OpenAI to Test Ads Within ChatGPT for U.S. Users
Key Points
- OpenAI will test ads inside ChatGPT for adult U.S. users.
- Ads are labeled, separated from answers, and do not influence responses.
- Ads are blocked on health, mental‑state, and political topics and for users under 18.
- User data will not be shared or sold to advertisers; ad personalization can be disabled.
- An ad‑free experience remains available via Plus or Pro subscriptions.
- The new "Go" tier costs $8/month, offers higher usage limits and larger memory, but includes ads.
OpenAI announced that it will begin testing sponsored content inside ChatGPT for adult users in the United States. Ads will appear below conversations, be clearly labeled, and will not influence the chatbot’s answers. They will be blocked on topics such as health, mental state, or politics, and will not be shown to users under 18. The company says it will not share or sell user data with advertisers and will let users disable ad personalization. An ad‑free experience remains available through higher‑priced Plus or Pro plans, while the new low‑cost “Go” tier will include ads but offer higher usage limits and a larger memory window.
OpenAI Announces Pilot of In‑Chat Ads
OpenAI disclosed that it will start testing advertisements inside its ChatGPT product for adult users in the United States. Sponsored products and services will be displayed beneath the chat interface, and each ad will be clearly marked and separated from the AI‑generated response.
The company emphasized that ads will not affect the content of ChatGPT’s answers. It also promised that ads will be suppressed when users discuss sensitive subjects such as health, mental well‑being, or current politics, and that no ads will be shown to anyone under the age of 18.
Privacy and User Control
OpenAI stated that it will not share or sell user data with advertisers. Users will have the option to turn off ad personalization and to clear any data used to generate sponsored responses. An “ad‑free” choice will always be available, either by opting out of personalized ads or by subscribing to a higher‑priced tier.
Subscription Options and the New “Go” Tier
Alongside the ad test, OpenAI introduced a new subscription level called “ChatGPT Go.” The Go plan is priced at $8 per month and provides ten‑times higher rate limits for messages, file uploads, and image creation compared with the free tier. It also expands the chatbot’s memory and context window, allowing it to retain more details from prior conversations. However, the Go tier will include ads, and users who want an ad‑free experience must choose the Plus or Pro plans.
Future Outlook
OpenAI framed the ad experiment as part of its broader effort to create more helpful and relevant experiences for users, noting that conversational interfaces open new possibilities beyond static messages and links. The company reiterated that its long‑term focus remains on building products that users and businesses find valuable enough to pay for.