ChatGPT Ads: Do They Really Not Affect Answers? [Policy Analysis]

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ChatGPT Ad Testing: 3 Key Takeaways

  • OpenAI has started showing ads on its Free and Go plans.
  • Ads are separate from responses, and conversation content remains private from advertisers.
  • Paid subscribers (Plus and above) will not see ads.

Specifics of OpenAI’s Official Ad Policy

OpenAI began testing ChatGPT ads for adult users in the US starting February 9, 2026.[OpenAI] This applies to users on the Free and Go (US$8/month) plans. Ads appear below the ChatGPT response with a “Sponsored” label.

Ad matching is based on conversation topics, chat history, and previous ad interactions.[Search Engine Journal] For example, asking about travel plans might trigger ads for meal kits or grocery delivery.

User Protections and Limitations

OpenAI states that ads will not influence ChatGPT’s responses. Sam Altman himself said, “We won’t take money to influence the answers.”[NBC News]

User controls are also in place. You can dismiss ads, disable personalization, or delete ad-related data. Ads will not appear in conversations about health, mental health, or politics. Accounts belonging to users under 18 will also not see ads.

Advertisers only receive aggregated data like impressions and clicks. They do not have access to user conversations or personal information.

Altman’s Change of Stance and Industry Reactions

Sam Altman stated in October 2024 that “the combination of AI and ads feels uniquely bad.” However, he shifted his position towards accepting contextual placement by November 2025.[Search Engine Journal]

Meanwhile, Anthropic recently highlighted Claude’s ad-free experience in a Super Bowl ad. Altman countered this as “obviously disingenuous,” arguing that ad revenue offsets the cost of providing AI to free users.

Ad pricing is also noteworthy. The initial minimum commitment is reportedly $200,000, with a CPM (cost per 1000 impressions) of around $60. This targets a premium market.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Will ChatGPT paid subscribers also see ads?

A: No. Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Education subscribers will not see ads. Ads are only displayed to Free and Go plan users. Upgrading to a paid plan allows you to use ChatGPT without ads.

Q: Do ads affect the accuracy of ChatGPT responses?

A: OpenAI officially states that ads do not influence responses. Ads are displayed separately below the response and are visually distinct from the organic answer. The structure does not allow advertisers to manipulate or change the content of the responses.

Q: Can I turn off ChatGPT ads?

A: To completely remove them, you need to upgrade to a paid plan (Plus or higher). Free and Go users can dismiss individual ads, disable personalized ads, or delete ad-related data. However, there is no option to completely turn off ads themselves.

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References

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