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Tag: Ads

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
Explore ChatGPT’s Costly Ads: Visibility at a Premium

I’ve noticed that OpenAI is introducing premium-priced ads on ChatGPT, but here’s something interesting: the data provided to advertisers is significantly limited compared to what we’re used to.

What’s happening. Reports indicate that OpenAI is offering ChatGPT ads at around $60 per 1,000 impressions. That’s about three times the rate of standard Meta advertisements! Yet, even with this higher cost, advertisers only receive basic metrics like total impressions or clicks, without insight into actions like purchases.

Why we care. ChatGPT is becoming a fresh, highly engaging ad space, but it’s not without its challenges. The hefty CPMs and limited insights mean that early advertising efforts will lean more toward enhancing brand presence and gathering learnings than achieving performance-driven efficiency.

For marketers who are open to trying new avenues, this presents a unique chance to gain insights into how ads function within AI-driven conversations before the format becomes more widespread or measurable.

The tradeoff. OpenAI is contemplating expanding its measurement capabilities in the future, yet it remains committed to user privacy. It has pledged not to sell user data or invade the confidentiality of conversations, which limits traditional targeting and attribution possibilities that platforms like Google and Meta offer.

Who will see ads. Initially, these ads will be available to those using ChatGPT’s free and lower-cost Go tiers, but won’t be shown to users under 18 or in conversations concerning sensitive topics like mental health or politics.

Between the lines. OpenAI is branding ChatGPT ads as a top-tier, trustworthy product, banking on the idea that context, focus, and brand safety can validate the higher pricing, despite the lack of detailed performance data.

Bottom line. Brands eager for prominent visibility in a cutting-edge AI-driven environment may find ChatGPT ads appealing, but those focused on performance metrics might hesitate due to the absence of detailed measurement.

Dig deeper. OpenAI Seeks Premium Prices in Early Ads Push (Subscription needed)

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

January 26, 2026
Apple’s App Store Ads Expansion: What You Need to Know

I’ve got some exciting news for those of us tracking changes in the digital advertising space. Apple’s expanding ad opportunities within the App Store search results, offering advertisers new chances to connect with users right at the moment they’re ready to download apps.

Starting March 3rd, there will be more ad slots in the UK, and following closely, Japan will see these changes too. By the end of March, this rollout is expected to reach all Apple Ads markets.

Why is this important? With more ad slots in the App Store, we have more chances to capture installs. But, this also means heightened competition for those high-intent queries, which could drive costs upward. Since we can’t pick our ad placements, ensuring creative relevance, refining keyword strategies, and monitoring conversion tracking have never been more crucial.

What’s changing? Previously, there was just a single sponsored ad spot at the top of the search results. Now, multiple ads can show up for a search query, not only in the top spot but also further down the page.

Devices running iOS and iPadOS 26.2 or later will support these additional placements.

How eligibility works: There’s no need for us advertisers to tweak anything to tap into the new ad slots. Our existing search results campaigns are automatically eligible for these new positions.

While we can’t choose our placement or bid for a specific spot, Apple determines where our ads appear within search results.

Ad formats and pricing remain constant. Ads look the same, relying either on a standard product page or a custom one. If we want, we can even direct users to specific in-app destinations via optional deep links.

Billing remains unchanged, continuing on a cost-per-tap or cost-per-install basis.

Matching ads to searches: Ads in search results still hinge on keywords—those we choose or those suggested by Apple. According to Apple, their relevance-based matching achieves an average conversion rate exceeding 60% for top-of-search ads.

Placement is a mix of relevance and bid, but relevance remains non-negotiable. Even a high bid won’t allow an ad into auctions if it’s not a strong match for the user’s query.

What should we keep an eye on? More ad slots could lead to greater opportunities, albeit with increased competition on the same search results page. It’s prudent to keep a close eye on performance metrics, query alignment, and conversion rates as the global rollout of this feature proceeds.

Looking ahead: As March progresses, more App Store search ads will be seen in all Apple Ads markets. For those of us in app marketing, this shift represents a significant transformation in how search visibility and competition will play out within the App Store.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

January 23, 2026
Meta Unleashes Threads Ads to 400M Users Globally

I’m excited to share that Meta is set to expand Threads ads to all users worldwide beginning next week. This move opens up new opportunities for advertisers to engage with over 400 million users.

