OpenAI Set to Introduce Chatbot Ads to Early Advertisers in February

Jan 20 (GeokHub) OpenAI is preparing to roll out its first advertising format within ChatGPT in February, with a select group of advertisers expected to be among the first to test the new feature, according to people familiar with the plans.

The initiative marks a major milestone in OpenAI’s efforts to generate ad revenue from its widely used chatbot, which until now has primarily relied on subscription income. The ads are intended to appear alongside AI responses, offering a new way for brands to connect with users in conversational settings.

Industry sources say the initial test audience will include dozens of advertisers, who will be invited to try the format and provide early feedback before a broader launch later in the year.

The ads are expected to be relevant to users’ queries and designed to respect privacy boundaries, though specific details on placement and formats have not been disclosed.

OpenAI’s move into advertising follows broader industry trends as AI platforms seek diversified revenue streams to support ongoing infrastructure and development costs.