OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar tells the FT that an ad-based model is under consideration, though she later followed that up to say, 'We have no active plans to pursue advertising.'

OpenAI's potential plan to incorporate ads in products like ChatGP is hardly surprising — but should still serve as a wake-up call for AI makers and users. Why it matters: AI chatbots cost a fortune to run and remain available for free.

OpenAI is considering introducing ads as part of its shift to a for-profit model, with the potential to generate additional revenue.

Weighty Proposition They're not copping to much yet, but recent hiring activity and wishy-washy statements make it seem an awful lot like OpenAI is planning to introduce ads into its suite of products.

As OpenAI is in the process of restructuring to a for-profit model, the company is looking for ways to increase its revenues, and it’s picking the fastest route: advertisements.

Predictions suggest that OpenAI might release a new model before the year’s end. In the October Reddit AMA, Altman confirmed that "very good releases" are coming but added that none of them will be called ChatGPT-5. Instead, OpenAI’s focus will be on refining other models like GPT-4 and o1, which were released this year.

Is OpenAI discussing plans for an ad model? Maybe. But don't expect advertising to appear in ChatGPT anytime soon.