OpenAI confirmed it will test advertising on ChatGPT for logged-in adult users in the United States in the coming weeks, introducing OpenAI ChatGPT ads on selected plans while keeping paid subscriptions ad-free to support wider access to its AI tools.
OpenAI plans to display ads only on the ChatGPT Free tier and the Go subscription. Go costs $8 per month and recently expanded to the US. In contrast, Pro, Business, and Enterprise plans will remain free of OpenAI ChatGPT ads.
The company will place ads at the bottom of responses. These placements will appear only when a sponsored product or service matches the conversation. Users can dismiss ads or review why a specific promotion appears.
AI advertising model and user safeguards
The AI advertising model will include clear labelling and strict separation from organic responses. OpenAI stated that ads do not influence answers. Instead, the system continues to prioritise usefulness and relevance for users.
OpenAI will not show ads to users under 18. Ads will also stay away from sensitive or regulated topics, including health, mental health, and politics. Conversations will remain private and will not be sold to advertisers.
Controls, access, and next steps for OpenAI ChatGPT ads
Users will control ad personalisation. They can turn it off or clear related data at any time. OpenAI also said it will always offer a way to use ChatGPT without ads through paid plans. This approach allows users to choose between free access with limited advertising or subscription-based access without promotions.
The rollout supports OpenAI’s broader access strategy. Advertising will help reduce usage limits for free users and support wider availability of AI tools. However, the company said it will not optimise for time spent on ChatGPT or engagement-driven metrics. Instead, it will refine ChatGPT ads based on user feedback and transparency standards, while keeping subscriptions and enterprise services as the core drivers of its business model.
