OpenAI Expands ChatGPT Access with New $8 Tier and Announces Ad Testing

OpenAI has announced two significant changes to its ChatGPT platform: a new lower-cost subscription tier now available worldwide and plans to test advertisements in non-premium versions of the service.

The company confirmed ChatGPT Go is now accessible in all markets where ChatGPT operates, including the United States. Priced at $8 monthly, this new tier bridges the gap between the free version and existing premium options:

• ChatGPT Free ($0/month)
• ChatGPT Go ($8/month)
• ChatGPT Plus ($20/month)
• ChatGPT Pro ($200/month)

Subscribers to ChatGPT Go receive substantial upgrades over the free version:

• 10x more messages, file uploads, and image generations
• Priority access to GPT-5.2 with no usage limits
• Extended memory and context window for personalized interactions

The second announcement involves advertising. OpenAI will begin testing ads "in the free tier and ChatGPT Go in the US soon," while confirming Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise tiers will remain ad-free.

According to OpenAI's official blog post:

"We plan to test ads at the bottom of answers when there's a relevant sponsored product based on your current conversation. Ads will be clearly labeled and separated from organic answers. Users can learn why they're seeing an ad or dismiss it with feedback."

The company emphasized several safeguards:

• No ads for users under 18 (self-reported or predicted)
• No ads near sensitive topics (health, mental health, politics)
• Conversations won't be shared with advertisers
• Ad presence won't influence ChatGPT's responses

Testing will begin in coming weeks for logged-in adult users in the U.S. on free and Go tiers. These changes represent OpenAI's continued effort to balance accessibility with sustainable service operation.

What do you think about these developments? Share your perspective in the comments.