OpenAI has started rolling out ads in the United States for users on its Free and Go subscription tiers. The company announced this on Monday, bringing a new revenue stream to its chatbot service.
In a blog post, OpenAI addressed user experience concerns, stating that “Ads do not influence the answers ChatGPT gives you, and we keep your conversations with ChatGPT private from advertisers.” The company emphasized that its goal is to support broader access to more powerful ChatGPT features while maintaining user trust. OpenAI first revealed plans for ad testing last month.
The announcement coincided with a reaction from rival Anthropic, which aired Super Bowl ads on Sunday mocking ad integration in AI chatbots. The commercials featured actors portraying chatbots delivering advice interrupted by poorly targeted ads. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman responded sharply, labeling Anthropic’s ads “dishonest” and calling the company an “authoritarian company.”
Users have previously pushed back against ad-like elements in AI interfaces. Late last year, OpenAI faced criticism for app suggestions that resembled unwanted promotions. Critics continue to worry that ads might sway ChatGPT responses. OpenAI counters that ads will appear based on “what’s most helpful to you,” remain clearly labeled as sponsored, and stay separated from core content.
During testing, OpenAI matched ads to conversation topics, prior chats, and past ad engagements. For example, users discussing recipes could see promotions for grocery delivery or meal kits. Advertisers receive only aggregate data, such as views and clicks, without access to individual user information.
Users gain several controls: they can view and clear ad interaction history, dismiss ads, provide feedback, see explanations for ad display, and adjust personalization settings. OpenAI will exclude ads for users under 18 and avoid placement near sensitive topics including health, politics, and mental health.
Subscribers to higher paid plans—Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Education—will not encounter ads. The Go plan, priced at $8 per month in the U.S., launched globally in mid-January.
