OpenAI is set to monetize its AI chat tool, ChatGPT, by introducing ads in the U.S. for its free and ChatGPT Go tiers, effective soon. The Pro, Business, and Enterprise subscriptions will remain ad-free. Launched in India in August 2025, ChatGPT Go has since expanded to 170 countries and is available in the U.S. for $8 monthly. OpenAI aims to make ads relevant, aligning with early Google philosophies, and plans to leverage conversational interfaces to enhance user interaction with advertisements. This move comes at a critical time when publishers face declining ad impressions and traffic acquisition costs. Experts like Adie Kaye and Duration Media’s Andy Batkin emphasize the need for innovative monetization strategies as traditional publisher revenue faces significant challenges. Batkin has highlighted the lack of support for publishers at industry events, calling for actionable solutions to avert a crisis in the content ecosystem. OpenAI’s strategy may offer a fresh revenue avenue for struggling publishers.
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