OpenAI is expanding its advertising strategy within ChatGPT by introducing visual ads that appear during image generation. This new format will display sponsored products and services directly on the user screen, separate from the generated content itself.
The company has already begun testing these visual advertisements with an initial group of partners. A broader rollout of the new format is scheduled to begin in the United States by the end of October 2026.
To ensure brand safety, OpenAI is implementing algorithms that analyze the context of conversations. These systems are designed to prevent ads from appearing during sensitive discussions or topics involving emotional vulnerability.
The advertising updates will not affect users on paid subscription tiers. Subscribers to the Plus, Pro, and Enterprise plans will continue to use the platform without seeing these sponsored visual placements.
