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Category: OpenAI

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
OpenAI’s New Era: ChatGPT Now Testing In-App Ads

I’ve noticed that OpenAI is taking a bold new step by introducing ads within ChatGPT. This is the first move toward monetizing its conversational AI, and it feels like a glimpse into the future of AI technology.

In this initial test, I observed that the ads are being integrated into the app for some users. Unlike cluttered advertising we’re used to, these are clearly defined messages, ensuring they don’t disrupt ChatGPT’s natural interface.

The details. From what I’ve seen, CNBC reports the ads appear in a distinct location beneath the chat window, keeping them separate from the AI’s responses. This thoughtful format maintains clarity and trust for users like me.

These ads are shown to both free users and those on the affordable Go subscription. It’s reassuring to know that OpenAI confirms advertisers won’t access our private chats, nor will they affect ChatGPT’s responses. Instead, ads are tailored to suit user needs.

What else is coming. From insider info via CNBC, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman mentioned a new chat model upgrade is on the horizon, and I’m eagerly anticipating its impact. Remarkably, ChatGPT continues to exceed 10% monthly growth, boasting 800 million weekly users as recently as October.

Why we care. As a user of one of the world’s largest consumer AI platforms, I find this gradual ad rollout significant. It could reshape how conversational AI is monetized and how brands reach each of us engaging with it.

The bigger picture. As AI platforms evolve, they are mirroring traditional digital advertising yet posing new considerations regarding placement, privacy, and our trust.

Bottom line. By officially stepping into the ad world within ChatGPT, OpenAI is exploring how commercial content might harmoniously coexist within conversational AI at a grand scale.

Dig Deeper. For those interested, OpenAI is reportedly starting ad tests in ChatGPT today (subscription needed).

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

February 9, 2026
Unveiling ChatGPT’s Ad Controls: Personalization Meets Privacy
I recently stumbled upon a fascinating preview of ChatGPT’s new ad configurations, giving us an insight into how personalization and privacy will revolutionize ad delivery within conversational AI.

Driving the news. It was an exciting moment when Juozas Kaziukėnas, an innovative entrepreneur, uncovered a method to access ChatGPT’s forthcoming ad settings interface. The panel is reassuring in its consistent emphasis: advertisers won’t have access to our chats, history, personal details, or IP addresses.

What the settings reveal:
- There’s a well-organized ad framework complete with its own controls.
- A History tab, where I can check the ads I’ve viewed inside ChatGPT.
- An Interests tab that gathers inferred preferences based on my interactions and feedback.
- For each ad, I have the option either to hide it or report it.
- Importantly, I can delete my ad history and interests without affecting other ChatGPT data.
Personalization options. I have the freedom to turn ad personalization on or off. When it’s enabled, ChatGPT uses my saved ad history and interest cues to customize ads. If disabled, the ads still display but only consider my current conversation for relevance.

An intriguing option allows ad personalization using both past conversations and memory capabilities — though crucially, my chat content isn’t shared with advertisers. For accounts like mine with memory disabled, this feature remains inactive.

Why we care. Even though official ads haven’t launched, the newly accessed settings panel provides us with the most detailed preview yet of ad personalization and privacy controls in action. It’s exciting to see ChatGPT striving to balance effective personalization with rigorous privacy standards. I can already imagine how this will redefine ad targeting and measurement on the platform.

The settings indicate a focus on contextual signals and user-enabled personalization, avoiding overly intrusive user tracking. This means our creative relevance and the intent derived from our conversations will be valued more than conventional audience profiling.

For brands, it’s a hint on how to craft their messaging and strategies for this new wave of conversational advertising.

The bigger picture. This discovery suggests OpenAI is developing an ad system mirroring known platforms but with a fresh focus on privacy and user autonomy.

Bottom line. Although ChatGPT ads might not be live right now, the framework is clear and indicates a future where conversational ads offer nuanced privacy and personalization settings.

First seen. Kaziukėnas shared a preview of the platform on LinkedIn.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.
February 9, 2026
OpenAI Prepares for ChatGPT Ads: What You Need to Know

I’ve noticed something intriguing in the responses from ChatGPT lately. If you peek into the page source, there are references to ads, even though no actual ads appear on the screen. It reads: “InReply to user query using the following additional context of ads shown to the user.” This discovery got me thinking about what’s brewing behind the scenes.

Digital marketer Glenn Gabe was the first to draw attention to this on X, highlighting the presence of ad-related phrases within ChatGPT’s source code. Other users have confirmed similar findings when engaging with commercial queries like auto insurance. This hints that there’s more at play than meets the eye.

This development could mark a significant shift, transitioning ChatGPT ads from a concept to reality, opening up a brand new high-intent advertising channel. With code logic for ads in place, it appears that OpenAI is already experimenting with targeting and eligibility to benefit early advertisers.

Given the limited ad space, and assuming ads will be seamlessly integrated into conversational responses instead of traditional banners, we might be on the brink of accessing premium advertising real estate that competes directly with organic content.

While the ads are currently invisible, their underlying logic is evidently active. This suggests OpenAI might already be testing parameters like ad eligibility, suppression rules for paid tiers, or internal mechanisms, all in preparation for a larger rollout.

OpenAI acknowledged earlier this year that ads would be introduced to ChatGPT for select users. These ads are expected to be sold on an impression basis, hinting at potentially high costs for advertisers. The groundwork is clearly set, even if ads haven’t gone live yet.

For those keen on following this development, I recommend checking out Glenn Gabe’s tweet that showcases evidence suggesting the imminent arrival of ChatGPT ads.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

February 2, 2026

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