ChatGPT Ads Spotted in Android Code, First User Reports
▼ Summary
– OpenAI is nearing the launch of ads in ChatGPT, as indicated by code found in the latest Android beta app.
– The ad system appears focused on search and product recommendations rather than disruptive display ads in every chat.
– Ads will help OpenAI offset the cost of serving free users, while paid plans are expected to remain ad-free.
– A user has already reported seeing a live ad within ChatGPT, which was unrelated to their conversation topic.
– This marks a significant shift for OpenAI, moving from publicly distancing itself from advertising to preparing an ad-supported platform.
Recent discoveries within the code of the latest ChatGPT Android beta application point toward an imminent introduction of advertising. This development marks a significant strategic shift for OpenAI as it seeks to monetize its massive user base. Concurrently, a user has already reported encountering what appears to be a live promotional message within the interface, suggesting initial testing may be underway.
The technical evidence emerged from an analysis of the ChatGPT Android beta version 1.2025.329. Within the application package, researchers identified several telling code strings, including “ads feature,” “bazaar content,” “search ad,” and “search ads carousel.” These references strongly indicate that an advertising framework is currently in active development. The specific terminology suggests the initial focus will likely be on integrating ads within search results, shopping inquiries, and product recommendation requests, rather than plastering disruptive banner ads across every conversational exchange.
This move towards an ad-supported model is a logical step for OpenAI to help offset the substantial operational costs of providing free access to ChatGPT, especially as users increasingly turn to it for commercial and transactional queries. It is widely expected that subscribers to paid plans, such as ChatGPT Plus or the enterprise-focused tiers, will continue to enjoy an ad-free experience, preserving a premium user environment.
Interestingly, the theoretical became reality for at least one user. A subscriber to the high-end ChatGPT Pro plan reported seeing a promotional message during a conversation. The ad, which read “Find a fitness class, Connect Peloton,” appeared in a discussion about an Elon Musk podcast interview, leading the user to humorously note the lack of contextual relevance on social media.
While OpenAI has not provided an official launch timeline, the presence of this code within a beta release signals that advertising capabilities are moving from the conceptual stage into active implementation. This represents a major milestone in the platform’s evolution. For brands and marketers, this development is particularly noteworthy. ChatGPT ads could emerge as a crucial new channel for reaching an audience that numbers in the hundreds of millions. The platform’s potential scale makes it a significant area for competitive attention.
The company’s approach to advertising may take inspiration from platforms known for more integrated, less intrusive formats. OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, has previously expressed admiration for the advertising model used by Instagram, hinting that ChatGPT’s ads might follow a similar, native-style path. This potential “Google-ification” or “social media-ification” of ChatGPT underscores a broader industry trend where even AI-powered tools seek sustainable revenue streams beyond subscriptions alone.
This shift has been gradual. Over the past year, OpenAI’s public stance has evolved from distancing the company from advertising to quietly laying the technical groundwork for its introduction. The discovery of this code and the first user report confirm that the era of an ad-supported ChatGPT free tier is on the near horizon, fundamentally changing the dynamics of user interaction with the world’s most popular AI chatbot.
(Source: Search Engine Land)
