OpenAI is expanding advertising inside ChatGPT and will start testing a new visual ad format later this month in the United States with an initial group of advertisers, according to BleepingComputer. The ads will appear while users generate images, making them the first visual placements inside the chatbot.
The company says the format gives advertisers a more visual way to promote products and services inside ChatGPT, which now reaches 1.2 billion people every week. OpenAI is pairing the test with measurement and brand-safety partnerships, as it looks to monetize users who do not pay for a subscription.
How the ChatGPT visual ad format works
According to OpenAI, the visual ads could show product inspiration, how a product is used or experiences tied to a service. The company said the ads will be clearly labeled and will remain separate from the image being generated.
OpenAI also reiterated that ads do not influence ChatGPT's answers. The company said its safeguards are designed to keep ads out of emotionally vulnerable, sensitive or otherwise unsuitable conversations, a key concern because ChatGPT ads sit around a conversation rather than on a traditional webpage.
- Format: visual ads shown during image generation in ChatGPT
- Timing: testing begins later this month in the US
- Audience: an initial group of advertisers
- Labeling: ads will be clearly marked and kept separate from generated images
