OpenAI is testing ads in ChatGPT for free and Go plan users in the US. Ads are labeled and topic-based, with no impact on responses or privacy. Paid tiers remain ad-free.
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OpenAI has launched a limited test of advertising within ChatGPT, though the new feature won't affect all users. The company officially confirmed the experiment, noting that initial feedback will shape any future expansion of the feature. For now, ads are only being shown to adult users in the United States who are on the free tier or the Go plan.
Advertisements appear as clearly labeled sponsored blocks, visually separated from ChatGPT's standard responses. OpenAI emphasizes that advertisers do not influence response content, and recommendations are generated independently of commercial interests. Paid subscriptions—Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Education—remain completely ad-free.
During testing, ads are selected based on conversation topics and overall user activity to boost relevance. Importantly, advertisers do not gain access to specific chats or personal data; only aggregated statistics, like impressions and clicks, are shared. The company states this approach maintains a balance between monetization and privacy.
OpenAI explains that advertising helps offset rising infrastructure costs and expands access to AI capabilities for users on free or low-cost plans. The Go plan in the U.S. costs $8 per month, positioned as a compromise between price and functionality. Users who prefer not to see ads can upgrade to pricier tiers or adjust settings. OpenAI also notes that ads will not appear alongside sensitive topics, including health, politics, and mental well-being.