OpenAI plans to introduce advertising inside ChatGPT as part of a new test in the United States. The company said ads will appear for certain users while keeping paid subscription tiers free of advertising.
Where ads will appear
Ads will be shown to users of the free version of ChatGPT and the lower-priced Go subscription. The ads will appear below chatbot responses rather than inside the main answer. OpenAI said higher-priced plans, including Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise, will not include ads.
How the ads work
The ads will be clearly labeled and separated from ChatGPT’s responses. OpenAI said ads will be displayed only when relevant to the user’s query. The company stated that ads will not influence how answers are generated. Responses will remain independent of advertising content.
Privacy and data handling
OpenAI said user conversations will not be sold to advertisers. Ads will rely on the context of the conversation rather than detailed personal profiles. Users will have controls to manage ad personalization. The company emphasized that privacy protections will remain in place during the test.
Reason for introducing ads
OpenAI said advertising is one way to support the cost of running ChatGPT at scale. The service requires significant computing resources, especially as usage continues to grow. Ads allow OpenAI to keep a free option available while expanding access to its tools.
User access and rollout
The ad test will begin with adult users in the United States. OpenAI said the rollout will be gradual and monitored closely. Feedback from users will help guide future decisions about expanding or adjusting the program.
Concerns and discussion
The move has prompted debate about advertising inside conversational AI tools. Some users worry ads could affect trust or the experience over time. OpenAI said maintaining neutral and reliable responses remains a priority.
OpenAI’s decision to test ads inside ChatGPT marks a shift in how the service is funded. The company aims to balance revenue needs with user trust, privacy protections, and continued access to AI tools.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2026/01/16/tech/chatgpt-ads-openai
