ChatGPT to start showing ads as OpenAI begins testing on free and Go tiers

ChatGPT ads

• OpenAI to test ads in ChatGPT for free and Go plan users in the US
• Ads will be clearly labeled and won't influence ChatGPT responses
• User chat data will not be shared with advertisers, ensuring privacy

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OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has confirmed that advertisements will soon begin appearing in ChatGPT as part of a limited testing phase for free users and those on the Go plan. The move marks a notable change in how ChatGPT is monetised, as OpenAI looks to expand access to AI tools while managing rising infrastructure and usage costs.

Ads testing for free and Go tiers

In posts shared on X, Altman and OpenAI said ads will start rolling out in the coming weeks for ChatGPT’s free tier and the Go plan, which costs $8 per month. According to the company, a large number of users want to use AI tools frequently without paying for higher-priced subscriptions, and advertising is being explored as a way to support that demand.

OpenAI clarified that the initial ads test will be limited in scope and focused on logged-in adult users in the United States. Other paid tiers, including Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise, will remain ad-free during this phase.

Clear principles for ads in ChatGPT

OpenAI has outlined specific principles guiding how ads will work inside ChatGPT. The company said responses generated by ChatGPT will not be influenced by advertising in any form. Advertisers will not be able to pay to shape answers, recommendations, or viewpoints provided by the AI.

Ads will also be clearly separated from chat responses and visibly labelled to avoid confusion between sponsored content and AI-generated answers. OpenAI shared example formats showing ads appearing outside the conversation flow rather than embedded directly into responses.

User privacy and data protection

Altman stressed that user conversations will remain private from advertisers. OpenAI said ads will not be targeted using individual chat content, and conversation data will not be shared with advertisers. The company positioned privacy and transparency as core to maintaining user trust as ads are introduced.

This clarification comes amid broader concerns about targeted advertising and the use of personal data in AI-driven platforms.

Why OpenAI is introducing ads

Altman noted that OpenAI believes a significant group of users wants access to AI tools without paying subscription fees, and advertising could help sustain free access. He added that the company aims to make ads useful rather than intrusive, similar to product discovery ads users encounter on social platforms.

What users should expect next

OpenAI said the ads rollout will be gradual, with user feedback playing a role in how formats evolve. More details about availability, regions, and ad design are expected as testing progresses, while premium plans remain unaffected for now.