OpenAI plans to start testing advertisements in its AI chatbot ChatGPT in the coming weeks with an aim to generate revenue from its huge user base. The company made the announcement while introducing ChatGPT Go, a low-cost subscription package for $8 per month, in the US on Friday, January 16.
In a post on X, OpenAI chief Sam Altman said that the advertisements will be shown only to ChatGPT free and Go subscribers. He also promised that the privacy of users will be protected and the company will not accept money to influence any answer the artificial intelligence chatbot gives.
“It is clear to us that a lot of people want to use a lot of AI and don't want to pay, so we are hopeful a business model like this can work,” Altman wrote.
We are starting to test ads in ChatGPT free and Go (new $8/month option) tiers.
— Sam Altman (@sama) January 16, 2026
Here are our principles. Most importantly, we will not accept money to influence the answer ChatGPT gives you, and we keep your conversations private from advertisers.
It is clear to us that a lot… https://t.co/f9Dv53rWU7
As of now, only ChatGPT free and Go users will see the advertisement. The ads will be initially rolled out in the United States. The Plus, Pro, Business and Enterprise plans will continue to remain ad-free. The ads will be tested on US users only. The ads will be present at the bottom of answers in ChatGPT if there is a relevant sponsored product or service based on the user's current conversation. OpenAI has promised that all advertisements will be separate and clearly labelled.
In the coming weeks, we plan to start testing ads in ChatGPT free and Go tiers.
— OpenAI (@OpenAI) January 16, 2026
We're sharing our principles early on how we'll approach ads–guided by putting user trust and transparency first as we work to make AI accessible to everyone.
What matters most:
- Responses in… pic.twitter.com/3UQJsdriYR
What Remains Off-Limits?
ChatGPT has promised that advertisements will not be visible to people under 18, or for sensitive or regulated topics such as health, politics or mental health.
What Changes?
The move marks a sharp contrast from Sam Altman's earlier statements expressing reservations about introducing ads in ChatGPT, as he believed this could erode trust in OpenAI's offerings. However, in a podcast appearance in November, Altman changed his stance and said he expected that the company would try ads “at some point”, CNBC reported. However, he clarified that he did not believe it would be OpenAI's biggest revenue opportunity.
What Stays The Same?
For Plus, Pro, Business and Enterprise plan users, their ChatGPT experience will still be the same. Users outside the US will also not be affected by the ad testing.
How Does It Matter?
OpenAI inked over $1.4 trillion worth of infrastructure deals in 2025. Introducing ads to ChatGPT could help the company meet its ambitious spending commitments. Advertising has been a big revenue generator for companies like Google and Meta, and Altman referred to Instagram's ad model in his X post to highlight how ChatGPT would show promotional links.
The company stated in a blog post that its focus remains on “building products that millions of people and businesses find valuable enough to pay for.”
How OpenAI Is Addressing Privacy Concerns?
In its blog post, the company claimed that it would never sell data to advertisers, promising that conversations with ChatGPT will remain private. Users will be able to turn off personalisation and clear the data used for ads at any time. OpenAI has promised that it will always offer a way to not see ads in ChatGPT, including an ad-free subscription tier. It has also stated that ads will not change the answers provided by the chatbot.
“We'll learn from feedback and refine how ads show up over time, but our commitment to putting users first and maintaining trust won't change,” OpenAI said in a statement on Friday.
As of now, the exact date when the testing of ads will start rolling out in the US has not been announced.
Watch LIVE TV, Get Stock Market Updates, Top Business, IPO and Latest News on NDTV Profit.
