tech
January 17, 2026
OpenAI to test ads in ChatGPT as it burns through billions
Ads coming to free tier and new $8/month ChatGPT Go plan in US.
TL;DR
- OpenAI will test banner ads in the ChatGPT app for some US users.
- Ads will appear at the bottom of answers for free users and ChatGPT Go subscribers.
- Subscribers of higher tiers (Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise) will not see ads.
- Advertisements will be labeled and separated from ChatGPT's generated responses.
- OpenAI states ads will not influence conversational responses or sensitive topics for minors.
- This move is driven by financial pressures, with OpenAI expecting to spend billions on AI infrastructure.
- The advertising strategy aims to make AI more accessible by diversifying revenue.