Threads, which rivals the platform X, has seen rapid growth since its debut in July 2023. With its soaring popularity, CEO Mark Zuckerberg has high hopes that Threads could reach 1 billion users in the near future.

Advertiser Access. Advertisers have already been testing Threads ads in the U.S. and Japan. As of last April, global advertisers gained access. Meta helps streamline campaign expansions to Threads through its Advantage+ program, supporting various ad formats like image, video, and carousel. This can all be managed alongside campaigns on Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp within Business Settings.

Third-Party Verification. Meta is ensuring brand safety by extending third-party verification tools from Facebook and Instagram to Threads. Although ad delivery will start modestly, this scaling should ensure more confidence in the brand’s safety across the platform.

Why This Matters. With Threads integrating into Meta’s vast ad ecosystem, there’s an exciting opportunity for you to leverage this dynamic social platform. Early participation can give brands an edge as Threads offers a range of advanced ad formats and verification measures to avoid challenges like deepfakes.

Bottom Line. Meta’s global rollout of Threads ads is a pivotal moment for advertisers. It not only offers a channel on a rapidly expanding platform but also includes enhancements like brand-safety verification, making early adoption a strategic advantage.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

January 21, 2026
Google Prioritizes Trust Over Ads in Gemini’s AI Evolution

Recently, I was fascinated to learn that Google is taking a firm stance by keeping ads out of Gemini, its conversational AI, for the time being. As the CEO of Google DeepMind, Demis Hassabis, stated, they are focusing on ensuring trust and high-quality assistance rather than pursuing monetization right now.

What’s New. At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Hassabis confirmed that Google has “no plans” to introduce ads into Gemini just yet. He stressed the significance of improving the AI assistant’s capability and usability across various platforms before thinking about monetizing it.

The Contrast. This announcement stands in stark contrast to OpenAI’s recent decision to start testing ads in the free and budget-friendly tiers of ChatGPT. Hassabis found this move “interesting” and hinted it might be more about immediate revenue needs than a thoughtful product strategy.

Why We Care. For me, Google’s consistent decision to exclude ads from Gemini clearly suggests that monetizing AI won’t mimic the strategies we’ve seen in search or social media anytime soon. This cautious approach could initially limit ad opportunities in conversational AI. With competitors like OpenAI exploring ads, advertisers may need to experiment with these formats outside of Google’s ecosystem first.

Looking ahead, I believe Google’s approach hints at any potential future ad integration in Gemini being more restrained, prioritizing trust and taking longer to scale. This will influence how brands plan their AI-driven media strategies.

Not the First Denial. Interestingly, this is not the first time Google’s leadership has publicly opposed the idea of ads in Gemini. In December, Google Ads President Dan Taylor clarified that ads wouldn’t be a part of Gemini in 2026, indicating a unified stance on keeping it ad-free, at least for now.

Trust at Stake. Hassabis also expressed concerns about integrating advertising into such a personal AI assistant. He emphasized that maintaining unbiased and genuinely helpful recommendations is crucial to avoid eroding user trust.

Bottom Line. It’s fascinating to see Google, a company whose core business revolves around advertising, showing this level of restraint. By keeping AI assistants like Gemini free from ads, at least for now, Google aims to avoid blurring the line between help and influence as it enhances their capabilities.

Dig Deeper. For more insights, you can check out the detailed article on Google’s AI strategies on Substack.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

January 21, 2026
OpenAI Unveils ChatGPT Ads: A New Era for Conversational Marketing

I’ve recently discovered that OpenAI is moving ahead with plans to introduce ads in ChatGPT, aiming for a launch as soon as February. This move signals a quicker than anticipated step into the vast world of advertising.

What’s happening. It’s fascinating to learn that OpenAI has begun testing these ads with selected advertisers. Unlike the traditional pay-per-click model, they are opting for a pay-per-impression (PPM) approach. The initial test appears limited, with advertisers spending less than $1 million each, and there are currently no self-service buying options.

