Some versions of ChatGPT will soon come with advertisements, OpenAI announced Friday.
The chatbot owner said that in the next few weeks, it will begin “testing ads” for the free and low-cost subscription "Go" versions of ChatGPT in the United States for logged-in, adult users.
Its “Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise subscriptions” won’t be subject to advertisements, the company said in a statement.
Users can expect ads “at the bottom of answers in ChatGPT when there’s a relevant sponsored product or service based on your current conversation.”
Open AI said ads will be “clearly labeled” and won’t be included under “sensitive or regulated topics,” including “health, mental health or politics.”
The addition of advertising to OpenAI’s chatbot has the potential to drive new revenue for the company.
OpenAI has committed to spend about $1.4 trillion over the next eight years to build out its AI infrastructure, according to a November X post by CEO Sam Altman.
He said the company, which is not publicly traded, expected revenue “above $20 billion” this year. Fulfilling OpenAI’s future spending commitments, he said, “requires continued revenue growth.”
According to OpenAI, advertising will “not influence” the answers the chatbot provides to user questions.
OpenAI’s announcement comes days after Google unveiled a new feature in its AI mode that allows retailers to target consumers who are using the AI shopping tool with personalized offers.
OpenAI also announced Friday that ChatGPT Go, its lower-cost subscription, will now be available users worldwide. It will cost $8 per month for U.S.-based subscribers.
The subscription was initially made available in India last August.
