tech
February 6, 2026
ChatGPT to test ads in U.S. as OpenAI redefines AI monetization
OpenAI’s decision to introduce advertisements inside ChatGPT for free users and its new $8 “Go” tier is already shaping up to be one of the most consequential pivots in generative AI’s short history. It’s not a simple business tweak. It’s a reframing of where digital intent, attention, and commercial influence intersect in an age where conversations increasingly replace search bars.
TL;DR
- OpenAI will begin testing ads in ChatGPT for U.S. users on the Free and $8 Go tiers in the coming weeks.
- Users on higher-tier plans (Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise) will remain ad-free.
- Advertisements will be clearly labeled, separate from AI answers, and will not influence response generation.
- OpenAI states it will not sell user conversations to advertisers and will avoid sensitive topics, offering users control over personalization settings.
- This move represents a paradigm shift from search-based advertising to advertising integrated within conversational AI, aiming to capture user intent at the moment of decision.
- The massive infrastructure costs of AI necessitate new, scalable revenue models beyond subscriptions.
- Introducing ads may impact user trust, as perception of AI neutrality could be affected even with clear labeling.
- The creative potential lies in brands providing relevant, narrative-driven content rather than disruptive interruption.
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