Artificial Intelligence

OpenAI to Show Visual Ads in ChatGPT During Image Generation

OpenAI is expanding advertising within ChatGPT by introducing a new visual format that appears while users generate images, aiming to monetize its growing weekly user base.

Radwan AbdulhadiEditor and technology writer

Published: October 5, 2026 · Updated: October 5, 2026 · 3 min read

OpenAI to Show Visual Ads in ChatGPT During Image Generation — Image: BleepingComputer

Expanding ChatGPT Advertising With Visual Formats

OpenAI is expanding its advertising efforts within ChatGPT by introducing a new format that displays visual ads while users generate images. According to details <a href="https://openai.com/index/new-chatgpt-ads-format-and-measurement/">explained</a> by the company, this initial test will roll out later this month in the United States with an initial group of advertisers.

The new ad format allows advertisers to use images to showcase product inspiration, demonstrate how a product is used, or highlight experiences associated with a service. OpenAI notes that these advertisements will be clearly labeled and remain completely separate from the actual image being created by the AI tool. Furthermore, the company has reiterated that advertising placement will not influence ChatGPT's answers.

Monetizing a Massive Weekly User Base

As the platform continues to grow, advertising is becoming an essential way for OpenAI to generate revenue from users who do not pay for a subscription. Reports on <a href="https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/artificial-intelligence/openai-will-show-visual-ads-in-chatgpt-while-when-you-generate-images/">BleepingComputer</a> note that ChatGPT currently reaches 1.2 billion people every week, presenting a massive audience for digital marketers.

While the visual ad experiment is currently limited to the United States, OpenAI clearly views advertising as a foundational component for scaling monetization across its massive global user base. The company continues to refine its broader ecosystem, following updates such as when <a href="https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/artificial-intelligence/openai-rolls-out-major-chatgpt-upgrade-even-if-you-dont-pay-for-it/">OpenAI rolls out a major ChatGPT upgrade, even if you don’t pay for it</a>.

Enhanced Measurement and Conversion Tools

Alongside the introduction of the visual ad format, OpenAI is implementing robust tools that allow advertisers to measure whether ChatGPT ads successfully lead to actual purchases and conversions. The platform is integrating with conversion data providers such as Hightouch, Tealium, and LiveRamp.

Additionally, attribution partners now include AppsFlyer, Adjust, Branch, Triple Whale, Kochava, and several others. These integrations provide marketers with detailed analytics to evaluate campaign performance directly within the AI environment.

Brand Suitability and Safeguards

Because ads in ChatGPT appear alongside dynamic conversations rather than traditional web pages, brand suitability is a critical priority for the company. OpenAI is collaborating with DoubleVerify and Integral Ad Science to ensure ads are properly monitored for safety and context.

The company’s safeguards are specifically designed to prevent advertisements from appearing in emotionally vulnerable, sensitive, or otherwise unsuitable conversations. OpenAI has also confirmed that independent partners evaluating these safeguards will not be granted access to private user conversations.