OpenAI begins testing ads in ChatGPT

Published Aug 11, 10:00 AM UTC

OpenAI announced on February 9, 2026, that it is testing ads in ChatGPT in the U.S. for logged-in adult users on Free and Go subscription tiers, with Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Education tiers remaining ad-free. The ads are clearly labeled, do not influence ChatGPT's answers, and are designed to respect user privacy, with advertisers not having access to chats or personal details. OpenAI reported encouraging early results, including no impact on consumer trust metrics and low dismissal rates. The pilot expanded to Canada, Australia, and New Zealand in March 2026, and to the United Kingdom, Mexico, Brazil, Japan, and South Korea in May and August 2026. OpenAI aims to fund free access and improve AI capabilities through ads, while offering users control to dismiss ads, provide feedback, or upgrade to ad-free plans.