OpenAI has started testing advertising on ChatGPT in the United States, limiting the trial to adult users on its Free and Go plans.
The company said users on paid plans like Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise and Education, will not see adverts.
The test applies only to logged-in users and is not running for accounts linked to people under 18.
OpenAI said the ads are clearly marked and kept separate from responses, also noting that they do not change how ChatGPT answers questions and advertisers cannot see user conversations or personal details.
Only overall figures, such as how many people viewed or clicked an advert, are shared.
In a statement, the company said: “Ads do not influence the answers ChatGPT gives you, and we keep your conversations with ChatGPT private from advertisers.”
The aim is to support free and low-cost access by helping to cover the cost of running the service. Individuals who do not want to see ads can upgrade to a paid plan or opt out on the Free tier, with fewer daily messages as a trade-off.
During the test, ads are chosen based on the topic of a conversation and past interactions with ads. For example, someone asking about cooking may see adverts linked to food shopping or meal services.
The company said ads will not appear alongside topics such as health, mental health or politics.
Users can dismiss adverts, give feedback, see why a particular advert appeared, delete their ad data and adjust personalisation settings at any time, according to OpenAI.
This comes as the company looks for new revenue streams to support the growing use of its chatbot. Competitors have criticised the idea publicly, arguing that advertising could disrupt the user experience.
OpenAI has rejected that view and says the trial is about learning from feedback before making any wider changes.
OpenAI also noted it will expand the programme only as safeguards improve, adding that privacy and safety will remain important as the test continues.
