OpenAI will display advertisements in ChatGPT for selected users in the U.S. The ads will target free tier and Go plan subscribers. Paid Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise users will remain ad-free.
Ad Placement and Privacy
Advertisements will appear separately from ChatGPT’s AI-generated responses. The company confirmed user conversations will not be shared with advertisers. Ads will not influence the answers provided by ChatGPT.
Global Launch of ChatGPT Go
The ChatGPT Go subscription, originally available in India, will cost $8 per month in the U.S. This plan offers a low-cost option while OpenAI tests ad-based revenue strategies.
Revenue and Spending
OpenAI faces significant costs for AI infrastructure and data centers. The company expects to invest over $1 trillion in AI by 2030. Ads may generate revenue from ChatGPT’s 800 million weekly active users.
Rules for Ads
Users under 18 will not see advertisements. OpenAI will avoid placing ads in sensitive topics, including health and politics. Ads will appear only when relevant to the conversation context.
Effect on Competitors
Experts warn poorly executed ads may frustrate users, pushing them toward alternatives like Google Gemini or Anthropic Claude. However, the approach could prompt competitors to clarify ad policies.
The rollout of ads represents a major change for OpenAI. It aims to boost revenue while protecting user experience and conversation integrity.
