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Category: OpenAI

OpenAI Enhances Ads Manager with Fresh Budget and Geo Features
The latest updates to ChatGPT Ads are empowering me as an advertiser with greater control over how I manage my campaigns, especially when it comes to pacing, location targeting, and engaging with ads more effectively.

OpenAI’s recent rollout of updates to the Ads Manager Beta is expanding my capabilities in the realm of campaign pacing, targeting, and reporting. They’re also quietly testing intriguing new ad experiences within ChatGPT.

With these ongoing enhancements, OpenAI is clearly investing in building a robust advertising platform. This makes ChatGPT an increasingly attractive channel for both performance and brand advertising.

What’s new in Ads Manager Beta:

Daily Budgets are Here. Now, I have the option to choose between a daily or a lifetime budget when setting up new campaigns.

Currently, daily budgets apply only to newly launched campaigns. This change provides me with the flexibility to better manage pacing and spending, especially for ongoing campaigns or those requiring tighter control.

Enhanced Geo Targeting. OpenAI is introducing more detailed location targeting options across the U.S.

Now, I’m able to target campaigns by state, designated market area (DMA), and zip code, allowing for more precise audience targeting.

These targeting settings can be applied either during campaign setup or modified later within campaign settings. This update aligns ChatGPT’s ad tools more closely with familiar location controls on platforms like Google and Meta.

Aggregate Totals in Reporting Views. Now, the Ads Manager table views display aggregate totals for essential metrics such as impressions, clicks, and spending.

Having these totals available across campaign, ad group, and ad-level reporting views helps me quickly assess performance without the need for data exports.

Testing New ChatGPT Ad Experiences. In tandem with the Ads Manager updates, OpenAI has begun testing new ad experiences within ChatGPT.

Some ads now feature dynamic calls-to-action (CTAs) such as:
- “Shop Now”
- “Book Now”
- “Sign Up”
- “Learn More”
OpenAI indicates that CTAs are automatically chosen based on ad creative and destination experience, with the possibility of advertiser controls for CTA selection in the future.

OpenAI describes this feature as a lightweight enhancement aimed at improving user understanding and engagement with ads seen in ChatGPT.

Why I Care. Essentially, these updates show that OpenAI is committed to developing a sophisticated, performance-driven ad platform within ChatGPT.

With features like daily budgets and detailed geo-targeting, I’m armed with greater spend and target audience control. These tools are indispensable for mature advertising platforms.

The introduction of dynamic CTAs indicates that OpenAI is optimizing ads for higher engagement and conversion, paving the way for performance-centric ad formats in the future. For brands like ours dipping our toes into AI-native advertising, these updates signal that we’re moving beyond initial testing phases to establish ChatGPT as a viable media channel.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.
May 22, 2026
Transforming Retail Ads: ChatGPT Now Powers Product Feed Ads

I recently discovered a fascinating development from OpenAI that has the potential to revolutionize e-commerce advertising. They’ve started transforming product catalogues into automated ads within ChatGPT, allowing retailers to seamlessly scale their campaigns.

Retailers now have the option to connect their product feeds directly to ChatGPT. This integration means that the platform can generate ads automatically, using product names, images, and other attributes. Gone are the days of manually crafting campaigns!

For users, these ads will still appear beneath responses and remain clearly labeled as sponsored content. There’s no change here in terms of user experience.

As someone interested in how e-commerce brands operate, I’m intrigued by this update. It significantly reduces the barriers that retailers with large inventories face when running scaled ads.

Brands have the flexibility to establish rules on which products are featured, allowing the system to efficiently generate ads. It reminds me of how shopping campaigns function on platforms like Google, leveraging structured feeds for both organic and paid visibility.

Previously, ChatGPT could use product data for answering queries but not for advertising purposes. Now, with this advancement, the same data supports both functions, bridging the gap between organic presence and paid campaigns.

