ChatGPT CEO Considers Possibility of Introducing Advertising Platform

OpenAI Explores Revenue Streams, Considers ChatGPT Advertising

OpenAI is evaluating various monetization strategies, with advertising in ChatGPT emerging as a potential option. During a recent Decoder interview, ChatGPT head Nick Turley adopted a cautiously open stance, stating he's "humble enough not to rule it out categorically," while emphasizing the need for thoughtful implementation.

Revenue Growth and Business Strategy

The AI firm anticipates substantial revenue growth, projecting $12.7 billion for this year—more than triple its 2024 earnings of $3.7 billion. Despite this forecast, OpenAI continues to operate at a loss and expects to achieve cash-flow positivity by 2029. ChatGPT's user base recently exceeded 700 million accounts, including 20 million paying subscribers.

Alternative Monetization Approaches

Beyond advertising, OpenAI is developing a commerce platform called "Commerce in ChatGPT" that would earn revenue through affiliate partnerships. Turley stressed the importance of maintaining recommendation integrity: "The magic of ChatGPT is that it independently chooses products without interference—that's crucial to preserve."

Internal Diverging Perspectives

Executive opinions on advertising vary—CEO Sam Altman previously called AI ads "uniquely unsettling," while recently acknowledging he's "not totally against" the concept. These deliberations come as competitor xAI moves forward with ad integration plans for its Grok chatbot.

Free User Monetization Strategy

Turley views ChatGPT's substantial free user base as an opportunity rather than a burden: "It's a funnel we can build differentiated offerings from." The company continues prioritizing subscription growth while exploring supplemental revenue streams.