OpenAI to Test Targeted Ads in ChatGPT, Stepping Up Revenue Push
The ads will show up for those in the US using the free version of ChatGPT as well as a newer, lower-cost paid option.
Photographer: Andrey Rudakov/BloombergOpenAI will start testing advertisements in the ChatGPT app for certain US users, marking a major shift for the company as it seeks to bolster revenue from the popular chatbot.
The ads will appear in the coming weeks for logged-in users of the free version of ChatGPT as well as a newer, lower-cost $8-a-month “Go” plan that first launched in India and is now expanding to the US, the company said Friday. The more expensive paid tiers of ChatGPT will remain free of ads.
OpenAI’s decision to embrace advertising reflects a broader push to diversify its revenue ahead of a potential initial public offering and to help offset the immense cost of building and supporting artificial intelligence systems. OpenAI, which does not expect to be profitable for years, has committed to spend about $1.4 trillion on data centers and chips for AI.
The move represents a reversal of sorts for the company, which has primarily relied on a subscription model. Chief Executive Officer Sam Altman had previously expressed his personal distaste for advertising, framing it as a “last resort.” Altman had cited concerns that users might not trust a chatbot as much if they think it’s selling products. Other rivals such as Alphabet Inc.’s Google have also begun introducing ads into AI products.