OpenAI is once again discussing the possibility of introducing advertising into ChatGPT , this time in the form of so-called sponsored content. These aren’t traditional banners, but content that could appear directly in the model’s responses and subtly influence user choices.
This information emerged after The Information published an article about internal prototypes of advertising formats.
According to some sources, the company is evaluating a scenario where artificial intelligence would prioritize sponsored content to ensure it appears in ChatGPT replies. In one of the mockups , this information was displayed in a sidebar next to the main dialog.
Previously, beta version 1.2025.329 of the ChatGPT Android app contained references to an “advertising feature” with terms like “content bazaar,” “search ad,” and “search ad carousel.” Reports later surfaced that OpenAI had shelved these plans, deciding to focus on product quality in the face of growing competition from Gemini. However, new data suggests the company hasn’t completely abandoned the idea.
An OpenAI representative confirmed to reporters that advertising is indeed being considered . According to him, as ChatGPT’s capabilities and audience grow, the company is looking for ways to make its AI accessible to a wider audience, and advertising is being considered as an option. OpenAI emphasizes that users trust the chatbot, and any advertising decisions must take this trust into account.
If such formats were to emerge, the implications could extend far beyond the service itself. Unlike traditional search, ChatGPT already knows much more about the user’s context: interests, communication style, work activities, long-term goals. This paves the way for a new level of personalized advertising : product and service recommendations that will appear as part of a normal AI response, rather than as an overt ad.
Essentially, ChatGPT could become a tool that not only answers questions but also gently nudges users toward specific purchases, similar to Google ads, but with a much deeper understanding of individual users. In theory, such ads could also appear in search results within the chat, disguised as helpful advice or suggestions.
It’s not yet known exactly when OpenAI will launch advertising and what form it will take within the product. However, given the rapid growth of the service and rising infrastructure costs, the first commercial trials could begin as early as the first half of 2026.
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