OpenAI, the company behind the popular ChatGPT, is preparing to integrate advertising into its application for some users. The move, announced Friday, marks a significant shift for the AI giant as it seeks new revenue streams while maintaining user trust.
Advertising in ChatGPT: What to Expect
Initially, advertising will be tested in the U.S. within the free and low-cost versions of ChatGPT. Ads will appear at the bottom of responses, specifically when a sponsored product or service aligns with the ongoing conversation. Fidji Simo, OpenAI’s CEO of applications, stated that the company aims to create ads that are “useful, entertaining, and help people discover new products and services.”
OpenAI is emphasizing user privacy and control. According to Simo, user data and conversations will not be sold to advertisers. Ads will be clearly labeled, distinct from ChatGPT’s generated responses, and users will have the option to dismiss ads or disable personalized advertising. Furthermore, ads will not be displayed to users under 18 or in discussions concerning sensitive topics like health, mental health, or politics.
New Subscription Tier and Strategic Partnerships
Alongside the advertising announcement, OpenAI launched ChatGPT Go, a new subscription tier priced at $8 per month, offering enhanced features compared to the free version. Advertising will be tested within the free and Go tiers, while subscribers to ChatGPT Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise will continue to experience an ad-free environment.
OpenAI has also been forging strategic partnerships. In December, the company announced a three-year licensing agreement with Disney, allowing OpenAI’s Sora video platform to generate videos using over 200 Disney characters. Disney will also invest $1 billion in OpenAI as part of this agreement. OpenAI also recently announced plans to introduce sexually explicit material for ChatGPT for “verified adults.”
Simo stated that OpenAI’s pursuit of advertising is “always in support of” its mission to ensure artificial general intelligence “benefits all of humanity” and to make AI more accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will ads influence ChatGPT’s responses?
According to OpenAI’s CEO of applications, Fidji Simo, “Ads do not influence the answers ChatGPT gives you.”
Which ChatGPT subscriptions will remain ad-free?
ChatGPT Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise subscriptions will not include ads.
What age groups will be excluded from seeing ads?
ChatGPT will not show ads in accounts for users under 18, or those the AI company estimates are minors.
As OpenAI moves forward with this new advertising model, it remains to be seen how users will respond and whether the company can successfully balance revenue generation with its commitment to user experience and privacy.
