ChatGPT is Getting Ads — 3 Key Changes
- OpenAI will begin testing display ads in ChatGPT starting in February
- Targeting free and Go (USD 8/month) users
- CPM is around USD 60, more than twice as expensive as Meta
‘Sponsored’ Ads Displayed at the Bottom of Responses
OpenAI is placing ads below ChatGPT responses[OpenAI]. The ads will recommend products or services relevant to the conversation context. It’s an impression-based model with a CPM of around USD 60[Search Engine Land].
Initial advertisers are required to commit a minimum of USD 200,000[Adweek]. This is significantly higher than Meta’s CPM (USD 20-25).
No Ads for Plus and Higher Subscribers
The ads will target free users and ChatGPT Go (USD 8/month) users in the US. Plus (USD 20/month), Pro, and Enterprise users will not see ads. Accounts of users under 18 will also not be exposed to ads.
Ads will not appear in conversations about health, mental health, or politics. OpenAI also stated that they will not sell user data to advertisers.
USD 20 Billion in Annual Revenue, and Now Ads Too
OpenAI’s ARR hit USD 20 billion in 2025. CFO Sarah Friar called advertising a ‘powerful business model’[Bloomberg]. They aim to generate USD 1 billion in ad revenue alone by 2026.
ChatGPT Go is a plan that fills the gap between free and Plus. It allows users to use extensions for USD 8 per month in exchange for seeing ads. It’s a strategy that aims to drive both paid conversions and ad revenue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Will ChatGPT Plus users also see ads?
A: No. Ads are only targeted at free and Go (USD 8/month) users. Plus, Pro, and Enterprise subscribers can use it without ads. OpenAI has stated that they will not disrupt the experience of paid subscribers with ads.
Q: Will ads affect AI responses?
A: No. Ads are displayed separately at the bottom of the response and are distinguished by a ‘Sponsored’ label. The responses generated by the model operate independently of the ads.
Q: What is ChatGPT Go?
A: It’s a plan that allows you to use image generation, file uploads, and memory features for USD 8 per month. It includes ads. The USD 20/month Plus plan offers the same features without ads.
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References
- Our approach to advertising and expanding access to ChatGPT – OpenAI (2026-01-16)
- OpenAI moves on ChatGPT ads with impression-based launch – Search Engine Land (2026-02-09)
- OpenAI Confirms $200,000 Minimum Commitment for ChatGPT Ads – Adweek (2026-01-16)
- OpenAI CFO Defends Ads in ChatGPT as Strong Business Model – Bloomberg (2026-01-21)
- OpenAI will reportedly start testing ads in ChatGPT today – The Verge (2026-02-09)