OpenAI is introducing advertisements to certain ChatGPT accounts as the company explores new strategies to generate sustainable revenue, the firm announced on Friday.
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In a blog post, OpenAI said it has begun testing ads in the United States for its free tier as well as its newly launched “Go” subscription, which costs $8 per month and became available globally this week. The move aims to help fund continued free access for millions of users who rely on the chatbot without paying.
Higher-end subscription plans — including Pro, Plus, Business, and Enterprise — will remain ad-free for now. Analysts say that distinction could encourage upgrades among users who want an uninterrupted experience.
According to OpenAI, advertisements will appear at the bottom of conversations and will be contextually matched to discussion topics. Users will be able to dismiss ads and see explanations for why a specific promotion was shown. Personalisation can be disabled, which prevents targeted advertising, and the company says it will not serve ads to users it believes are under 18.
OpenAI has emphasized that ads will not interfere with responses. The company pledged to maintain “answer independence,” stating that commercial interests will not influence chatbot outputs. It also reiterated that user data will not be sold to advertisers.
Industry observers say the move could accelerate OpenAI’s path to profitability. While the company is estimated to be worth roughly $500 billion, it has yet to demonstrate sustained commercial returns at scale. Ads provide an immediate and predictable revenue stream, particularly from non-paying users.
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The model could also push some users toward paid plans, as OpenAI tries to balance accessibility with financial viability. In its announcement, the company framed the advertising shift as aligned with its mission, saying its “pursuit of advertising is always in support of” developing AI systems that “benefit all of humanity.”