OpenAI Introduces Ad Testing on ChatGPT for Free and Low-Cost Users
OpenAI has recently announced a significant shift in its monetization strategy. The AI giant plans to start testing advertisements within ChatGPT in the coming weeks. These ads will be displayed at the bottom of chatbot responses for users on the free tier and the newly expanded $8-per-month Go subscription plan in the United States.
The ads will be clearly labeled and separated from ChatGPT’s organic answers. The targeting will be based on current conversations. OpenAI, however, emphasizes that responses will not be influenced by advertisers, and user data will not be sold. CEO Sam Altman stated, “It is clear to us that a lot of people want to use a lot of AI and don’t want to pay, so we are hopeful a business model like this can work.“
Premium subscribers on the following plans will remain ad-free:
- Plus ($20/month)
- Pro ($200/month)
- Business
- Enterprise
OpenAI also announced that ads will not appear near sensitive topics, including:
- Health
- Mental health
- Politics
Moreover, ads will not be shown to users under 18.
This move comes as OpenAI seeks to diversify revenue streams amid massive infrastructure spending. The company is reportedly on track to generate $20 billion in annualized revenue. OpenAI’s ChatGPT Go plan, offering 10x more messages than the free tier, is now available globally.
Source: CNBC