Leaked Code Suggests OpenAI Plans to Add Ads to ChatGPT
When an AI Chat Assistant Starts Showing Ads — Would You Still Use It?
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Leak Reveals OpenAI Is Testing Advertising in ChatGPT
Recently, leaked code from the Android test version of ChatGPT indicated that OpenAI is preparing to introduce advertising features into its chatbot.
The discovery comes from software engineer Tibor Blaho, who spotted multiple code references to “advertisement features” in the ChatGPT Android app, such as:
- Search ads
- Search ad carousel
- Marketplace content
While the presence of these strings doesn't guarantee the feature will launch soon, such references usually signal internal design or testing of ad formats.
From the code structure, OpenAI appears to be experimenting with:
- A single sponsored slot aligned with specific queries
- Swipeable ad carousels
- Product-style content cards similar to e-commerce listings
The ads would likely trigger when purchase intent is detected — e.g., product comparisons, trip planning, or searching for local services. This mirrors traditional search ad behavior.
Example: If you ask for noise-cancelling headphone recommendations, ChatGPT might display a sponsored product card alongside its curated list.
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A Shift in OpenAI's Revenue Model
Current Monetization Strategy
OpenAI’s main income sources:
- ChatGPT Plus subscriptions
- API licensing fees
The challenge: Large-scale AI inference is extremely costly.
HSBC’s estimate:
- Annual compute costs by 2030: ~$620 billion
- Projected revenue shortfall: ~$207 billion
This financial gap highlights the urgency for new revenue streams.
Advertising as a Third Channel
Advantages:
- Could sustain free-tier access
- Lucrative due to ChatGPT’s 100+ million weekly active users
- High appeal for brands targeting strong purchase intent contexts
Industry Precedents
- Microsoft Copilot: Sponsored links in answers
- Perplexity AI: Sponsored search results
- Google’s AI Overview: Testing embedded ads
We may be seeing the rise of a search-engine-like ad model, but delivered via conversational AI.
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Early Test Scenarios
Potential configurations:
- Ad placement: Above or within responses
- Ad density: Limited, especially in initial trials
- User tier distinction: Plus subscribers possibly ad-free
- Scope: Ads in search-like scenarios vs. general conversations
While this leak doesn’t mean immediate rollout, it’s the strongest signal yet of ChatGPT adopting an ad-supported format.
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Potential Concerns
1. User Resistance
Fear that ChatGPT becomes a sales channel rather than a neutral assistant, reducing its appeal.
2. Trust & Bias
Risk that commercial interests influence recommendations, undermining neutrality and credibility.
3. Privacy
Ad targeting could use private conversation content, raising questions over data use and personalization.
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Alternative Monetization Paths for Creators
If you’re a creator seeking revenue without in-chat ads or privacy concerns, open-source tools such as AiToEarn官网 offer another way.
AiToEarn capabilities:
- AI-powered content creation
- Multi-platform publishing (Douyin, Kwai, WeChat, Bilibili, Rednote, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, YouTube, Pinterest, X)
- Integrated analytics
- AI model ranking
This model supports sustainable monetization without disrupting the conversational experience.
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Reference: Reddit discussion on the leak
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Big Picture
As AI platforms experiment with monetization like in-chat ads, creators should explore open, transparent, and sustainable options.
AiToEarn provides a framework for global creators to retain control, publish across multiple channels, and track performance — helping navigate the evolving AI ecosystem without sacrificing user trust.
