ChatGPT users will soon see ads inside the app and on the web. OpenAI has started testing ads for select users, marking a clear shift in how the chatbot operates for non-paying accounts. The change focuses on free users first, with some paid users also included in the test.
Ads will appear only in specific parts of the interface. OpenAI says they will not change how ChatGPT answers questions. Instead, the company positions this as a limited test that helps shape a future ad system inside the product.
Ads Roll Out for Free and Go Users
The initial rollout applies to ChatGPT Free and ChatGPT Go users. OpenAI has confirmed that ChatGPT Plus and Pro users will not see ads during this phase. The company describes this step as a test, not a full launch, although ads are expected to remain in some form going forward.
This move comes just after Anthropic aired a Super Bowl commercial promoting its stance against ads in AI tools. The timing has drawn attention across the industry, especially since OpenAI is moving ahead with its own ad plans.
OpenAI Says About Ads
Ashley Capoot and Kate Rooney reported the details at CNBC.
“On Monday, OpenAI will officially begin testing ads within ChatGPT. The ads will be clearly labeled, appear at the bottom of the chatbot’s answers and will not influence ChatGPT’s responses.”
OpenAI says ads will only appear when a sponsored product or service matches the conversation. Each ad will stay separate from the main answer and include options to learn why it appears or dismiss it with feedback.
Limits and Safeguards
OpenAI has outlined several restrictions for this test:
- Ads appear only at the bottom of responses
- Ads do not affect ChatGPT replies
- No ads for users under 18
- No ads near sensitive topics like health, mental health, or politics
For now, this test defines how OpenAI balances access, revenue, and user trust. More changes may follow as the test expands.