This shift signals how OpenAI is looking to monetize shopping. Instead of taking a slice of transactions, they’re targeting ad budgets typically spent on platforms like Amazon and Meta.

Industry analyst Debra Aho Williamson calls this shift to feed-based automation a necessity, highlighting ChatGPT’s unique approach to serving ads based on conversational intent, a distinct advantage.

According to ad tech partners like StackAdapt, the integration with existing feeds is straightforward, easing the adoption process.

This latest move is part of a series of updates that focus on performance, including cost-per-click bidding and new conversion tracking tools. Cost-per-action models are reportedly in development, suggesting an even deeper focus on performance advertising.

I’m eager to see more retailers experimenting with ChatGPT as a performance channel. The ease of setup might make this an attractive option, but the real test will be if conversational intent can drive conversions as efficiently as traditional methods.

The bottom line is that OpenAI is effectively turning product feeds into ads, making ChatGPT a more potent, scalable channel for e-commerce advertising.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

May 12, 2026
Discover How OpenAI is Revolutionizing Ads with ChatGPT CPC

Have you heard the news that OpenAI has introduced CPC ads to ChatGPT? This strategic shift has transformed it into a performance-driven channel, offering advertisers new avenues for engaging intent-driven audiences and tracking ROI.

OpenAI is moving away from a focus purely on impressions in ChatGPT to prioritize performance. This change places OpenAI in direct competition with giants like Google by adopting cost-per-click (CPC) ads, allowing advertisers to pay only when users click on their ads.

What’s happening? OpenAI has started testing CPC ads within ChatGPT, where advertisers only pay when their ads receive clicks. Initial reports highlight that these clicks are priced between $3 to $5. They’re rolling out this feature through a limited ads manager, alongside their existing CPM-based model.

Why now? The main catalyst seems to be pricing pressure. Since its launch, ChatGPT’s CPMs have significantly decreased from around $60 to approximately $25. Switching to CPC helps mitigate this decline by connecting revenue to tangible outcomes rather than mere impressions.

Why do we care? With its evolution into a performance channel, ChatGPT is now not just a branding space. The CPC pricing model makes it easier for us to connect budgets directly to measurable actions, test ROI, and compare these results with channels like Google Search.

I’m excited about the opportunity for advertisers to access what could be a high-intent audience in a new format. This presents a first-mover advantage before competition—and the associated costs—escalate.

The bigger picture: This isn’t just a pricing change; it’s a strategic pivot. By embracing CPC advertising, OpenAI challenges Google’s dominance in the market, thereby positioning ChatGPT as a contender for performance marketing budgets.

Reading between the lines: A major challenge lies in proving user intent. While search advertising is effective because it captures users actively searching for something, ChatGPT’s conversational context needs to generate clicks with equal value. Advertisers will likely compare these results directly with Google, setting a high standard for quality and conversion.

Zoom out: Advertising is becoming integral to OpenAI’s long-term revenue plan, supported by investments in ad infrastructure, measurement tools, and a wider self-serve platform.

Bottom line: By implementing CPC ads, OpenAI is vying for the performance-driven ad dollars that have long supported traditional search platforms.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

April 22, 2026
Explore ChatGPT’s New Ads Manager: A Game-Changer for Advertisers

I recently came across OpenAI’s testing of a new ChatGPT Ads Manager interface, which heralds a promising shift towards a more scalable and self-directed advertising platform.

Advertisers are buzzing about their experiences with the new Ads Manager interface for ChatGPT. It’s a leap forward, offering a mature advertising platform where we can manage campaigns in real time. This is a significant improvement over what we’ve had so far in terms of reporting and controls, as shared by digital marketers Juozas Kaziukėnas and Glenn Gabe through their detailed images.

What’s New: The Ads Manager is essentially a dashboard that allows me to run, monitor, and optimize campaigns in real-time—a significant advancement from the limited reporting we’ve seen previously. Juozas Kaziukėnas and Glenn Gabe shared some fascinating insights through images of this evolving interface.

