OpenAI has announced the rollout of advertising features, currently being tested for users of its Free and Go subscription tiers in the United States. The Go plan, launched globally in January at a competitive price of $8 per month, aims to broaden access to functional capabilities of ChatGPT while ensuring a seamless user experience.
Importantly, users subscribed to OpenAI’s premium tiers—such as Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Education—will be exempt from seeing ads. Addressing concerns regarding user experience, OpenAI emphasized that advertising will not influence the responses generated by ChatGPT. In a recent blog post, the company clarified, “Ads do not influence the answers ChatGPT gives you, and we keep your conversations with ChatGPT private from advertisers.”
This announcement follows a series of Super Bowl ad campaigns from competitor Anthropic, which mocked the idea of ads disrupting AI interactions. Anthropic portrayed this through exaggerated portrayals of AI chatbots delivering advice alongside poorly targeted advertisements. OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, responded sternly, calling the competitor’s messaging “dishonest” and labeling Anthropic as an “authoritarian company.”
Despite initial backlash against ad testing late last year, OpenAI is moving forward with its initiative to monetize its chatbot, a necessity for sustaining its technological advancements. The company reassured users that advertisements would be relevant and helpful, tailored based on conversation topics, previous interactions, and user preferences. Sponsored content will be clearly identified and separated from organic responses.
OpenAI has developed user-centric features allowing individuals to track their ad interactions, provide feedback, and customize ad visibility. Notably, ads will not be shown to users under 18 or associated with sensitive topics such as health or politics, reinforcing the company’s commitment to user safety and experience.
Key Points:
– OpenAI is testing ads for Free and Go subscription tiers.
– Premium plans will remain ad-free.
– Ads claim not to affect ChatGPT responses and are privacy-conscious.
– Users can manage their ad preferences and interactions.
– Ads will be excluded for minors and sensitive topics.
