ChatGPT starts showing ads

Companies

OpenAI began testing ads for US users of the free and $8 Go plans. Paid plans stay ad-free.

Published

February 9, 2026

What happened

On February 9, OpenAI began showing ads to logged-in adults in the US on the Free and Go ($8 a month) plans.
Ads appear below answers, are marked “sponsored,” and are matched to the conversation. Advertisers see only totals such as views and clicks. No ads in health, mental-health or politics chats, or for users under 18.

Why it matters for you

Free AI is now paid for by ads, as with search and social media. If you use ChatGPT for teaching or work, a paid or education plan keeps answers free of ads.

Sources

OpenAI starts testing ads in ChatGPT, NBC News, February 2026.
OpenAI to start testing ChatGPT ads across Free and Go tiers, SiliconANGLE, January 16, 2026.

Notes for learning. Nothing here is investment advice. All news