OpenAI to Test Advertisements in ChatGPT for Free and Low-Cost Users in the US

OpenAI has announced a trial introducing advertisements to ChatGPT, starting with some users in the United States. The ads will appear as banners after user prompts, such as suggesting holiday options following a query about places to visit in Mexico. These advertisements will be relevant to the conversation but will not influence or alter ChatGPT’s responses in any way. OpenAI emphasized that it will not share user conversation data with advertisers to protect privacy. The trial targets users on the free tier and a newly expanded subscription called ChatGPT Go, priced at $8 per month (or equivalent in other currencies), which is now available worldwide after launching in India in 2025. ChatGPT Go offers more features than the free version, including additional messaging, image generation, file uploads, and memory capabilities, with fewer usage limits. Higher tiers like ChatGPT Plus ($20/month) and Pro ($200/month) will remain ad-free. This move aims to generate new revenue streams, allowing broader access to AI tools with reduced restrictions for non-paying or low-paying users. OpenAI, which has faced significant financial losses—reportedly around $8 billion in the first half of 2025—and relies heavily on investor funding, seeks sustainable profitability beyond its limited base of paid subscribers (only about 5% of 800 million users). Experts note that advertising is a common and reliable model for software companies, though the AI sector faces questions about over-valuation and long-term profitability. The decision marks a shift for OpenAI, originally founded as a non-profit but increasingly commercialized, and contrasts with earlier statements from CEO Sam Altman disliking ads. Other AI firms like Perplexity have explored similar models, while Google has denied plans for ads in its Gemini tool.