OpenAI is preparing to add advertising to ChatGPT

OpenAI, judging by new findings, plans to introduce ad formats into ChatGPT – presumably for users who use the service for free.

Engineer Tibor Blaho found references to advertising mechanisms in the ChatGPT Android app. The code contains references to search ads, an ad carousel format and a special API. While the changes are found in the Android version, similar features are expected to appear on all platforms, including iOS, macOS, and the desktop web interface.

It’s expected that similar features will appear on all platforms, including iOS, macOS, and the desktop web interface.

According to the wording, the ads may be displayed as part of web searches or queries related to product selection.

Today, access to ChatGPT starts with a Plus plan for $20 a month. There is also a $200-per-month ChatGPT Pro plan with increased limits, corporate and educational offerings, and a free plan. OpenAI is offering a more affordable “Go” plan in some countries, which may expand to the U.S. in conjunction with the launch of the advertising model.

Accordingly, OpenAI is offering a more affordable “Go” plan in some countries.

ChatGPT Android app 1.2025.329 beta includes new references to an "ads feature" with "bazaar content", "search ad" and "search ads carousel" pic.twitter.com/BdHOJIQHmA

According to industry sources, OpenAI is considering a gradual increase in the cost of subscriptions. Reorganizing the tariff lineup and launching an ad-supported tier seem like a good time to change the pricing structure.

As Search Engine Land notes, over the past year, OpenAI executives have started talking about advertising differently. In late 2024, CEO Sam Altman called advertising a “last resort,” but in early 2025, ducked internal projections included $1 billion in revenue from monetizing free users in 2026. Altman later said he likes ad formats on social networks and finds them useful, noting that OpenAI could create a “cool ad product” that would be a “net plus for the user.”