OpenAI To Trial Ads In ChatGPT To Increase Revenue
An AI chatbot maker will begin showing ads in ChatGPT to some users in the United States. The move aims to increase revenue and help cover the high costs of developing AI technology.
Initially, the ads will appear for users on the free tier and the lower-priced Go plan. They will start showing up in the coming weeks. Additionally, the ads will remain separate from ChatGPT answers.
However, users on Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise plans will not see ads. The company also said ads will not influence chatbot responses, and it will not share user conversations with marketers.
Shift from subscriptions to wider monetization
Until now, the business mainly relied on subscriptions for revenue. Now, it faces stronger pressure to grow income as it spends heavily on data centers and prepares for a widely expected initial public offering.
Meanwhile, the startup plans to spend more than $1 trillion on AI infrastructure by 2030. However, it has not shared specific details on how it plans to fund those costs.
Analysts flag risks and safeguards
Analysts believe ads could unlock a major revenue stream from ChatGPT’s 800 million weekly active users. Still, the change could frustrate some customers and impact trust in the product.
To address concerns, the company said it will not show ads to users under 18. In addition, it plans to block ads connected to sensitive topics such as health and politics.
Finally, the ChatGPT Go plan, first launched in India, will be available in the U.S. for $8 per month.
