OpenAI Weighs Ads For ChatGPT Amid Rising Costs And Subscription Growth

OpenAI is considering introducing advertisements to ChatGPT as a potential strategy to enhance revenue, though such a move would require careful consideration to avoid negatively affecting user experience. This information was shared by Nick Turley, head of ChatGPT, in a recent interview. He emphasized that while the inclusion of ads is not currently being implemented, it remains a viable option for the company’s future plans.

The impetus for this consideration is largely linked to the increasing costs associated with maintaining and advancing the ChatGPT platform. With the recent launch of ChatGPT-5, the tool offers more sophisticated features and responses that closely mimic human interaction. However, these advancements come with significant operational and development expenses.

Despite the platform’s rapid growth in premium subscriptions, Nick Turley acknowledged that revenue from these paid plans alone may not suffice to support the ongoing expansion and scaling of the technology.

Currently, ChatGPT’s main revenue stream is its subscription model, which continues to show steady growth in the number of paid users. Recent reports indicate that OpenAI aims to achieve approximately $12.7 billion in subscription revenue by 2025, which is more than three times the revenue recorded for 2024. Nevertheless, the company’s high operational costs mean that OpenAI does not expect to achieve a positive cash flow until 2029.

Despite ChatGPT amassing over 700 million total users—including more than 20 million paying subscribers—OpenAI views the platform’s widespread free usage not as a liability, but rather as a valuable channel to encourage conversions to paid or premium services. This strategy underscores the company’s recognition of the importance of maintaining a substantial free user base.

Sam Altman, OpenAI’s CEO, has previously described integrating ads into AI tools as a “last resort.” While he is not fundamentally opposed to the idea, Altman is aware that the introduction of advertising may cause discomfort among users and practitioners, emphasizing the importance of ensuring such strategies do not compromise product integrity.

In the near term, OpenAI is exploring other revenue models, including facilitating purchases directly through ChatGPT—a system akin to Google Shopping. This indicates that the company is prioritizing alternative monetization options and will likely continue testing these before making any definitive decisions about incorporating traditional advertisements into the user experience.