OpenAI is reportedly mulling a new form of ads on ChatGPT called “sponsored content,” which could influence your buying decisions.
As we recently reported, the ChatGPT Android app 1.2025.329 beta included references to an “ads feature” with “bazaar content,” “search ad,” and “search ads carousel.”
Later, a report claimed that OpenAI pushed back its efforts to add ads to ChatGPT, as the company’s leadership decided to focus on AI’s quality after being threatened by Gemini’s advancement.
However, it looks like OpenAI has not given up on the plans entirely.
The Information reports that OpenAI plans to prioritize sponsored content in AI answers.
“AI models could prioritize sponsored content to ensure it shows up in ChatGPT responses,” the report noted.
“In recent weeks, ad mockups have included displaying sponsored information in a sidebar next to the main ChatGPT response window, according to the person who has seen them.”
An OpenAI representative also confirmed that the company is indeed exploring “ads.”
“As ChatGPT becomes more capable and widely used, we’re looking at ways to continue offering more intelligence to everyone. As part of this, we’re exploring what ads in our product could look like. People have a trusted relationship with ChatGPT, and any approach would be designed to respect that trust,” an OpenAI spokesperson told The Information.
GPT ads could redefine the web economy
While there are premium plans and models, you don’t see GPT selling products or showing ads. On the other hand, Google Search has ads that influence your buying behavior.
Ads in ChatGPT could disrupt the web economy, as what most people don’t understand is that GPT likely knows more about users than Google.
For example, OpenAI could create personalized ads on ChatGPT that promote products you really want to buy. It might also sneak in ads in the search results, similar to Google Search ads.
It’s unclear when OpenAI ads will roll out, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they happen in the first half of 2026.
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