OpenAI to Test In-Chat Advertising in ChatGPT as Revenue Push Quietly Shifts Strategy
Breaking: Ad Tests Begin in the United States
OpenAI plans to experiment with advertising inside ChatGPT to bolster its operating costs. The trial will start in the United States, targeting the free version of ChatGPT and the new entry-tier, ChatGPT Go. Higher-priced plans, including Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise, are expected to remain free of ads for now.
The company outlined its ad framework, stressing that advertisements will not sway chatgpt’s answers. Messages will be tailored to usefulness, with ads clearly separated and labeled.
How It Will Work
OpenAI says user conversations will stay private, and advertisers will not gain access to chat content. Personalization can be turned off, and data used for ads may be deleted by the user. There will always be an ad-free option via paid subscriptions.
In practice, ads will appear in the free tier and ChatGPT Go, while Plus and higher tiers should remain ad-free. The plan aims to monetize free users who currently drive most of the model’s costs, as a large share of users rely on the free version.
For more details from OpenAI, see the company’s blog post on advertising in ChatGPT and its data-privacy commitments. OpenAI’s official blog.
Pricing and Ad-Free Tiers
Users who want to avoid ads must subscribe to a paid plan. ChatGPT Plus costs at least $20 per month and remains ad-free. The new entry-level option, ChatGPT Go, is priced at $8 per month and does not offer an ad-free experience. The timeline for rolling out ads beyond the United States, including Germany and other parts of Europe, has not been announced.
Strategic Shift at OpenAI
The move marks a notable shift in OpenAI’s revenue approach. Co-founder and CEO Sam Altman previously opposed advertising, but recent statements show a more flexible stance, drawing a parallel to advertising models that can stay useful if done well—an idea he highlighted in reflections on platforms like Instagram.
The company cites escalating costs associated with operating colossal AI models and aims to diversify revenue streams. It estimates more than 90 percent of ChatGPT users utilize the free version, which currently incurs costs without direct revenue generation.
Key facts at a Glance
| Plan | Ad-Free? | Price (monthly) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free ChatGPT | Ad-supported (during tests) | $0 | Ad tests active in the US; Europe rollout timeline unclear |
| ChatGPT Go | Not ad-free | $8 | Entry-level plan with ads |
| ChatGPT plus | Ad-free | ≥$20 | Higher-tier subscription |
| Pro, Business, enterprise | Ad-free | Not disclosed | Premium enterprise tiers |
What This Means for Users
The model’s developers emphasize openness: ads won’t alter answers, and personal data remains protected. Users can opt out of personalization, delete ad-targeting data, or escape ads entirely by choosing a paid plan. OpenAI argues this approach could unlock new revenue without compromising user trust.
Analysts note the shift mirrors broader tech trends, where content platforms explore advertising to subsidize powerful AI services while preserving high-end, ad-free options for business and power users.
Evergreen Takeaways
As AI services scale, balancing monetization with user privacy and trust becomes central. The ad model hinges on clear labeling, strict separation of ads from answers, and robust user controls over data and personalization. Expect ongoing updates as OpenAI pilots this approach in the coming months, with potential adjustments for international markets.
External context: OpenAI has repeatedly highlighted the need to fund expansive AI research and infrastructure, a challenge shared by other leading AI developers. for deeper context, readers can explore OpenAI’s official communications and independent coverage from established outlets.
Reader Engagement
Would you accept in-chat ads if they kept the free version available and reduced your overall costs?
How crucial is data privacy and control over personalization when using AI chat services?
For more on OpenAI’s approach,visit the OpenAI blog and broader industry reporting at Reuters.
