OpenAI rolling out visual product ads in ChatGPT

OpenAI is expanding its advertising presence in ChatGPT with a fresh approach: visual ads featuring actual images of sponsored products and services. The new format will launch in US testing later this month, beginning with appearances during image-generation sessions.

How the ads work#

The visual ad format keeps promotional content visually distinct from the user's generated images and explicitly won't alter ChatGPT's responses. Unlike early ad placements, which displayed only a company name, logo, and link, these new ads showcase product images and are separated into their own sponsored section below the conversation.

Free users will see these ads, but anyone subscribed to ChatGPT Plus, Pro, or Enterprise plans remains ad-free.

Safety and rollout#

OpenAI says it has implemented guardrails to avoid placing ads in inappropriate moments—specifically when conversations involve emotionally sensitive subject matter or vulnerable contexts. The company is starting with a limited group of advertisers and signaled plans to test additional ad formats down the line.

This represents OpenAI's second push into ChatGPT advertising, following its initial text-based ad trial launched in February.