Hello, community! Lately, everyone has been talking about the “AI bubble” that is supposedly about to burst. So far, that hasn’t happened. Although certain problems are emerging — just look at the ongoing shortage of memory chips on the market.
At the same time, it’s becoming increasingly clear that maintaining massive server infrastructure is getting less profitable. Current investments in neural networks may no longer be enough to sustain their operations.
At least, that’s what we’re being told. Perhaps even as a pretext to integrate advertising into their services? After all, none other than OpenAI has already done it. Ads in ChatGPT are currently being tested in the United States and will most likely expand to other regions soon. That’s exactly what we’re discussing today.
Before we begin, let us remind you that we have already explained how ChatGPT can be useful for affiliates. Highly recommended reading!
When did ads appear in ChatGPT?
On February 9, 2026, OpenAI announced that it had begun testing advertising inside ChatGPT. For now, this applies only to the U.S. market. However, there is little doubt that users in other countries will start seeing ads soon as well.
Who will see ads in ChatGPT?
The feature is currently in the testing phase. It has been specifically noted that ads will be shown exclusively to adult users.
Advertising is not limited to the free version of the neural network. Even users with a Go subscription will still see ads. However, Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise subscribers will not be shown advertising.
Users are currently given the option to disable ads. However, this affects AI functionality — specifically chat and message limits. For the average user, this may not be a major issue.
Users can also provide feedback regarding their experience with ads. Over time, this may influence the overall quality of the tool. Whether this feedback option will remain after the testing period is still unclear.
What will ads in ChatGPT look like?
As for the format, this is not a native integration disguised as part of the chatbot’s response. OpenAI emphasizes that the new advertising tool does not affect the actual output of the neural network.
Currently, ads resemble contextual or targeted advertising. It is a small ad block placed at the bottom of a response, relevant to the user’s query.
It looks very similar to what we see on Facebook or in Google Ads advertising.
The block is clearly labeled as “Sponsored,” so it should not mislead users.
Who can buy ads in ChatGPT?
If your first reaction was to rush in and try to buy all the traffic from ChatGPT — it’s not that simple.
The company invites interested advertisers to submit a request. This can be done via this link. However, no specific advertiser requirements have been announced yet. Pricing models remain undisclosed — whether CPM, CPC, or some alternative format.
For now, we can assume the feature will initially be available to large brands — similar to what happened with advertising in Threads. That’s typical during a testing phase. Over time, access may expand, allowing affiliates to redirect traffic from ChatGPT to offers.
Why could ads in ChatGPT be useful for affiliates?
The key question for us: can this become a game changer? The short answer is yes.
Advertising in ChatGPT means:
- Massive audience. It is the most popular chatbot in the world with high retention rates, according to Similarweb.
- A new type of traffic. This is not classic targeted or contextual advertising. Unlike Gemini, where ads are essentially Google Ads, ChatGPT may open opportunities for entirely new funnels and bundles.
- A fresh wave in affiliate marketing. New offers may emerge specifically adapted to ChatGPT traffic. Entire new verticals could potentially develop.
- Increased competition. Other ad networks may be forced to improve conditions, potentially affecting ad pricing — positively or negatively.
However, many details remain unclear — including campaign setup mechanics and product restrictions. It is safe to assume that gray verticals are unlikely to receive approval.
Pricing is still unknown. But given the audience scale, it is unlikely to be cheap.
Conclusion
It is still too early to determine how ChatGPT advertising will function in real affiliate marketing conditions. OpenAI’s statement focuses more on users than advertisers, leaving many operational details undisclosed.
However, competition is always positive. Meta and Google Ads may finally face a serious rival. The online advertising market will likely change significantly once ChatGPT ads move beyond testing and expand into new GEOs. For now, affiliate teams can already try submitting applications and exploring the new tool.
As for users — they face a dilemma again: either pay for a higher-tier subscription or accept ad-free mode with stricter limits. That part is less appealing.
But that’s how business works. With growing concerns about ChatGPT’s profitability, such steps were predictable. Investments alone cannot sustain long-term growth.
What do you think about ads in ChatGPT? Do you see new opportunities or just added friction? Share your thoughts in our Telegram community, where we regularly discuss the latest affiliate marketing news!
Respectfully yours, Your Geek!
Frequently Asked Questions
On February 9, 2026, OpenAI announced the start of advertising tests inside ChatGPT. Currently, it applies only to the U.S. market.
At the moment, ads are being tested in the United States and shown exclusively to adult users.
Ads appear as small sponsored blocks at the bottom of chatbot responses. The format resembles traditional contextual and targeted advertising.