OpenAI Expands ChatGPT Go Globally, Announces Upcoming Ad Tests

OpenAI has expanded its affordable ChatGPT Go subscription to all markets where ChatGPT operates, completing a global rollout that began with its India debut last August. The service now reaches users in 170 countries, offering tiered pricing: ChatGPT Go at $8/month in the US, alongside premium ChatGPT Plus ($20/month) and ChatGPT Pro ($200/month) options.

The announcement coincides with OpenAI confirming it will begin testing advertisements in the US within weeks. These ads will appear exclusively for logged-in adults using the free version or ChatGPT Go subscription. Premium tiers—Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise—will remain entirely ad-free.

According to OpenAI, ads will operate under strict guidelines to preserve user trust:

• Responses generated by ChatGPT won't be influenced by advertisements
• Ads will be visually separated from organic answers and clearly labeled
• User conversations remain private and won't be shared with advertisers

The ad implementation will feature contextually relevant sponsored products displayed at the bottom of ChatGPT responses. OpenAI shared an example image showing how these ads might appear during conversations, noting users might see prompts enabling direct purchasing questions.

"We'll refine ad implementation based on user feedback, but our commitment to prioritizing users and maintaining trust is unwavering," OpenAI stated. "Building this ad platform from the ground up allows us to align incentives with user expectations."

The company emphasized its multi-revenue strategy: "While our enterprise and subscription businesses perform strongly, a diverse revenue model including ads helps make advanced AI more accessible globally. Our long-term focus remains developing products valuable enough for users and businesses to pay for directly."

Users can check regional pricing and feature differences for all ChatGPT plans through OpenAI's official website. The ad tests mark a significant shift as OpenAI explores monetization avenues beyond subscriptions while navigating user experience challenges inherent in ad-supported models.