OpenAI Rolls Out Ads in ChatGPT as Expenses Skyrocket
fliptop writes:
OpenAI has decided to incorporate advertisements into its ChatGPT service for free users and those on the lower-tier Go plan, a shift announced just days ago:
The company plans to begin testing these ads in the United States by the end of January 2026, placing them at the bottom of responses where they match the context of the conversation. Officials insist the ads will be clearly marked, optional to personalize, and kept away from sensitive subjects. Higher-paying subscribers on Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise levels will remain ad-free, preserving a premium experience for those willing to pay.
This development comes as OpenAI grapples with enormous operational costs, including a staggering $1.4 trillion infrastructure expansion to keep pace with demand. Annualized revenue reached $20 billion in 2025, a tenfold increase from two years prior, yet the burn rate on computing power and development continues to outstrip income from subscriptions alone. Analysts like Mark Mahaney from Evercore ISI project that if executed properly, ads could bring in $25 billion annually by 2030, providing a vital lifeline for sustainability.
[...] The timing of OpenAI's announcement reveals underlying pressures in the industry. As one observer put it, "OpenAI Moves First on Ads While Google Waits. The Timing Tells You Everything." With ChatGPT boasting 800 million weekly users compared to Gemini's 650 million monthly active ones, OpenAI can't afford to lag in revenue generation. Delaying could jeopardize the company's future, according to tech analyst Ben Thompson, who warned that postponing ads "risks the entire company."
[...] From a broader view, this reflects how Big Tech giants are reshaping technology to serve their bottom lines, often at the expense of individual freedoms. If ads become the norm in AI chatbots, it might accelerate a divide between those who can afford untainted access and those stuck with sponsored content. Critics argue this model echoes past controversies, like Meta's data scandals, fueling distrust in how personal interactions are commodified.
Also discussed by Bruce Schneier.
Related: Google Confirms AI Search Will Have Ads, but They May Look Different
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