The short answer: ChatGPT Ads are labelled placements shown next to ChatGPT answers for logged-in adult users on the Free and Go plans in supported markets. Businesses buy them through OpenAI's Ads Manager, which has expanded from a US test in early 2026 to dozens of countries. Eligibility depends on where your advertising legal entity is based. Ads do not change the organic answer. Platform facts last checked 4 November 2026; check OpenAI's help centre for the current list.
Timeline so far
| When (2026) | What happened (as reported) |
|---|---|
| January | OpenAI publishes its advertising principles: ads separate from answers, no selling of conversation data. |
| February | Ads test begins in the US with large advertisers on CPM pricing. |
| May | Self-serve Ads Manager beta in the US; cost-per-click bidding added. |
| August–October | Expansion to the UK, Europe, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East and Africa, reaching dozens of self-serve countries. |
Who sees ChatGPT Ads
According to OpenAI, ads show to logged-in adult users on the Free and Go plans in supported markets. Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise and Edu are ad-free, and ads are not shown to users believed to be under 18.
Who can buy them
Self-serve access depends on the country where the legal entity paying for the ads is registered. Some categories (for example health, finance, politics and gambling) have restrictions or are excluded. Check OpenAI's Ads Manager availability page before planning a budget.
How to set up a first campaign
- Confirm eligibility for your entity's country and category.
- Set up conversion tracking on the landing page before you spend anything.
- Group campaigns by buyer intent: the questions a buyer asks right before choosing a provider.
- Write creative that answers the question, with one specific reason to click.
- Start small, measure cost per enquiry, and only scale what produces booked calls.
Ads or GEO?
They are different levers. Ads buy a labelled spot now; GEO earns the unlabelled recommendation over time. If an audit shows you are absent from organic answers in a category with high-value buyers, a small ads test can bridge the gap while GEO work compounds.