Why It Matters: Up to now, ChatGPT ads have been in the nascent stages, with advertisers relying on basic tools like weekly CSV reports. The introduction of a comprehensive Ads Manager indicates OpenAI’s efforts to construct an infrastructure analogous to what we see in platforms like Google Ads or Meta.

Zoom In: I’m noticing more ads popping up inside ChatGPT, with brands such as Best Buy and Expedia being visible in early tests. The increase in ad inventory, combined with a sophisticated management interface, suggests a swift expansion in monetization endeavors.

What to Watch: As the Ads Manager continues to evolve, I’m looking forward to more refined targeting, reporting, and automation features. Initial feedback indicates there’s still room for growth here, especially concerning ChatGPT ads.

First Seen: Glenn Gabe was among the first to share glimpses of the ChatGPT ads manager interface on X.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

April 22, 2026
Exploring ChatGPT Ads: Opportunities and Challenges Ahead

I’ve noticed a growing interest in ChatGPT ads as an advertising channel. However, there’s significant uncertainty due to limited data and constantly changing features.

OpenAI is stepping into new territory with their advertising platform, and as an advertiser, I’m experiencing mixed feelings. The data is sparse, performance metrics are unclear, and the rapid evolution of the product adds another layer of complexity.

Driving the News. Two months into ChatGPT ads, I’m finding that although experimenting is underway, the lack of clear measurement tools and established benchmarks is a challenge.

Early campaigns are mostly impression-based, leaving me wanting more insight into their effectiveness.

I’ve heard that CPMs are quite steep, with initial spends in the six-figure range.

Some of us feel the product is still in its infancy and maturing very slowly.

The Vibe Check. When I speak with other advertisers, the sentiment ranges from cautious optimism to frustration. On one hand, there’s excitement due to ChatGPT’s innovative approach as an AI platform.

On the flip side, the lack of transparency and targeted reporting leaves much to be desired.

Why We Care. From my perspective, this highlights the dual nature of investing in AI ad platforms. ChatGPT promises access to a fast-growing audience, but the absence of concrete measurement tools makes large-scale investment risky.

It’s crucial for me to proceed with thoughtful testing and establish a solid AI strategy without committing too much of the budget just yet.

The Bigger Picture. OpenAI is striving for success by balancing AI development and enterprise growth, all while facing stiff competition from giants like Google and Anthropic.

Some industry insiders feel OpenAI’s broad experimentation might dilute its focus. The withdrawal of the Instant Checkout feature and losing ground in video ambitions illustrate this point.

How Ads Actually Show Up. Initial tests indicate that ads might impact user journeys indirectly. For example, a sponsored retailer may be highlighted more prominently among recommendations.

Despite these placements, platforms assure that ads don’t drastically alter the fundamental responses.

Yes, But…. I notice an ongoing push and pull between maintaining consumer trust, ensuring unbiased answers, and fulfilling advertiser goals to boost visibility.

How this balance is managed will inevitably influence the future development of AI ads.

What Marketers Should Do Now. Experts suggest that brands don’t need to make hasty decisions. While large brands might gain from early experiments, others should focus on strategic development as the field evolves. Understanding how AI integrates into overarching media strategies is key.

The Bottom Line. ChatGPT ads are still in their infancy. They hold promise but remain unproven, requiring advertisers like me to tread carefully while waiting for the platform to mature and meet expectations.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

April 17, 2026
ChatGPT Surpasses 900 Million Weekly Users: What You Should Know

I’ve recently learned that ChatGPT has hit an extraordinary milestone: over 900 million active users every week. OpenAI proudly shared this achievement for the first time, and it’s nothing short of remarkable.
Why It’s Significant. Our online habits are evolving, extending beyond conventional search methods. With so many users turning to ChatGPT weekly, it’s clear that interactions and discoveries are shifting to AI platforms. However, as users, we often still seek reassurance from traditional search engines.
The Facts. OpenAI didn’t just stop at sharing user figures; they also unveiled a substantial $110 billion funding round. Additionally, they’ve gained over 50 million consumer subscribers and more than 9 million businesses are paying clients.
What This Means for Us. ChatGPT isn’t just a chat tool; it’s a competitive landscape where search, intent, and brand visibility meet. Understanding how our content appears in AI-driven results is crucial for boosting conversions, even if these interactions aren’t traditional searches.
OpenAI’s Announcement. For further insights, you can check out OpenAI’s official statement on Scaling AI for everyone.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

