GoKawiilOpenAI to test visual ads in ChatGPT's image generation feature
OpenAI says it will begin testing a new ad format in the US this month that displays images of sponsored products when users generate images in ChatGPT. The company first introduced text-based sponsored links to ChatGPT in February, and says the new visual ads will stay separate from generated content and won't appear for Plus, Pro, or Enterprise subscribers.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The move signals OpenAI's continued push to build advertising revenue alongside its subscription business, following a pattern seen at other consumer tech platforms that monetize free tiers through ads. OpenAI's stated guardrails around 'sensitive' contexts suggest the company is trying to preempt criticism about ad placement feeling intrusive or manipulative in a conversational AI setting, though how well those safeguards work in practice remains untested.
- OpenAI will test visual sponsored-product ads within ChatGPT's image generation feature starting this month in the US.
- Paid subscribers on Plus, Pro, and Enterprise plans won't see the new ads.
- OpenAI says guardrails will prevent ads from appearing in sensitive or emotionally vulnerable conversations.
Source: theverge.com — Emma Roth, 2026-10-05
Published there as: “OpenAI is sticking more ads in ChatGPT”
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