OpenAI explores ads for ChatGPT

OpenAI is keeping its options open when it comes to ChatGPT’s future revenue streams — and advertising could be one of them. During a recent interview, ChatGPT head Nick Turley said he’s “humble enough not to rule it out categorically.” While subscriptions remain the main source of revenue, Turley hinted that ads might eventually find their way into the platform if they can be integrated thoughtfully and without disrupting user experience.

Why OpenAI is considering ads for ChatGPT

Currently, ChatGPT’s subscription model is growing rapidly, generating billions in revenue each year. OpenAI expects to bring in $12.7 billion in 2025, up from $3.7 billion in 2024. However, the company is still operating at a loss and isn’t projected to become cash-flow positive until 2029. Ads could offer an additional income stream, helping to balance costs while keeping a free tier available for the majority of users.

Balancing revenue with user experience

Turley emphasized that if ads were introduced to ChatGPT, they would need to be “very thoughtful and tasteful.” OpenAI wants to ensure that any monetization approach aligns with the product’s primary mission — delivering helpful, goal-driven conversations. While ChatGPT might not become an ad-heavy product, other OpenAI tools in the future could explore more commercial models.

What this could mean for ChatGPT users

With 700 million total users and 20 million paying subscribers, ChatGPT’s user base is massive. Introducing ads could allow OpenAI to sustain its free service for non-subscribers while funding innovation. For paid users, the subscription model will likely remain ad-free, giving them an uninterrupted AI experience. Whether ads become part of ChatGPT’s future or stay off the platform entirely, OpenAI is making it clear that it will adapt based on user needs and business goals.