OpenAI is reportedly exploring the possibility of introducing ads on ChatGPT as a new revenue stream. According to a report, the company is considering displaying advertisements on its AI-powered chatbot platform, though no concrete decisions have been made regarding the timing or format of these ads. Speculation suggests that ads might be targeted at free-tier users of ChatGPT, but OpenAI could also follow a model similar to Perplexity, which is testing ad displays for all users.
Ads on ChatGPT
OpenAI is reportedly considering introducing ads on ChatGPT as a potential revenue stream, according to a Financial Times report. In an interview, Sarah Friar, OpenAI’s Chief Financial Officer, said the company is exploring an ad-based revenue model but emphasized the need to be “thoughtful about when and where we implement them.”
After the interview, Friar issued a clarification, highlighting that OpenAI’s existing business models are growing rapidly and remain the company’s primary focus. “While we are open to exploring other revenue streams in the future, we have no active plans to pursue advertising,” she stated to the Financial Times.
Although the CFO avoided confirming plans to introduce ads on ChatGPT, she did not dismiss the possibility entirely. According to a Financial Times report citing anonymous sources, OpenAI has been hiring advertising specialists from competitors like Meta and Google, suggesting the company may be exploring this avenue further.
Ad-based revenue models are relatively straightforward to implement and monetize. For example, Perplexity has begun piloting ads as sponsored content on its platform, currently limited to users in the U.S., with potential for broader expansion. Similarly, Google has started displaying ads alongside AI Overviews—AI-generated summaries featured in its Search platform.
OpenAI has been actively exploring alternative revenue streams. Earlier this year, the company partnered with Apple to integrate ChatGPT into the tech giant’s operating systems. Additionally, OpenAI recently launched its AI-powered search engine and is reportedly preparing to roll out AI agents and the Sora video model in the near future.
