OpenAI to test visual ads next to ChatGPT image results
OpenAI is adding visual ads to ChatGPT that appear alongside image generation results, TechCrunch and 9to5Google report. Testing starts later in October 2026 with users in the United States. OpenAI says the ads will be clearly labelled and that advertising does not influence the answers ChatGPT gives.
The short version
- 01OpenAI is adding visual ads that appear alongside ChatGPT image generation.
- 02Testing starts later in October 2026, with US users first.
- 03OpenAI says the ads are clearly labelled and do not influence answers.
- 04We label this Reported: OpenAI's own page was not available to us.
At a glance
| What | Visual ads next to image results |
|---|---|
| Where | ChatGPT |
| First market | United States |
| Test starts | Later in October 2026 |
| Announced | 5 October 2026 |
| Status | Reported |
What are ChatGPT's new visual ads?
TechCrunch and 9to5Google report that OpenAI is adding a visual ad format that shows products and services while ChatGPT generates images.
Who will see the ads and when?
Both outlets say testing starts later in October 2026 and that US users come first. Earlier ads were tested at the bottom of ChatGPT's replies.
Will the ads change what ChatGPT answers?
OpenAI says they will not. 9to5Google quotes it:
Advertising does not influence the answers ChatGPT provides.
OpenAI, as quoted by 9to5Google
Can we confirm this on OpenAI's own page?
Not yet. OpenAI's page, Building advertising for the way people use AI, did not load for us on 6 October, so we rely on two outlets that read it. That is why this story is labelled Reported.
Why does it matter?
Ads are a way for ChatGPT to earn money from people who do not pay. Image generation is a popular use, so more people may see them.
What's next?
The US test starts later this month. We will update this story once we can read OpenAI's own page.
Questions people ask
Where will the new ChatGPT ads appear?
Alongside image generation results in ChatGPT.
Who will see them first?
US users, in a test that starts later in October 2026.
Do the ads change ChatGPT's answers?
OpenAI says no: it says advertising does not influence the answers ChatGPT provides.
Has OpenAI confirmed it?
The reports quote OpenAI's announcement. We could not open OpenAI's own page, so we label this Reported.
Sources
- PrimaryOpenAI: Building advertising for the way people use AI (5 Oct 2026)
- CoverageTechCrunch: OpenAI launches visual ads that appear alongside image generation results (5 Oct 2026)
- Coverage9to5Google: ChatGPT is adding new ads (5 Oct 2026)
Why "Reported"? We label a story "Reported" when only the media have it so far. Spotted an error? Email hello@openloopnews.com and we will correct it.
