OpenAI tests ads in ChatGPT free version in the US

In short: OpenAI is testing advertisements inside ChatGPT for free users in the US, with a wider rollout expected to begin in early 2026.

What happened

OpenAI is running a limited test that shows ads to people using ChatGPT’s free version in the United States. The goal is to make money from non-paying users, as more people use the free tier.

The ads can appear as part of ChatGPT’s replies. Reports say they can be “contextual,” meaning they may connect to what you just asked. For example, if you ask for gift ideas, you might see a sponsored suggestion for a product, like a store recommendation that shows up in the middle of a conversation.

Alongside ads, OpenAI is also adjusting what free users can do. Reports describe tighter limits, such as fewer questions you can ask or fewer features you can use, which can push some people toward paid plans like ChatGPT Plus.

Why it matters

For everyday users, this changes what “free” may look like. ChatGPT may start to feel more like a free app or website supported by ads, where you pay with attention instead of money. It also raises practical questions, like how clearly ads are labeled and how much they influence the answers people rely on for shopping advice, travel planning, or everyday decisions.

Source: Wired