February 27, 2026
Explosive Growth in ChatGPT’s Ad Landscape: What You Need to Know
I recently discovered that the world of ChatGPT ads is rapidly evolving, with major brands tapping into high-intent prompts like “best” and “new.”

After hearing about this trend, I delved into the findings from AI ad intelligence firm Adthena, which has been monitoring the acceleration of ChatGPT’s ad ecosystem. It’s fascinating to see more brands joining in, along with clearer patterns for ad placements.

What’s happening? Adthena first spotted advertisers within ChatGPT just last week, and they’re already reporting a marked increase in both advertiser activity and ad delivery tactics.

Advertisers spotted so far:
- Best Buy
- AT&T
- Pottery Barn
- Enterprise
- Qualcomm
- Expedia
How ads are triggering: Analyzing over 1,500 prompts in the past week has revealed that most ads show up on the first prompt, while others activate on the third or fourth reiteration of the same query. High-intent words like “best” and “new” play a significant role.
- “I am going to buy a new phone. What is the best phone?”
- “I need a new phone.”
- “I need to buy a new desk, what’s best?”
Between the lines: The keyword triggers are simple, focusing on commercial intent rather than emotional nuance. For instance, Best Buy managed to secure two ad slots in responses to iPhone-related prompts, indicating their early moves to capture this evolving market.

Why this matters: As the ChatGPT advertising space grows, understanding these trigger behaviors — even at a basic keyword level — can be crucial for brands exploring this new avenue.

The bottom line: ChatGPT ads are steadily transitioning from experimental phases to established patterns. While signals remain simple, competitive tensions are already brewing.

Spotted. Insights into the competitive ChatGPT ad landscape were shared by Adthena’s CMO, Ashley Fletcher, who uploaded screenshots on LinkedIn.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.
February 26, 2026
OpenAI’s Strategic Rollout of ChatGPT Ads Prioritizes Trust

I’ve been following the developments at OpenAI closely, and their recent decision to introduce ads to the ChatGPT platform is quite interesting. According to the COO, this ad rollout is going to be a gradual process, one that respects user privacy while exploring new monetization avenues.

Earlier this month, OpenAI began implementing ads for its free and Go-tier users in the U.S., a step that marks a pivotal shift in its approach to generating revenue. This move is happening amidst growing pressure from competitors, with companies like Anthropic making significant marketing strides.

At the India AI summit, Brad Lightcap, the COO of OpenAI, shared some insights. He made it clear that the introduction of ads is an “iterative” process. His emphasis on maintaining user trust and privacy caught my attention. According to him, if ads are executed effectively, they can enhance the product experience rather than detract from it. However, he acknowledged that they are still in the early stages and will require time to perfect their approach.

The backdrop to this development includes a public spat between OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, and Anthropic concerning Super Bowl ad campaigns. Altman stands firm in OpenAI’s stance on offering broad and free access to AI, arguing that their scale presents unique challenges that differ from their competitors.

From a financial perspective, there are reports suggesting that OpenAI is charging up to $60 CPM, with advertising commitments beginning at about $200,000. Companies such as Shopify are enabling merchants to run ads within ChatGPT through Shop Campaigns, joining early testers like Target and Adobe.

It’s a delicate balance for OpenAI as they work to monetize their extensive free user base without eroding the trust that users have in their platforms. This is becoming increasingly challenging due to rising privacy concerns and competitive pressures.

