Brands Now Advertising Inside ChatGPT
▼ Summary
– OpenAI has officially launched an advertising pilot in ChatGPT, showing ads from various partner companies.
– These ads will only appear for free users or subscribers to the cheaper ChatGPT Go plan and will be clearly labeled.
– Major brands like Target, Adobe, and Williams-Sonoma are participating, with ads based on keywords in user prompts.
– The pilot also includes service-based ads, such as from Audible for audiobooks, and involves multiple advertising agencies.
– Advertising agencies like WPP, Dentsu, and Omnicom are bringing clients from diverse industries, including automotive, retail, and consumer goods, into the test.
The advertising landscape is shifting, and the latest frontier is inside the world’s most popular AI chatbot. OpenAI has officially launched its advertising pilot program within ChatGPT, introducing sponsored content to its vast user base. This move signals a new revenue stream for the company and a novel channel for brands to connect with consumers. For now, these ads are visible only to users on the free tier or the lower-cost ChatGPT Go subscription, with OpenAI promising clear labeling and assurances that the advertisements will not sway the AI’s actual responses.
Several prominent companies have already signed on as launch partners. Major retailer Target announced it will use the platform to help users “discover products, deals and inspiration.” Their ads will be triggered by keywords in a user’s prompt; for instance, a query about convenient countertop cooking appliances might surface an ad for a Target air fryer.
Software giant Adobe is also participating, planning to promote its AI-powered tools like Acrobat Studio and Adobe Firefly. The company frames this as a learning opportunity to understand how ads can deliver relevant, helpful experiences in an AI context, which aligns with its own efforts in AI-driven advertising.
The home goods sector is represented by Williams-Sonoma, which will explore how ChatGPT ads can showcase its kitchenware, furniture, and other products during what it calls “decision-making moments” for consumers. Meanwhile, the scope of advertising extends beyond physical goods. Audible, Amazon’s audiobook service, plans to use the platform to “reach new audiobook listeners,” though it’s unclear if ads will promote specific titles or the subscription service itself.
Further partnerships are being orchestrated through major advertising agencies. WPP Media is working with clients including automakers Ford and Mazda, cleaning brand Mrs. Myers, and luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet. Other global agencies are joining the test. Dentsu reports having “several clients” involved across industries like grocery, hospitality, retail, and consumer packaged goods. Similarly, Omnicom lists participating companies in apparel, automotive, beauty, technology, telecommunications, and fast-food, indicating a broad and diverse initial roll-out of this new advertising medium.
(Source: The Verge)
