OpenAI will soon add ads to the free version of ChatGPT and the cheapest plan – but not in Europe yet.
After months of vague signals and evasive answers, OpenAI has now confirmed that it is introducing ads in the entry-level versions of ChatGPT: the free version and the most affordable subscription, Go. So, it’s not exactly a big surprise, especially since OpenAI also introduced its own browser in October of last year.
Regardless, the move marks a turning point in the company’s commercial strategy, which is now explicitly seeking sustainable revenue streams to cover billions in operating costs—something investors have long hoped for. In an official blog post, the AI giant confirmed that it will begin testing ads for users in the United States using the free version or the so-called “Go” subscription.
For now, the more expensive plans, such as Pro, Business, and Enterprise, will remain free of commercial messages. As mentioned, the decision isn’t unexpected. Still, the timing is nevertheless noteworthy after a series of incidents in recent months in which users have reported suspicious product recommendations in their conversations.
“As ChatGPT becomes more capable and widely used, we’re looking for ways to continue offering more intelligence to everyone,” OpenAI now says. The company is trying to frame this as advertising being a necessary evil for maintaining a free, accessible service. At the same time, OpenAI emphasises that there will remain a strict separation between AI-generated answers and ads.
According to the statement, users must be able to trust that ChatGPT’s answers are driven by objectively useful information and never by advertising. Furthermore, the company promises that conversations will not be shared with or sold to advertisers. OpenAI also promises that ads will be clearly labelled and will not appear on sensitive topics such as health or politics.
