OpenAI is bringing advertising to ChatGPT in India, expanding a programme that could make ads a bigger source of revenue for the company. The ads will initially appear for users on the Free and lower-cost Go plans.
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The move comes as OpenAI looks to expand its advertising business beyond the US and into markets where ChatGPT has a large user base. According to a source, OpenAI is initially working with around 50 brands and advertising agencies in India, including WPP and Omnicom. The company also plans to give marketers tools to manage their advertising campaigns directly.
When will ChatGPT ads launch in India?
OpenAI is expanding its ChatGPT advertising programme to India after beginning tests with Free and Go users in the US earlier in 2026. The company has not publicly confirmed a specific launch date for the Indian market. The initial rollout is expected to involve a limited group of advertisers before the programme expands further.
Who will see ads on ChatGPT in India?
Ads will be shown to users on ChatGPT’s Free and Go plans. OpenAI says its paid plans, including ChatGPT Plus, Pro, Business and Enterprise, will remain ad-free. The advertisements will appear separately from the responses generated by ChatGPT. This means sponsored content will be clearly separated from the AI-generated answer.
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Will ChatGPT ads affect the answers?
OpenAI says advertisements will not influence ChatGPT’s responses. The company has stated that ads are displayed separately from the assistant’s answers. Advertisers also do not get access to users’ private conversations. This separation is intended to keep advertising distinct from the way ChatGPT generates responses.
Why is India important for OpenAI?
India has become one of ChatGPT’s largest markets. OpenAI said earlier this year that ChatGPT has more than 100 million weekly active users in India. A large share of these users access the service through its Free or lower-priced plans, making India an important market for OpenAI’s advertising plans. The expansion also gives OpenAI access to a large pool of potential advertisers, ranging from major brands to agencies managing campaigns for multiple companies.
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OpenAI plans to expand advertising tools
OpenAI is not only working with advertising agencies and brands. It also plans to offer tools that allow marketers to manage campaigns directly. This could make it easier for businesses to advertise within ChatGPT without relying entirely on agencies. For OpenAI, the move marks a broader push to build advertising into its business while keeping the core ChatGPT experience separate from sponsored content.
Indrani Priyadarshini is a journalist and editorial professional specialising in technology, artificial intelligence, smart cities, green energy, and digital transformation. With over four years of experience in tech journalism and digital media, she is known for turning complex industry developments into clear, engaging, and insightful stories. Her expertise spans reporting, editorial strategy, digital publishing workflows, and in-depth coverage of emerging technologies shaping the future.
