long-term revenue strategy with these ads?
OpenAI expects advertising to account for less than half of its long-term revenue, indicating that ads are meant to complement existing monetization strategies. The company continues to prioritize subscription models, particularly for its higher-tier enterprise and professional offerings.