OpenAI rolls out ads on select ChatGPT plans in India to support wider access
OpenAI has introduced advertisements to ChatGPT for free and low-cost plan users in India to help offset operational costs. This move is part of a broader strategy to increase revenue ahead of the company's planned 2027 IPO.
Why it matters
As AI companies face immense compute costs, the shift toward ad-supported models marks a significant change in how generative AI services are monetized for the mass market.
OpenAI has rolled out ads on ChatGPT for select plans in India, one of its largest and most active markets, as the artificial intelligence company looks to maximize its revenue ahead of its planned listing next year.
Advertising would support "broader access to ChatGPT through free and lower-cost tiers," a spokesperson for OpenAI told CNBC in an email. Ads have been rolled out for free users and those on the 399 rupee ($4) per month 'Go' plan.
The ad feature is already live in 38 countries, including the U.S., Japan, Korea and across 31 European nations, as per the information shared by the company.
"India is one of ChatGPT's largest and most active markets," the spokesperson said, adding that OpenAI's priority is to "learn from users and advertisers while protecting the experience that made ChatGPT valuable in the first place."
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