ChatGPT says Ads are next: what you need to know

It had been in the air for some time, and now confirmation has arrived: OpenAI is testing advertising on ChatGPT, marking a historic step in the sustainability model of generative AI.

These are not invasive advertisements: the goal is to insert relevant and contextual messages that enrich the conversation without interrupting it.

For users, this means receiving useful suggestions without being distracted by irrelevant content.

For brands, on the other hand, it opens up a completely new channel for engaging highly involved users, transforming interaction into concrete opportunities for conversion and quality engagement.

Integrated but distinct advertisements: the new conversational standard

Ads will appear at the end of AI responses and will be clearly labeled as sponsored content.

• They do not alter the AI-generated responses.
• They are shown only when relevant to the user’s query.
• They maintain a clear separation between editorial content and advertising.

This format reduces the typical “noise” of traditional feeds, improving interaction quality and making each message more effective.

ChatGPT Go: low-cost access with targeted advertising

The test primarily involves ChatGPT Go, the $8/month subscription designed as a more accessible alternative to Plus, Pro, and Enterprise plans, which remain completely ad-free.

This approach allows OpenAI to test advertising in a controlled manner, offering users a more affordable option without compromising the experience.

For brands, ChatGPT Go becomes a new channel for reaching selected, motivated users who are potentially more likely to interact with contextual, valuable adverts

Yes to ads, but with privacy and security at the forefront

OpenAI emphasizes that user conversations will not be shared with advertisers.

Users can manage ad preferences or delete collected advertising data.

Ads will not appear in sensitive categories such as health or politics, nor to minors, ensuring transparency, safety, and user trust.

This focus on privacy will be essential to maintaining user trust, ensuring that advertising is perceived as economic support rather than manipulation of the conversation.

Why brands should pay attention

Advertising on ChatGPT represents a new frontier for marketers:

• A conversational environment where ads are contextual and non-intrusive.
• Access to engaged users who are actively seeking information.
• Opportunities to test messaging and products in a format distinct from traditional feeds.

Brands will need to adapt strategies to leverage AI-driven interactions while respecting privacy and maintaining relevance.

Those who succeed will turn engagement into meaningful conversions and build trust with a sophisticated audience.

AI and Ads: marketing for those who know how to innovate

ChatGPT advertising is not just about placing ads: it’s about creating value in conversation.

For users, it’s a safe, controlled, and relevant experience.

For brands, it’s an opportunity to reach an attentive audience early in their decision-making process.

The challenge lies in balancing automation, relevance, and trust: brands that can do this effectively will benefit from one of the most innovative ad environments in the AI era.