Why we care. The introduction of ads within ChatGPT could revolutionize the advertising landscape by integrating with conversational AI. However, it seems that OpenAI’s initial model focuses on securing revenue over allowing advertisers to measure ad performance. Although this PPM model limits traditional performance tracking, it offers a unique opportunity for brands to access a protected, intent-driven space, potentially influencing the future of conversational advertisements.

Getting involved at this stage might just provide advertisers with the chance to shape formats, pricing strategies, and standards before ChatGPT advertising fully scales up.

The backdrop. Just last week, OpenAI officially announced its advertising plans. This accompanies the launch of ChatGPT Go, their $8/month ad-supported plan. It’s interesting to note that free users will see ads, unlike Plus, Pro, or Enterprise users – at least for the time being.

Why impressions. The PPM model secures revenue for OpenAI without user interactions with the ads, but it does offer advertisers limited insight into how their ads perform. OpenAI hinted that user engagement, like follow-up questions regarding sponsored products, could act as a future signal of interaction and possibly, an additional monetization strategy.

The tension. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has often described ads as a “last resort.” This raises questions about whether escalating infrastructure costs are speeding up OpenAI’s advertising venture. While CFO Sarah Friar claims that revenue growth matches the increase in compute expenses, critical details about profitability remain elusive.

Between the lines. Ads will be positioned at the bottom of ChatGPT responses, clearly marked and separated from organic content, which seems like a careful rollout prioritizing user trust while exploring commercial possibilities.

Bottom line. OpenAI is transitioning swiftly from policy to practice with these impression-based ads, focusing on scale and revenue. Yet, numerous questions about their efficacy, transparency, and future steps linger.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

January 21, 2026
AdSense Revenue Crashes: Publishers Face Sudden Income Plunge

I’ve recently noticed a wave of concern sweeping across Google AdSense publishers due to a sudden drop in earnings. Many publishers like myself have experienced a steep decline in eCPM and RPM by up to 70%. This unexpected turn of events has left us fearing another shock to our revenue streams.

Why this matters to me is simple: relying heavily on AdSense for funding operations makes me vulnerable to such sudden swings. When traffic flows and costs remain steady, a sharp revenue decrease poses a real threat to my sustainability.

The buzz in the community intensified late on January 14th, peaking through January 15th. From the U.S. to Europe, publishers reported drastic drops in both page RPM and eCPM. Interestingly, multiple sites within the same accounts felt the impact simultaneously, and some even reported that their ads had partially or completely vanished.

Publishers like myself have voiced concerns:

“My RPM dropped by more than 80% overnight.”

“Same traffic, same placements — revenue collapsed.”

“I used to earn $500 a day, now it’s $35.”

“Never seen figures like this before.”

The numbers paint a grim picture across various regions:

Germany (.de): –64%

France (.fr): –63%

Italy (.it): –76%

Spain (.es): –90%

U.S.-focused sites report drops of 35–70%

Digging deeper, the timing of these drops coincides with an unconfirmed Google Search ranking update. This connection raises worries that visibility shifts and monetization issues are overlapping — an unsettling pattern that I, with many others, have witnessed before.

There’s another twist. Google has recognized systemic issues within Google Ad Manager. These issues include:

Declining AdX match rates

Reduced delivery from Google Ads and DV360

The hardest-hit areas are web and mobile web display inventory.

According to Google, affected users might face errors, high latency, or unusual behavior, with an update promised by Jan. 15th, at 7:00 PM UTC (2 pm E.T.).

However, a few critical questions remain unanswered:

Does the Ad Manager issue completely account for the AdSense revenue declines?

Is this all a reporting bug, an ad serving issue, or the beginning of a long-term monetization shift?

The indirect impact of AI Overviews, which currently display zero ads, is also a mystery.

In the broader context, it’s not just a recent occurrence for us; many publishers, including myself, have been experiencing a decline in revenue for months. Some have seen losses of 70–80% since mid-2025, driving fears that traditional content sites are being gradually deprioritized.

The bottom line is that, whether this is a temporary glitch or a sign of a continuing trend, we’re once again in a position of uncertainty — monitoring our dashboards with little clarity and even less control.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

January 15, 2026
Google’s New Campaign Setup: Faster and More Efficient

I recently discovered that Google Ads is experimenting with a quicker way for new advertisers like me to get up and running. This advancement promises a seamless account setup experience by integrating pre-built campaigns.

