OpenAI has started a limited pilot program introducing advertisements within ChatGPT for logged-in adult users in the United States. The company says this early test is designed to explore how ads can be integrated into the platform without compromising answer quality, user privacy, or transparency.

As part of the rollout, ads will be clearly labeled as sponsored content, visually separated from AI-generated responses, and will not influence how ChatGPT generates answers. Importantly, all paid ChatGPT subscription tiers will remain completely ad-free during this testing phase.

Why OpenAI Is Testing Ads in ChatGPT

ChatGPT is now used by hundreds of millions of people worldwide for learning, work, creativity, and everyday decision-making. According to OpenAI, maintaining fast, reliable performance at this scale requires substantial and ongoing infrastructure investment.

Advertising is being explored as one potential way to:

Support free and lower-cost access

Sustain platform performance

Fund future improvements without limiting availability

OpenAI emphasizes that ads are not replacing subscriptions. Users who prefer an uninterrupted experience can upgrade to Plus or Pro, or opt for an ad-free Free tier experience with reduced daily message limits.

Ads Will Not Influence ChatGPT’s Answers

One of OpenAI’s strongest assurances is that advertising does not affect how ChatGPT responds to users.

AI answers continue to be optimized solely for usefulness and relevance

Sponsored content is separate from chat responses

Ads are visually distinct and clearly labeled

During the pilot, ads are selected by matching advertiser submissions with:

The topic of the current conversation

Previous chats

Past ad interactions

For example, users researching recipes may see ads related to grocery delivery or meal kits. When multiple advertisers qualify, the system prioritizes relevance to the active conversation—not payment size or influence.

Strong Privacy Protections and Advertising Safeguards

OpenAI states that privacy protections remain central to this experiment.

What Advertisers Cannot Access:

Individual chat conversations

Chat history or stored memories

Personal identifying information

Advertisers only receive aggregate performance data, such as impressions and clicks, ensuring no direct insight into individual users.

Additional Safeguards:

Ads will not appear for users under 18

Advertising is excluded from sensitive or regulated topics, including:

Health and mental health

Politics

Guardrails are designed to limit narrow targeting and reduce exposure to misleading or harmful ads

OpenAI notes that these protections will continue evolving as lessons are learned from the pilot.

User Controls for Managing Ads

To ensure transparency and choice, OpenAI is introducing built-in ad controls for users included in the test.

Users will be able to:

Dismiss ads

Provide feedback

See why an ad was shown

Delete ad-related data

Adjust personalization settings

According to OpenAI, these controls are meant to give users clear visibility and control over how advertising appears within ChatGPT.

OpenAI’s Long-Term Advertising Vision

OpenAI says many people already use ChatGPT while researching products, comparing options, or making decisions. In that context, relevant ads—when clearly separated—may help surface useful products or services aligned with user intent.

Feedback and performance insights from this pilot will guide:

Future ad formats

Business participation models

Platform refinements

OpenAI reiterates that the separation between AI answers and ads will remain intact, and privacy safeguards will continue to shape any future expansion. Businesses interested in future participation can register through OpenAI’s advertiser program.

What Remains Unchanged

Despite the introduction of ads for some users, OpenAI stresses that its core principles remain firmly in place:

ChatGPT answers stay independent

Conversations remain private

Users retain control over their experience

The current rollout is described as a learning phase, focused on gathering feedback before any broader expansion.

Availability and Who Will See Ads

The ad test is currently limited to:

Logged-in adult users

United States only

Free and Go subscription tiers

The following plans will remain completely ad-free:

Plus

Pro

Business

Enterprise

Education

Conclusion

OpenAI’s decision to test ads in ChatGPT marks a cautious step toward exploring sustainable funding models while preserving trust, transparency, and privacy. By clearly separating ads from AI responses and keeping paid tiers ad-free, the company aims to balance accessibility with long-term platform growth.

As the pilot continues, user feedback will play a key role in shaping how—if at all—advertising becomes part of ChatGPT’s future.