OpenAI to display sponsored product images alongside ChatGPT results

OpenAI is launching visual display ads that will appear alongside image generation results in ChatGPT for users in the United States starting later this month.

The new ad format will feature sponsored images of products and services from an initial test group of advertisers. According to reports from TechCrunch and The Verge, these visual ads will be clearly labeled as sponsored and are designed to remain separate from the AI-generated images, ensuring they do not influence the specific answers ChatGPT provides.

OpenAI stated that the ads will only be visible to users on free or low-cost subscription tiers. Those subscribed to ChatGPT Plus, Pro, or Enterprise plans will not see the advertisements. The Verge noted that OpenAI has established guardrails to prevent ads from appearing in sensitive or unsuitable contexts, such as during emotionally vulnerable conversations.

To support this rollout, OpenAI is expanding its measurement tools and partner ecosystem to include various click attribution and advanced measurement partners like AppsFlyer and Triple Whale. TechCrunch reported that the company is also piloting brand suitability evaluations with DoubleVerify and Integral Ad Science to help advertisers understand the ChatGPT environment.

The initial test is limited to the U.S. market, though OpenAI eventually plans to offer these tools to reach its 1.2 billion weekly users globally. The company is also working with partners like Haus and WorkMagic to explore geo-based experiments for advertisers.

Background

OpenAI introduced ads in February to support its free service tiers, later expanding the program to India in August. Previously, ChatGPT ads were limited to displaying a company's name, logo, and a product link in a sponsored section beneath the chat window.