Ads on ChatGPT? A Primer for Marketers

tl;dr

Things change daily in the AI space so let’s start here: ChatGPT doesn’t currently offer advertising options. But plenty of signs point to ads arriving soon, possibly in 2026. With 400 million weekly users and the unique context provided by conversational AI, ChatGPT advertising presents exciting opportunities for marketers who move early.

One of the biggest questions marketers are asking in 2025 is: can you advertise on ChatGPT?

The answer is no. But a more accurate answer is not yet. It’s coming and it is only a matter of when. There have been some recent reports surfacing that it might be here within the next year even.

We’ve written a lot about the rising popularity of tools like ChatGPT and how they’ve changed search patterns. Is ChatGPT poised to open up new frontiers in digital advertising too?

We can only guess at exactly what advertising will look like on ChatGPT. A few OpenAI’s hires over the last year may provide some clues. Here’s what we’re excited for once advertising does open up on ChatGPT and some potential advantages for businesses who want to try it out.

5 Things We’re Excited About With ChatGPT Advertising

1. A Highly Engaged, Research-Focused Audience

ChatGPT users aren’t just casually browsing – they’re actively researching, problem-solving, and seeking specific information. This engagement level means they’re often further along in the buying funnel than users on other platforms.

Unlike social media where users are in a passive consumption mindset, ChatGPT users are in an active “ask mindset.” They’re seeking solutions to specific problems, researching products, or looking for recommendations—all high-intent behaviors that marketers dream about targeting.

The conversational nature of the platform means users are investing time and thought into their queries, making them more receptive to relevant, helpful advertising that addresses their specific needs.

2. Early Mover Advantage

As with any new advertising platform, early adopters often reap the greatest rewards. Remember the golden days of Facebook ads or early Google AdWords? The lobster-by-mail company who set up the first ever self-service ad on Google? Businesses that mastered those platforms early enjoyed lower costs and less competition.

When ChatGPT advertising launches, we expect a similar opportunity. Early advertisers will:

• Benefit from potentially lower costs before bidding becomes competitive
• Have time to test and optimize strategies while others are still figuring out the basics
• Establish brand presence and authority before the space becomes crowded
• Build institutional knowledge about what works on a platform unlike any other

The companies that start experimenting day one will have invaluable data by the time their competitors join the game.

3. AI-Powered Niche Targeting

ChatGPT’s understanding of context from ongoing conversations presents a targeting opportunity unlike anything we’ve seen before. Unlike search ads triggered by single queries, ChatGPT has the entire conversation history to understand user intent.

Imagine a user who has spent 10 minutes discussing home renovation options before mentioning kitchen countertops. A traditional search ad might only target “kitchen countertops,” but ChatGPT could understand they’re specifically interested in budget-friendly options for a mid-century modern aesthetic based on the entire conversation.

This depth of contextual understanding could revolutionize how ads are targeted, making them far more relevant and less intrusive to the user experience.

4. Natural Integration With Conversational UX

ChatGPT’s interface isn’t like a traditional search engine with its “10 blue links.” And Google’s search interface in 2025 feels more like a chaotic Times Square than a peaceful library with selected resources for you to peruse. The conversational format of ChatGPT offers unique opportunities for native ad experiences that feel like a natural part of the interaction rather than an interruption.

Instead of banner ads or sponsored results that feel separate from organic content, ChatGPT advertising could take forms that blend seamlessly with the conversational flow:

• “Based on what you’re asking about, you might be interested in…”
• “Some companies that specialize in this include…”
• “If you’re looking to purchase this, here are some options…”

This native approach could lead to higher engagement rates and less ad fatigue compared to more disruptive formats.

5. Superior Intent Detection and Measurement

The conversational nature of ChatGPT provides extraordinarily rich signals about user intent. When ads launch, they’ll likely be powered by some of the best targeting capabilities we’ve seen.

OpenAI has been quietly building its advertising team, hiring several ad platform veterans from major tech companies last year. This suggests they’re serious about creating sophisticated advertising capabilities that leverage their AI strengths.

With access to the full context of user conversations (while presumably maintaining privacy), ChatGPT could potentially offer advertisers:

• More accurate intent signals than single-query search
• Better understanding of the buyer’s journey stage
• Richer audience insights based on conversation patterns
• More precise attribution of which ad exposures led to conversions

Potential Challenges and Limitations With ChatGPT Ads

Of course, not everything will be perfect from day one. Here are some challenges we anticipate:

1. Limited Industry Fit: Initially, ChatGPT advertising may work better for certain industries and demographics. Products and services that require research and consideration might see better results than impulse purchases.
2. Enterprise First: Like many new ad platforms, ChatGPT will likely roll out to enterprise customers and big brands first. Smaller businesses might need to wait for general availability.
3. Measurement Challenges: New platforms always struggle with measurement integration. It may take time before ChatGPT advertising connects smoothly with existing analytics and attribution systems.
4. User Experience Concerns: OpenAI will need to balance monetization with maintaining a positive user experience. How they introduce ads without disrupting the natural flow of conversations will be crucial.

The Future of AI-Powered Advertising

As we’ve seen in our research on how different generations search online, younger users are already adopting more conversational, question-based approaches to finding information. This trend aligns perfectly with ChatGPT’s interface and suggests that conversational AI platforms will only grow in importance.

The eventual introduction of advertising on ChatGPT represents more than just another channel – it’s potentially a fundamental shift in how digital advertising works. Instead of interrupting content consumption or appearing alongside search results, these ads could become an integrated part of helpful conversations.

For marketers always seeking more relevant, contextual ways to reach customers at moments of high intent, ChatGPT advertising offers an intriguing glimpse into the future of digital marketing.

What Marketers Should Do Now

Even though ChatGPT advertising isn’t available yet, forward-thinking marketers can prepare by:

1. Experimenting with the platform: Become familiar with how users interact with ChatGPT to better understand the environment your ads will exist in.
2. Developing conversational content strategies: Start thinking about how your messaging can adapt to a conversational format instead of traditional ad copy.
3. Following key developments: Keep an eye on OpenAI’s announcements and industry news about potential advertising features.
4. Building first-party data: The more you understand about your customers’ questions and pain points, the better positioned you’ll be when conversational advertising arrives.
5. Monitoring your presence on “organic” LLM. While we’re excited about paid placements in tools like ChatGPT, you can utilize OmniSEO™ to help elevate your brand presence within LLMs like ChatGPT today.

The evolution of search and AI is happening rapidly. Companies that understand and adapt to these changes will find themselves with significant advantages in the years ahead.