OpenAI plans to introduce personalized ads in ChatGPT

OpenAI is said to be experimenting with ads in ChatGPT, using its “memory” feature to offer personalized, conversational suggestions based on user chats, with early trials involving travel and consumer brands hinting at future monetization plans

OpenAI is reportedly exploring the introduction of ads within ChatGPT, marking a significant shift toward monetizing its widely used AI chatbot. According to reports, the company is experimenting with ways to integrate ads seamlessly into conversations, making them feel more natural and relevant to users’ interactions.

The initiative is said to revolve around ChatGPT’s “memory” capability, which enables the AI to recall information from past conversations. This feature could soon be leveraged to display personalized ads—suggesting products, destinations, or services that align with users’ interests and preferences. The model might present these as conversational recommendations, much like Google’s tailored ads appear alongside search results.

While OpenAI has yet to officially confirm the development, internal discussions suggest that ad-supported responses are in active testing. Early trials reportedly involve sponsored replies from select travel and consumer brands, potentially including clickable product links or buy buttons integrated into chats.

Balancing revenue and trust

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has previously warned that ads could undermine user trust if not handled carefully. However, given the immense costs of maintaining large AI models and a rapidly expanding global user base, Altman has recently acknowledged that advertising might become a necessary revenue stream—if implemented “thoughtfully and tastefully.”

The company has also begun hiring executives with advertising backgrounds, signaling long-term plans for monetization. Still, using ChatGPT’s memory for ad targeting raises privacy concerns regarding data handling and user consent.

OpenAI has promised transparency and compliance with global privacy standards like GDPR, ensuring users can opt out of personalized ads. For now, the ad experiments remain limited, but they could mark the beginning of a new era in conversational AI monetization.