According to multiple sources, OpenAI is re-evaluating the possibility of introducing advertisements into ChatGPT and exploring a new form of monetization called "sponsored content." This change means that in the future, the answers provided by ChatGPT may influence users' purchasing decisions to some extent.
Previously, AIbase reported that the ChatGPT Android app version 1.2025.329 test code had already included several references related to advertising, such as "marketplace content," "search ads," and "search ad carousels," which were once seen as signals that OpenAI was about to fully launch an advertising business. However, later reports suggested that due to competitive pressure from Google's Gemini in terms of model capabilities, OpenAI's management decided to delay the advertising plan and focus on improving the quality and user experience of artificial intelligence itself.
However, this does not mean that OpenAI has completely abandoned its advertising strategy. According to a recent report by The Information, OpenAI is prioritizing the introduction of sponsored content within AI answers. A source revealed that the AI model may "prioritize displaying sponsored information" to ensure it appears in ChatGPT responses. Additionally, some internal advertising models show that sponsored content might appear in a sidebar next to the main ChatGPT response window.
OpenAI has also confirmed this exploration direction for the first time. A company spokesperson told The Information that as ChatGPT's functions continue to expand and its application scenarios keep growing, OpenAI is researching appropriate advertising formats to support smarter and more sustainable service development. At the same time, any commercial design will be based on respecting the trust relationship users have with ChatGPT.
Industry experts generally believe that if ChatGPT introduces advertising, its impact could go beyond traditional search ads. Compared to Google Search, generative AI has a deeper understanding of user needs, preferences, and context, meaning OpenAI has the potential to deliver highly personalized ads, and even integrate sponsored content naturally into answers without users realizing it, thus reshaping current online advertising and consumer decision-making patterns.
Currently, OpenAI has not yet announced the specific release date for the advertising feature. However, analysts expect that if the relevant plans proceed smoothly, ChatGPT's ads could debut as early as the first half of 2026.
