ChatGPT Enters the Premium Ad Market with NFL-Scale Pricing

OpenAI’s move into advertising signals a major shift in ad tech, with premium rates and limited data for brands.

OpenAI is preparing to introduce advertisements on ChatGPT in the United States, and early signals suggest the cost of reaching users may rival some of the most expensive advertising slots in the world. According to reports, ads shown within ChatGPT could be priced at levels comparable to live NFL broadcasts.

The ads are expected to roll out in the coming weeks for users on the free tier and the lower-priced Go subscription. OpenAI has confirmed that ads will appear below AI-generated answers and will not influence how responses are written. The company has also stressed that personal information, including sensitive health data, will not be used to target or train ads.

While OpenAI has not officially disclosed pricing, industry sources indicate that advertisers may be charged up to $60 per 1,000 views. This places ChatGPT firmly in premium advertising territory, traditionally occupied by major television events. Instead of charging per click, OpenAI is reportedly opting for a view-based model, reflecting expectations of low click-through rates in conversational AI environments.

Advertisers will receive basic performance insights, such as total impressions and overall clicks, but not detailed engagement data. This approach mirrors traditional TV advertising, where reach matters more than direct interaction.

The move marks a significant moment for ad tech. By placing ads inside an AI assistant used by millions daily, OpenAI is offering brands high visibility in a trusted, high-attention environment, at a premium price.

Users who prefer an ad-free experience will need to upgrade to the $20 ChatGPT Plus subscription. As ads begin to appear, the industry will be watching closely to see whether conversational AI can deliver the same impact as prime-time television.