Driving the news. Over the past few weeks, there’s been a buzz about a new setup option in Google Ads called “Create an account with campaign for faster setup.” It caught my attention when I saw others, including Anthony Higman, mention it on X. It seems to be a recent addition.

Why we care. Account setup has always been a potential roadblock for new advertisers like me. By offering a bundled account creation with a ready-to-go campaign, Google could significantly shorten the time it takes to launch, reducing the risk of stalling before I’m fully onboarded.

The big picture. Google aims to make onboarding simpler and quicker, pushing for more automated and pre-configured settings. This latest test highlights Google’s commitment to convenience and efficiency, which is exciting for someone looking to dive into advertising without the complexities of manual setup.

Between the lines. While this faster setup could be a huge help for advertisers just starting out, it might also limit my initial control over campaign structure and settings, particularly if I’m not yet familiar with Google’s automated recommendations.

What to watch. Google hasn’t officially announced this feature, indicating it could still be in a testing phase or gradually rolling out. I’m eager to see if Google decides to expand this feature based on its success in improving user activation and expenditure.

The bottom line. Google’s move to expedite advertisers’ journey to going live underscores a shifting priority towards speed, albeit with less emphasis on early-stage decision-making nuance.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

January 14, 2026
Revolutionizing Vehicle Ads: Google’s New Click-to-Call Feature

I recently discovered that Google is enhancing Vehicle Ads with a click-to-call feature. This update gives potential car buyers a direct and seamless way to connect with dealers, turning search behavior into swift, live conversations.

Why does this matter? Vehicle Ads typically attract buyers who are already showing a strong intent to purchase. Removing obstacles with the new click-to-call feature meets shoppers at the precise moment they’re ready to engage with a dealership.

The big picture reveals a shift in automotive advertising towards instant human interaction. Buyers are more interested in real-time conversations rather than filling out additional forms. With call-enabled Vehicle Ads, connecting search to dialogue has never been easier.

In this evolving landscape, advertisers now bear a greater responsibility. Since the ad itself has become a conversion point, the quality of call handling, as well as staffing levels, can greatly affect performance. Dealers who prioritize phone interactions as a main conversion method will prevail, while those who do not may experience a decline.

Credit goes to Google Ads specialist Thomas Eccel for spotting this update first and sharing it on LinkedIn.

The bottom line is simple: Vehicle Ads have not only gained more visibility but have also come closer to facilitating actual sales.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

January 7, 2026
Google’s New Multi-Channel Product ID Rule: Prepare for Change

I recently came across an important update from Google that I believe every retailer should pay attention to. Starting in March 2026, Google Merchant Center will implement a new requirement for multi-channel products, which are those available both online and in stores. This involves using separate product IDs when product details differ by channel.

Understanding the Changes. So, what’s changing? Essentially, online product attributes will now act as the standard. If there is a variation in the product details for in-store items, such as different pricing or availability, I’ll need to create a separate version with a distinct product ID and manage it separately in my feeds.

Steps to Take. Google has already started reaching out to affected accounts, marking products that will need updates before the March deadline. It’s critical for me to review my product data feeds to ensure that items are properly segmented between online and in-store, especially if I’m utilizing Local Inventory Ads or operating across multiple Google platforms.

The Importance of Compliance. This change is not just procedural; it’s crucial because many retailers, including myself, have been managing online and in-store versions of products under a single ID. Google’s update demands that I now explicitly separate these products when attributes like price, availability, or condition differ.

The Broader Impact. This update, while providing Google with cleaner, more consistent product data across channels, places additional responsibility on advertisers like me for feed management, especially if my inventory is complex and extensive.

Initial Announcements. This update and the communication from Google were initially highlighted by PPC News Feed founder Hana Kobzová. I’m grateful for their early insights.

Key Takeaway. If my products catalog for online and in-store are not perfectly aligned, Google’s new system requires that I start treating them as separate entities to maintain visibility and eligibility on Google’s platform.

Learn More. To understand more about Google’s multi-channel product system update, I suggest visiting this support page.

Inspired by this post on Search Engine Land.

January 6, 2026

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