OpenAI is advancing with a new strategy. The company plans to introduce advertising on its popular ChatGPT platform.
According to a new report, the AI giant is considering showing targeted ads to users. This would represent a major shift in how the free-to-use service is funded.
The plan under discussion would leverage ChatGPT’s existing advertising features. The report suggests ads could be targeted based on the chatbot’s “memory” function.
This feature allows ChatGPT to remember specific details about a user across conversations. Using this data could make advertisements highly relevant to individual users. The company has reportedly conducted focus groups on the subject. Interestingly, some users already believe ChatGPT shows ads, a finding that may influence the final decision.
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This push is reportedly being driven by a specific group within OpenAI. Many employees advocating for ads are former Meta staffers. Approximately 20% of OpenAI’s workforce, about 630 people, previously worked at Meta. This group reportedly views advertising as a significant opportunity.
The report also notes a change in stance from CEO Sam Altman. He previously called advertising a “last resort” for the company. His recent comments, however, suggest a more favourable outlook. This indicates a strategic pivot as the company seeks sustainable revenue streams.
