What Are ChatGPT Ads?
ChatGPT ads are sponsored messages that appear within the ChatGPT interface when users are having conversations with the AI assistant. Unlike traditional search ads that appear alongside search results, ChatGPT ads are integrated into conversational experiences.
ChatGPT Ads Are Here
800 Million Weekly Users
OpenAI's new advertising platform is changing how businesses reach customers
Key Characteristics
Ads appear at the bottom of ChatGPT's responses
Clearly marked as "Sponsored" content
Matched to the topic of your conversation
Users can click to "chat with the brand"
How ChatGPT Ads Work
Imagine you're using ChatGPT to research accounting software for your small business. You ask: "What features should I look for in accounting software?" ChatGPT provides its organic response - listing features like invoicing, expense tracking, tax preparation, and reporting. Below this helpful answer, you might see an ad for an accounting software company, clearly labeled as sponsored content.
ChatGPT has more weekly users than most social platforms
The most distinctive feature is the "chat with brand" capability. When a user clicks on an ad, instead of going to a landing page, they can start a conversation with the advertising business. This creates opportunities for personalized engagement that don't exist in traditional digital advertising.
Contextual Targeting
ChatGPT ads don't work like Google Ads. There's no keyword bidding or demographic targeting in the traditional sense. Instead, ads are matched contextually based on:
The subject matter being discussed
The apparent purpose behind questions
What kind of info is being sought
Who Sees ChatGPT Ads?
Not everyone using ChatGPT will see advertisements. OpenAI has implemented a tiered system.
Who Sees ChatGPT Ads
- 1
Free users (always)
- 2
ChatGPT Go ($13/mo)
- 3
NOT Plus/Pro/Business
- 4
NOT users under 18
Ads Are Shown To
- Free users (no subscription)
- ChatGPT Go subscribers ($13/month AUD)
Ad-Free Tiers
- ChatGPT Plus ($30/month AUD)
- ChatGPT Pro ($300/month AUD)
- Business, Enterprise, Edu
Restrictions
- Age restriction: Users under 18 do not see ads
- Sensitive topics: Ads blocked near politics, health, mental health discussions
- User control: Users can dismiss ads and provide feedback
ChatGPT vs Other Platforms
ChatGPT vs Google Ads
Keyword bidding, CPC pricing, search intent
Contextual matching, CPM pricing, conversation intent
| Aspect | ChatGPT Ads | Google Search |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Conversational | Text with extensions |
| Targeting | Contextual (conversation) | Keyword-based |
| Pricing | CPM (~$60) | CPC (varies) |
| User Intent | Research / exploration | Active search |
| Interactivity | Chat with brand | Landing page |
| Self-Serve | Not available (yet) | Yes |
ChatGPT Ads Pricing
Comparable to high-end connected TV advertising
ChatGPT operates on a CPM (cost per thousand impressions) model. Advertisers pay for visibility rather than clicks. The current rate is approximately $60 USD per 1,000 impressions - positioning ChatGPT as premium advertising inventory.
There's also a $200,000 USD minimum commitment for direct partnerships. This makes agency partnerships valuable for businesses wanting to test the platform without the high entry barrier.
CPM Comparison
ChatGPT Ads in Australia
ChatGPT ads are currently in beta testing in the United States, with limited rollout to select advertisers. Australia is expected to receive ChatGPT advertising later in 2026, though OpenAI has not announced a specific date.
The ChatGPT Go subscription tier is already available in Australia at $13/month, suggesting the infrastructure for Australian ads is being prepared.
OpenAI Announces Ads
OpenAI confirms advertising will come to ChatGPT, starting with select US partners.
US Beta Launch
Limited rollout begins with major brand advertisers in the United States market.
Australia Launch
Expected rollout to Australian advertisers. ChatGPT Go is already available locally at $13/month.
Preparing Your Australian Business
How to Prepare Now
- 1
Optimize content for AI
- 2
Develop conversational messaging
- 3
Map research-phase customers
- 4
Set aside test budget
Even before ChatGPT ads launch in Australia, businesses can take steps to prepare and gain first-mover advantage.
Optimize for AI Visibility
Ensure your content is comprehensive, authoritative, and structured for AI systems to reference.
Develop Conversational Messaging
Think about how to explain your value in natural language and what questions customers ask.
Map Research-Phase Customers
Understand when and how customers research before buying - where does ChatGPT fit?
Set Aside Test Budget
Agencies can provide access without $200K minimums. Early testing establishes benchmarks.
Partner with an AI-Ready Agency
Work with specialists who understand AI advertising and can accelerate your readiness.
First-movers will have a significant advantage as the platform develops.
— Jordan James Media
Key Takeaways
What You Need to Know
- ChatGPT ads appear below AI responses, matched contextually to conversations
- 800 million weekly users represent a significant new audience
- Only free and Go subscribers see ads - premium tiers are ad-free
- "Chat with brand" is unique - users can converse with advertisers
- Australia launch expected in 2026 - preparation time is now
- High minimum spend ($200K) makes agency partnerships valuable
- Privacy-first approach means targeting relies on relevance
- First movers will have advantages as the platform develops
Explore Our Services
Ready to prepare for ChatGPT advertising? Explore how we can help:
Read the Full ChatGPT Ads Series
- 1Part 1: What Are ChatGPT Ads? (you're here)
- 2Part 2: ChatGPT Ads vs Google Ads
- 3Part 3: How Much Do ChatGPT Ads Cost?
- 4Part 4: ChatGPT Ads for Australian Businesses
- 5Part 5: ChatGPT Ads Best Practices
- 6Part 6: ChatGPT Ads for E-commerce
- 7Part 7: ChatGPT Ads for B2B
- 8Part 8: ChatGPT Ads Targeting Guide
- 9Part 9: ChatGPT Ads Case Studies
- 10Part 10: The Future of ChatGPT Ads
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ChatGPT Ads Are Here
800 Million Weekly Users
OpenAI's new advertising platform is changing how businesses reach customers
ChatGPT has more weekly users than most social platforms
ChatGPT vs Google Ads
Keyword bidding, CPC pricing, search intent
Contextual matching, CPM pricing, conversation intent
Who Sees ChatGPT Ads
- 1
Free users (always)
- 2
ChatGPT Go ($13/mo)
- 3
NOT Plus/Pro/Business
- 4
NOT users under 18
Comparable to high-end connected TV advertising
How to Prepare Now
- 1
Optimize content for AI
- 2
Develop conversational messaging
- 3
Map research-phase customers
- 4
Set aside test budget
First-movers will have a significant advantage as the platform develops.
— Jordan James Media
Ready for ChatGPT Ads?
Get ahead of your competition with Australia's first ChatGPT Ads agency
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