OpenAI has started displaying ads inside ChatGPT for users on its Free and Go subscription plans in the United States. The change takes effect today and represents a major shift in how the company supports the cost of operating its AI chatbot.
Ads are limited to logged-in adult users. OpenAI says minors will not be shown advertising.
Ads Are Meant to Fund ChatGPT’s Rising Infrastructure Costs
According to OpenAI, operating ChatGPT requires significant infrastructure and ongoing investment, and the company is not yet profitable. Ads are being introduced to help fund the free and low-cost tiers without removing access entirely.
Users who prefer not to see ads can upgrade to paid plans such as Plus or Pro. OpenAI is also offering an option to disable ads in exchange for fewer daily free messages.
Sponsored Content Will Be Clearly Labeled and Separated From Answers
OpenAI says ads will be clearly marked as sponsored and displayed separately from ChatGPT’s responses. The company states that advertising will not influence the answers the chatbot provides.
Ads may be selected based on factors like conversation topics, previous chats, and past ad interactions. Advertisers will only receive aggregated data, such as views or clicks, and will not have access to chat history, stored memories, or personal user information.
Sensitive Topics Will Remain Ad-Free
Ads will not appear in conversations related to sensitive subjects, including health, mental health, or politics. OpenAI says this restriction is designed to protect users and maintain trust in high-stakes discussions.
Also read: Open announces ChatGPT Health.
Users will be able to dismiss ads, provide feedback, see why an ad is being shown, delete ad data, and disable ad personalization entirely.
Paid ChatGPT Plans Will Continue to Offer an Ad-Free Experience
Subscribers on Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Education plans will not see ads. OpenAI says the current rollout is a test phase aimed at learning from user feedback and refining how ads work inside ChatGPT.
The move comes at a time of increasing competition in the AI chatbot space, with rivals positioning themselves around different business models. For OpenAI, ads represent a calculated step toward sustainability while trying to preserve user trust.
