OpenAI, the company behind the popular AI chatbot ChatGPT, has announced plans to test advertisements within its app for some US users as part of its efforts to diversify revenue streams and address financial pressures. The move comes after the company's CEO, Sam Altman, had previously expressed concerns about advertising in ChatGPT, citing the potential erosion of user trust.
The ads will appear at the bottom of answers, labeled and separated from the conversation history, with a small image and some advertising copy. For example, if a user asks ChatGPT for places to visit in Mexico, they may see holiday ads popping up. The company has assured users that its conversational responses will not be influenced by advertisers.
The test is part of OpenAI's efforts to make its chatbot more accessible to everyone and generate revenue through various means. According to Fidji Simo, CEO of applications at OpenAI, the company believes in having a diverse revenue model where ads can play a role. The move reflects the enormous financial pressures facing the company, which expects to burn through around $9 billion this year while generating $13 billion in revenue.
However, not everyone is convinced that ads will solve OpenAI's financial problems. Tech critic Ed Zitron has expressed skepticism about the potential success of the ad-based model, stating that it may not be enough to cover all of OpenAI's operating costs.
The test is part of a larger effort by AI companies to explore advertising revenue streams and adapt to changing market conditions. Google began testing AdSense ads in chatbot experiences through partnerships with AI startups in late 2024.
The ads will appear at the bottom of answers, labeled and separated from the conversation history, with a small image and some advertising copy. For example, if a user asks ChatGPT for places to visit in Mexico, they may see holiday ads popping up. The company has assured users that its conversational responses will not be influenced by advertisers.
The test is part of OpenAI's efforts to make its chatbot more accessible to everyone and generate revenue through various means. According to Fidji Simo, CEO of applications at OpenAI, the company believes in having a diverse revenue model where ads can play a role. The move reflects the enormous financial pressures facing the company, which expects to burn through around $9 billion this year while generating $13 billion in revenue.
However, not everyone is convinced that ads will solve OpenAI's financial problems. Tech critic Ed Zitron has expressed skepticism about the potential success of the ad-based model, stating that it may not be enough to cover all of OpenAI's operating costs.
The test is part of a larger effort by AI companies to explore advertising revenue streams and adapt to changing market conditions. Google began testing AdSense ads in chatbot experiences through partnerships with AI startups in late 2024.
can't wait to see how this plays out, hoping they get it right 
... I mean, I get it, OpenAI needs the cash, but like, $9 billion is a lot 
. And I feel for them, their burn rate is insane 
! But ads? Like, I'm all for innovation and trying new things, but can't they think of something else to make that dough? 
... it's just not cool. What if they're not even relevant to what I'm asking about? That would be so annoying 
! And don't even get me started on the whole 'advertising copy' thing 
... how do they even come up with that stuff?
, but can't we just focus on making the chatbot better instead of making a quick buck 
It's all about finding a balance, right? How do you guys feel about this move? Would you want to see ads in your chatbot conversations? 
I'm not sure about this, you know? Ads on ChatGPT just seems like a weird way to compromise on user trust. I get that OpenAI needs the cash, but can't they think of something else? 
It feels like they're trying to turn us into walking billboards or something! 
. The tech critic Ed Zitron's got some valid points too... it might just be a Band-Aid solution 
. Either way, let's keep an eye on this one and see how it plays out 
. Fingers crossed that OpenAI can make this work without messing up the chatbot magic 
.
. But only time (and user feedback) will tell if this whole ad thing is a winner or not 
I mean, come on, it's just a few ads at the bottom of answers. It's not like they're gonna ruin the whole experience. And honestly, it's about time OpenAI diversified its revenue streams. Burning through $9 billion is no joke! 
. And honestly, it's hard to shake off the feeling that our conversations are being influenced in some way... even if the company says otherwise 
. But now, with ads popping up everywhere, it just feels like a big tech experiment gone wrong 
. Will this really make the app more accessible to everyone? I'm not so sure... maybe we need to rethink our approach to user experience and revenue streams 
.
. Can OpenAI balance its financial needs with the trust users have in their chatbot? Only time will tell... 
and honestly, can we blame them? $9 billion in losses and they need the cash ASAP 
and who's to say they won't mess with the convo flow or make it less trustworthy? 
, but at the same time idk if i wanna pay for chatgpt without seeing some ads just to keep the cost down