OpenAI ChatGPT Ads Now Live With User Controls

02/10/26
Source: Search Engine Roundtable by barry@rustybrick.com (Barry Schwartz). Read the original article

TL;DR Summary of OpenAI Launches Ads in ChatGPT for Free and Go Users

OpenAI has started testing ads in ChatGPT for logged-in adult users on the Free and Go subscription tiers in the U.S. Users can control ad personalization through settings that manage search history, interests, and ad data deletion. Ads are contextual with an option for personalization using chat history, while paid tiers remain ad-free. Advertisers can sign up directly on OpenAI’s platform.

Optimixed’s Overview: How OpenAI Integrates User-Controlled Ads into ChatGPT Experience

Introduction to Ads in ChatGPT

OpenAI has officially introduced ads within its ChatGPT interface, targeting specifically users on the Free and Go tiers. This marks a significant shift in the monetization strategy of the AI chatbot, allowing advertisers to present contextual ads directly in conversations while offering users granular control over their ad experience.

User Control and Personalization Settings

  • Ad Visibility and Interaction: Each ad includes options to hide or report it, similar to other digital ad platforms.
  • Data Management: Users can view the ads they interacted with via a dedicated history tab and manage their interests in a separate section.
  • Personalization Toggle: Users can opt-in or out of ad personalization. When off, ads remain contextual but less tailored; when on, ads leverage chat history and feedback without sharing data with advertisers.
  • Data Deletion: Ad-related data such as history and interests can be deleted independently from other ChatGPT data, ensuring privacy and control.

Ad Experience Across Subscription Tiers

Ads currently appear only to logged-in adult users on Free and Go tiers in the U.S. Higher subscription plans including Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Education tiers are exempt from ads, maintaining an uninterrupted user experience for paying customers.

Opportunities for Advertisers

OpenAI provides a dedicated platform for advertisers to sign up and participate in this new ad ecosystem. This initiative creates a novel avenue for brands to engage users within AI-driven conversations, potentially increasing ad relevance through conversation context and optional personalization features.