OpenAI Announces Advertising for Free ChatGPT Users Worldwide
OpenAI has confirmed it will introduce advertisements to its free ChatGPT service this year. The company plans to begin testing these ads in the United States within the coming weeks. This strategic move aims to generate additional revenue while keeping the popular AI tool accessible to a broader audience without imposing strict usage limits or mandatory subscription fees.
How ChatGPT Ads Will Work and Who Will See Them
According to an official blog post authored by Fidji Simo, OpenAI's CEO of Applications, the advertisements will appear at the bottom of ChatGPT's responses. These ads will be clearly labeled and kept separate from the chatbot's actual answers to user queries. OpenAI emphasizes that the ads will not influence how the AI model generates its responses.
The company has implemented specific safeguards regarding ad placement. Ads will not appear on accounts where the user is suspected to be under 18 years old. Furthermore, advertisements will be excluded from conversations involving sensitive topics such as health, mental health, or political discussions.
The Introduction of ChatGPT Go: A New Mid-Tier Subscription
Simultaneously, OpenAI has launched its ChatGPT Go subscription service globally. Priced at $8 per month, this new tier is positioned between the free version and the more expensive ChatGPT Plus ($20/month) and ChatGPT Pro ($200/month) plans.
"ChatGPT Go is designed for people who want expanded access to our latest model, GPT-5.2 Instant, at a lower price point—more messages, more uploads, and more image creation," stated OpenAI in its announcement. This subscription offers enhanced features compared to the free service while remaining more affordable than the premium options.
Why Advertising Makes Financial Sense for OpenAI
The decision to incorporate ads follows a pattern established by other technology companies seeking to monetize expensive AI infrastructure. Microsoft's Copilot and Perplexity AI have already introduced advertising or sponsored content within their chatbot services.
Fidji Simo brings significant expertise to this initiative, having previously served as CEO of Instacart. Her deep understanding of online advertising dynamics positions her well to lead OpenAI's advertising strategy. The company had previously indicated that Simo would spearhead efforts to implement ads in ChatGPT.
Importantly, OpenAI has clarified that its paid subscription tiers—ChatGPT Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise—will remain completely advertisement-free. These services start at $20 per month and cater to users requiring uninterrupted, premium AI assistance.
The Broader Context of AI Monetization
OpenAI's advertising announcement comes amid ongoing industry discussions about sustainable business models for AI services. The development and maintenance of advanced AI models like ChatGPT involve substantial computational costs and infrastructure investments.
Other companies in the AI space have pursued similar monetization strategies. Notably, News Corp—parent company of Barron's publisher Dow Jones—has filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Perplexity AI, highlighting the complex legal landscape surrounding AI-generated content and revenue models.
By introducing advertising to its free tier while expanding subscription options, OpenAI seeks to balance accessibility with financial sustainability. This approach allows the company to continue offering free access to ChatGPT while developing new revenue streams to support ongoing innovation and development.
