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OpenAI Rolls Out Ads in ChatGPT Free Tiers – A Test of User Trust

OpenAI ChatGPT Ads AI Advertising TechCrunch Sam Altman Anthropic User Privacy Product Experience
February 25, 2026
Source: TechCrunch AI
Viqus Verdict Logo Viqus Verdict Logo 5
Cautious Experiment
Media Hype 6/10
Real Impact 5/10

Article Summary

OpenAI is venturing into advertising within its ChatGPT offerings, responding directly to Anthropic’s recent Super Bowl advertising campaign. OpenAI COO Brad Lightcap emphasized an iterative approach, highlighting the critical need to maintain user trust and ensure privacy. The company is currently charging advertisers $60 for 1,000 impressions and requesting a minimum commitment of $200,000, sparking some debate about pricing. Early adopters include Shopify, leveraging its Shop Campaigns ad network to allow merchants to advertise on ChatGPT. This move represents a significant test for OpenAI – balancing revenue generation with the core value proposition of free access to the AI model. The company's differing user base metrics, with more Texans using ChatGPT for free than Claude in the US, suggest a unique approach to monetization and engagement.

Key Points

  • OpenAI is introducing ads into ChatGPT's free and Go tiers.
  • The company is prioritizing user trust and privacy as key considerations during this rollout.
  • Advertisers are paying $60 per 1,000 impressions and committing a minimum of $200,000.

Why It Matters

This move is notable because it represents OpenAI’s first major step towards monetization of its core ChatGPT product. While free access remains a central tenet, the introduction of advertising introduces a potential shift in the user experience and raises questions about long-term sustainability. It's a direct response to Anthropic's strategy and highlights the increasing competitive pressure within the AI landscape. The pricing and early adopter list (Shopify) offer valuable insights into OpenAI’s approach to this new revenue stream.

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