OpenAI announced that it will begin displaying advertisements to some users of its ChatGPT platform. The trial, initially limited to users in the United States, will affect those using the free version of ChatGPT and subscribers to a new, lower-cost subscription tier called ChatGPT Go.

ChatGPT Go will be available worldwide at a price of $8 per month, or the equivalent in local currencies. OpenAI stated that the advertisements, which will appear as banner ads, will be displayed after a user prompt. For example, a user asking ChatGPT for travel recommendations in Mexico might see advertisements for holiday packages. The company emphasized that these advertisements will not influence ChatGPT's responses and that user conversation data will not be shared with advertisers.

The decision to introduce advertising, according to OpenAI, is aimed at expanding access to its AI tools by reducing usage limits for a broader audience. "So more people can benefit from our tools with fewer usage limits," the company stated. This move comes amid growing discussion about the economic viability of the AI sector.

The AI sector has experienced significant investment and hype, leading to speculation that the current valuations may be unsustainable. Some analysts suggest that the sector is in a "bubble" that could potentially burst if AI companies fail to demonstrate substantial profitability. Henry Ajder, an expert in the field, has previously commented on the potential for overvaluation within the AI market.

The introduction of advertising represents a significant shift in OpenAI's monetization strategy. The company has primarily relied on subscription fees for its premium services and licensing its AI models to businesses. By incorporating advertising, OpenAI aims to diversify its revenue streams and potentially offset the high computational costs associated with running large language models like ChatGPT. The trial will allow OpenAI to assess the effectiveness of advertising as a revenue source and its impact on user experience. The company has not yet announced a specific timeline for the broader rollout of advertising or the ChatGPT Go subscription tier.