OpenAI is reportedly exploring the possibility of incorporating advertisements as a new source of revenue. According to recent reports, the company is contemplating displaying ads on ChatGPT, its AI-driven chatbot platform. However, no definitive timelines or methods for implementing these ads have been established. One potential approach could involve showing ads primarily to users of the free version of ChatGPT, though there are indications the model may resemble that of Perplexity, which is testing ads for all users.
Advertisements on ChatGPT
A report from the Financial Times indicates that OpenAI sees advertising on ChatGPT as a feasible strategy for increasing its revenue. During an interview, Sarah Friar, OpenAI’s Chief Financial Officer, mentioned that the company is considering an ad-supported revenue model but emphasized the importance of being “thoughtful about when and where we implement them.”
Following the interview, Friar reiterated that OpenAI’s current business models are experiencing significant growth, and the company aims to capitalize on available opportunities. “While we’re open to exploring other revenue streams in the future, we have no active plans to pursue advertising,” she stated in her comments to the Financial Times.
Despite the cautious statements, Friar has not dismissed the possibility of ads being introduced on ChatGPT down the line. The report also notes that OpenAI has been actively recruiting individuals with advertising expertise from competitors like Meta and Google.
Ad-based revenue models are generally straightforward to implement. Recently, Perplexity has begun testing advertisements on its platform as sponsored content. Currently in a pilot phase localized to the US, there are plans to extend this initiative to additional regions. Google has also started displaying ads on AI Overviews, the AI-generated summaries featured on its search platform.
In addition to advertising, OpenAI is pursuing various other channels for revenue generation. Earlier this year, the company formed a partnership with Apple to integrate ChatGPT into the tech giant’s operating systems. Furthermore, OpenAI has recently introduced its AI-powered search engine and is reportedly gearing up to launch AI agents and the Sora video model.
