OpenAI is considering the possibility of implementing ads in ChatGPT as one of the ways to increase revenue. ChatGPT head Nick Turley noted that the company does not rule out this option but emphasized that integrating ads requires a careful and thoughtful approach. Turley also noted that the ChatGPT subscription model is growing rapidly, with the number of paid users already reaching 20 million out of a total audience of over 700 million.
According to Bloomberg, OpenAI expects to earn $12.7 billion in revenue this year thanks to subscriptions, more than tripling last year’s figure. However, the company is still spending more money than it earns and does not plan to achieve positive cash flow until 2029. OpenAI founder Sam Altman previously expressed cautiousness towards ads in ChatGPT, calling it a “last resort,” but did not completely dismiss the possibility.
Another direction for OpenAI’s revenue growth could be the “Commerce in ChatGPT” project. The company is testing the possibility of earning commissions from purchases users make based on ChatGPT’s recommendations. Turley emphasized that OpenAI pays special attention to ensuring that affiliate income does not affect the independence of recommendations in ChatGPT.
Amid these plans, OpenAI’s competitor, xAI, has already announced intentions to add ads to its chatbot Grok‘s responses. OpenAI continues to seek new ways to monetize and expand ChatGPT’s features while maintaining a focus on user convenience and service transparency.
