OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Ads in India

AI company OpenAI has started displaying ads on ChatGPT in India, marking a new phase in its monetization efforts. The initial launch targets logged-in adult users subscribed to the Free and Go plans. Users with Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise, and Education subscriptions will maintain an ad-free experience.

OpenAI has partnered with advertising agencies WPP and Omnicom for the Indian market. Over 50 brands are expected to launch campaigns on the platform within the first week. Starting September 4, businesses will gain access to ChatGPT's self-serve ad manager, with daily budgets beginning at approximately ₹725.

The timing of the ad rollout in India coincides with the country's key festive shopping season. Industry reports suggest that AI-native ad formats can offer significantly higher conversion rates compared to traditional search ads by integrating purchase intent with personalized recommendations. Experts predict conversational AI assistants could capture around 8% of the digital advertising market by 2030.

OpenAI stated that ads will appear below ChatGPT responses when a relevant sponsored product or service is available, and will be clearly labeled and visually distinct from AI-generated content. Advertisers will not have access to user chat history or personal data, receiving only aggregated campaign metrics like impressions and clicks. Ads will also be excluded for users under 18 and from sensitive topics.