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OpenAI to introduce ads to ChatGPT in revenue push.

Left 73% Center coverage: 11 sources Right
United States
January 16, 2026 (Updated: January 21, 2026) 0 Center Neutral I use tech gadgets
OpenAI to introduce ads to ChatGPT in revenue push.

TheWkly Analysis

The AI company will begin showing ads to users on ChatGPT's free plan and the lowest-cost subscription. CEO Sam Altman has previously called ads a last resort for OpenAI's business model; the company reportedly declared an internal emergency last month in response to the success of Google's Gemini chatbot. Ads are expected to be labeled, not affect responses, and avoid sensitive topics like politics.

Multiple perspectives analyzed from 11 sources
What this means for you:
Free and low-cost users may see a noticeable change in how the product feels day-to-day.
Clear labeling and limits on sensitive topics could affect trust and perceived neutrality.
Ad-supported AI could reshape expectations for pricing across competing chatbots.
How “not affect responses” works in practice may be a key user concern.

Key Entities

  • OpenAI - Company described as adding ads to ChatGPT
  • ChatGPT - Product described as introducing ads on certain tiers
  • Sam Altman - CEO quoted for prior stance on advertising
  • Advertisements - New monetization approach described for the platform
  • Free plan - User tier specifically mentioned as receiving ads
  • Lowest-cost subscription - Paid tier also described as receiving ads
  • Google Gemini - Competing chatbot referenced as a pressure point
  • Sensitive topics - Area described as excluded from ad placement, such as politics

Bias Distribution

11 sources
Left: 27% (3 sources)
Center: 73% (8 sources)
Right: 0% (0 sources)

Multi-Perspective Analysis

Left-Leaning View

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Centrist View

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Right-Leaning View

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