The bottom line for me is clear: Ads are destined to be a part of ChatGPT’s future. The real question is whether OpenAI can successfully integrate these ads without compromising the quality of the user experience that has driven its growth.

If you’re curious to learn more, you can read further about this iterative ad process.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

February 25, 2026
ChatGPT Ads: Eye-Opening, Immediate, and Here to Stay

Recently, I’ve noticed something fascinating — ChatGPT ads have started making their presence felt, and they’re not hiding in the background. They’re right there from the start, catching users’ attention straight away.

It seems OpenAI’s approach to advertising within ChatGPT is evolving. Currently, ads pop up for signed-in desktop users in the U.S. based on findings from AI ad intelligence firm Adthena. It’s quite a shift from earlier expectations.

The biggest twist? Many thought ads would only show up after longer conversations. However, that’s not the case. Imagine asking, “What’s the best way to book a weekend away?” and seeing a sponsored message immediately. That’s the reality.

What do these ads look like? They’re marked by a brand favicon and a clear “Sponsored” label, a departure from the initial designs OpenAI shared publicly.

Why does this matter to us? ChatGPT ranks among the top sites globally, and advertising integrated into its responses indicates a major development in AI monetization. It could change how brands connect with consumers right when they’re seeking information.

Reading between the lines, the fact that ads are triggered by single, intent-driven prompts shows OpenAI sees these interactions as valuable ad space. This is a significant move for advertisers figuring out where to allocate their budgets.

The bottom line is clear — the era of ChatGPT advertising has quietly kicked off. As a marketer, I now understand it’s not about questioning the need for an AI search strategy anymore. It’s about asking if I’m already behind.

The first glimpse of these ads came from Adthena’s CMO, Ashley Fletcher, shared on LinkedIn.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

February 19, 2026
Discover How Ads Enhance Your ChatGPT Experience
On the OpenAI podcast, I recently listened to Andrew Maine as he spoke with OpenAI executive Assad Awan. During their conversation, Awan shared insights into how ads are being introduced to ChatGPT, who will see them, and the measures in place to protect user trust.
Who will see ads:
Ads will be visible to users on the Free and Go tiers. As for Plus, Pro, and Enterprise subscribers, they will not encounter ads in their interactions. Additionally, Enterprise workspaces are staying completely free from advertisements.
The guardrails: Awan highlighted that OpenAI is committed to structuring ads with strict trust principles in mind.
- Separation: Ads are distinctly separate both visually and technically from the model answers.
- Privacy: Conversations are not shared with advertisers, ensuring privacy is upheld.
- Sensitive topics: Discussions on health, politics, and other sensitive subjects will never be interrupted by ads.
- Controls: Users have the ability to adjust ad personalization settings or even upgrade to remove ads entirely.
Awan also mentioned that the AI model itself is not aware of when ads are present and will only reference them if directly queried by a user.
Zoom in. OpenAI emphasizes prioritizing user trust over other factors such as user value, advertiser value, and revenue. This framework is designed to prevent ads from influencing the model’s responses.
For small businesses. Awan envisions a future where AI simplifies advertising for small businesses. By understanding plain language goals, AI can help run campaigns without the complexity of traditional dashboards.
Why we care. ChatGPT ads promise a unique, high-intent channel where businesses can connect with users during their active conversations and decision-making processes. By focusing on relevance and AI-driven matching, the platform can lower the entry barrier for small to midsize advertisers while boosting performance for larger brands.
Should OpenAI succeed in cultivating a trusted ad environment, it could reshape how advertisers perceive discovery and customer engagement within AI-driven platforms.
What’s next. The initial ad tests will remain conservative, concentrating on utility and relevance before volume as OpenAI hones ad formats and placements.
The big picture. Through advertising, OpenAI aims to expand ChatGPT access while adhering to a trust-first design—a balance they assert is key to their long-term strategy.
Dig deeper. Watch the full interview with Assad Awan

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.
February 11, 2026

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