OpenAI reportedly launches ChatGPT ads at premium TV prices
2026-01-28
Summary
OpenAI is introducing ads within ChatGPT at a rate of approximately $60 per 1,000 impressions, which aligns more with premium TV advertising costs, like those for NFL games, rather than typical online ads. These ads appear beneath responses for users of the free and lower-cost "Go" tiers, and the company is opting to charge per impression instead of per click, reflecting the unique user behavior of AI chatbot interactions.
Why This Matters
This move indicates OpenAI's need to quickly generate revenue to meet investor expectations, despite previously viewing advertising as a last resort. The high pricing and choice of impression-based billing highlight both the novelty and potential profitability of advertising in AI platforms, which could set a precedent for monetizing AI technologies in the future.
How You Can Use This Info
Professionals in marketing and business should consider the evolving landscape of AI advertising as a potential new channel, especially if targeting tech-savvy audiences. Understanding the pricing and billing differences can help in strategizing ad budgets and evaluating the potential return on investment. Additionally, those in tech industries might see this as a signal of the growing pressure on AI companies to demonstrate financial sustainability.