OpenAI has officially denied that ChatGPT is currently running ads, responding to growing speculation fuelled by user screenshots and snippets of code found in its Android app. According to company representatives, no live advertising is taking place in ChatGPT, and the images circulating online have either been misinterpreted or are simply inaccurate. While advertising remains a possible option for the future, OpenAI has put such plans on hold for the time being.
The rumours began when users shared screenshots that appeared to show brand placements or promotional tiles within ChatGPT responses – some referencing popular retail products. Adding fuel to the fire, tech-savvy users discovered references to an “ads feature” in the app’s code, leading to widespread assumptions that OpenAI was quietly preparing to monetise its chatbot through advertising.
Nick Turley, Head of ChatGPT, responded publicly to the claims, clarifying that no advertising tests were live and that the screenshots were either fakes or misunderstood examples of other features. According to OpenAI, what some users perceived as ads were in fact “app suggestions” or shopping-related features that were briefly tested, including options for instant checkout via partners like Stripe. These were never intended as ads, but the company concedes they may have blurred the line, prompting the temporary removal of the feature.
Behind the scenes, advertising remains on the table. Several reports suggest OpenAI has developed internal concepts for monetising its vast user base, but has prioritised product improvements and feature stability – particularly in the wake of intensified competition from Google’s Gemini. A potential ad rollout has been labelled a “Code Red” project internally, but its launch has been postponed indefinitely.
CEO Sam Altman has previously stated that advertising is a business model under consideration, especially given the platform’s huge reach and the limited revenues from subscription tiers. However, he also emphasised that any future introduction of ads would be handled thoughtfully, with a strong focus on transparency, control, and user trust.
In summary: OpenAI is not currently running ads in ChatGPT, and no live tests are underway. The company acknowledges that some features may have resembled advertising, but denies any hidden ad rollout. Yet it would be misleading to suggest that advertising is entirely off the table – it’s simply not happening now. What began as rumour reflects a more complex truth: the future of advertising in ChatGPT remains uncertain, but firmly possible.
