OpenAI adds visual ads to ChatGPT image results

TechCrunch reports OpenAI is adding visual display ads to ChatGPT, starting with image generation results. The ads begin appearing later this month in the U.S. only, from an initial group of advertisers.

OpenAI says the ads will be clearly labeled and won't change the answers ChatGPT gives.

The move follows Meta's launch of Muse, a free agentic AI app that competes with ChatGPT, according to TechCrunch. OpenAI first introduced ads earlier this year to help pay for its free and lower-cost tiers, then expanded them to India in August.

The bigger goal is to attract advertisers who want to use images to reach potential customers. TechCrunch reports that eventually those ads could target ChatGPT's 1.2 billion weekly users once they go global.

There's a possible downside for users. Display ads inside image results could be disruptive, and TechCrunch notes that may be intentional: ads could push casual users toward a paid subscription to avoid them.

OpenAI is also expanding its ad measurement tools and partnerships. The new partners include AppsFlyer, Triple Whale, Adjust and Branch among others, plus analytics firms Fospha, Measured and INCRMNTAL. The company is working with DoubleVerify and Integral Ad Science on brand suitability evaluations, TechCrunch reports.

For most people, no action is needed. If you use ChatGPT's free tier and generate images, expect labeled ads later this month. They're easy to spot, and you can ignore them, or consider a paid plan if you'd rather not see them.

• Ads
• ChatGPT
• Image Generation
• Meta Muse
• OpenAI