(qlmbusinessnews.com . Sat 17th Jan, 2026) London, UK —
ChatGPT Go Launch: OpenAI Rolls Out Affordable Subscription Amid Ad Integration
Adverts Set to Feature on ChatGPT for Select Users, OpenAI Confirms
OpenAI has recently announced that adverts will commence appearing atop the ChatGPT platform for a portion of its users.
Initially set for a pilot phase in the United States, this development will impact a subset of users utilising ChatGPT's complimentary service, in addition to a newly introduced subscription level – ChatGPT Go.
Geared towards a global user base, ChatGPT Go will be rolled out at a cost of $8 per month, or a corresponding amount in different currencies, offering a more economically priced option.
According to OpenAI, this trial will witness the integration of pertinent advertisements following user prompts, for instance, enquiries about travel destinations such as Mexico may trigger related holiday advertisements.
The shared examples from the company portray these adverts as banner-like in appearance.
The organisation has been clear in its assurance that these adverts will not alter ChatGPT’s responses, nor will any information about user dialogues be shared with advertisers.
OpenAI's exploration into the advertising realm is driven by a desire to “allow more individuals to benefit from our tools with reduced usage constraints”.
This shift comes amid escalating scepticism around the AI sector's valuation, propelled by eager investors and a buzz that has yet to translate into substantial profits.
Some market observers are voicing concerns over the sustainability of this “bubble”, suggesting it might be on the brink of collapse.
AI, Deepfakes, and synthetic media authority Henry Ajder wasn't surprised by OpenAI's move towards generating ad revenue. He remarked, “OpenAI has witnessed exponential growth in its user base over recent years while continuing to expend investor capital, without generating profit.”
Ajder added, “For the company to commence profit generation, it must diversify its revenue streams beyond merely the conventional subscription model. Historically, advertising has proven a steadfast revenue avenue for numerous software enterprises.”
A report by the Financial Times highlighted that in 2025, OpenAI recorded a substantial loss of approximately $8bn (£5.98bn) within the first half of the year, with a mere 5% of ChatGPT's 800 million users opting for paid subscriptions.
Besides the Go tier, OpenAI also offers Plus and Pro subscription levels, priced at $20 and $200 monthly in the US, respectively.
ChatGPT Go was initially introduced in India in 2025 before its broader global rollout.
While OpenAI began its journey as a non-profit entity, it has gradually shifted towards more commercial aspirations.
For over two decades, the internet economy has predominantly been financed via advertising revenues.
OpenAI isn't alone in contemplating this commercial model, despite its CEO Sam Altman previously expressing his disdain for adverts, tagging them as “a last resort”.
In a related development in 2025, AI enterprise Perplexity welcomed Taz Patel as its “head of advertising and shopping,” although his tenure concluded after nine months.
Google has refuted claims of approaching advertisers for its Gemini AI tool's ad placements slated for 2026.
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