OpenAI begins displaying ads in ChatGPT for U.S. free users, advancing monetization of its flagship AI chatbot. The initiative targets new and free “Go” tier subscribers while excluding premium plans from advertisements.
Ad Placement Strategy
Ads appear at the bottom of ChatGPT responses, clearly labeled as sponsored and contextually relevant—such as hotel promotions following travel queries. Testing limits exposure to logged-in U.S. adults aged 18 and older, bypassing minors and sensitive topics like politics, health, or mental health. OpenAI ensures ads do not compromise response quality; users dismiss them, submit feedback, or disable personalization at will.
ChatGPT Go Features
ChatGPT Go launches globally at $8 per month, delivering enhanced memory capabilities and increased image generation alongside ads. In contrast, the $20 Plus and $200 Pro plans remain ad-free. This affordable tier broadens accessibility and pilots ad-supported revenue streams.
Revenue and Leadership Shift
OpenAI achieved $13 billion in 2025 revenue and pursues tripling that figure through up to $1.4 trillion in AI infrastructure investments over eight years. CEO Sam Altman, previously ads-averse, now endorses the approach, citing user trust in unbiased responses and firm data privacy—no sharing with advertisers.
