OpenAI is rolling out its first live test of ads in ChatGPT, placing sponsored messages directly inside the app for some users.
The details. According to CNBC, the ads will appear in a clearly labeled section beneath the chat interface rather than inside responses. The format is designed to keep ads visually separate from ChatGPT’s answers.
OpenAI will show ads to logged-in users on the free tier and its lower-cost Go subscription. The company says advertisers won’t see users’ conversations and won’t influence ChatGPT’s responses, though ads will be optimized based on what OpenAI considers helpful to the user.
How ads are selected. During the test, OpenAI matches ads to the topic of a conversation, past chats and prior ad interactions. Example: A user researching recipes might see ads for meal kits or grocery delivery. If multiple advertisers qualify, OpenAI shows the most relevant option first.
User controls. Users get granular controls over the experience. They can dismiss ads, view and delete separate ad history and interest data, and toggle personalization on or off. Turning personalization off limits ads to the context of the current chat. Free users can also opt out of ads in exchange for fewer daily messages or upgrade to paid plans.
Why we care. ChatGPT is one of the largest consumer AI platforms in the world. Even a limited ad rollout could signal a major shift in how conversational AI gets monetized — and how brands reach users.
The bigger picture. As AI platforms scale, monetization strategies are moving closer to traditional digital advertising — but with new questions around placement, privacy, and user trust.
Bottom line. OpenAI is officially entering the ad business inside ChatGPT, testing how sponsored content can coexist with conversational AI at massive scale.
Dig Deeper.
- Testing ads in ChatGPT (OpenAI)
- OpenAI will reportedly start testing ads in ChatGPT today (Verge – subscription needed)
https://searchengineland.com/openai-begins-testing-ads-inside-chatgpt-2-468593