What OpenAI is rolling out
OpenAI said it will extend ChatGPT Ads to 26 more markets, with Wednesday's announced expansion bringing total coverage to 89 countries. The company started piloting ads in the U.S. in February.
Free and Go users across countries such as Argentina, Peru, Nigeria, South Africa and Ukraine will begin to encounter ads within ChatGPT. OpenAI says the placements are clearly labeled, kept separate from prompt responses, and do not influence how the model answers.
How ads fit into OpenAI's business
The eight-month-old ads product is pitched as a new revenue leg alongside enterprise contracts, consumer subscriptions, and usage-based APIs, echoing how Google and Meta have long leaned on digital advertising.
Beyond adding more ad formats, improving measurement, and widening buying options, OpenAI is exploring fresh, native avenues for companies to engage ChatGPT users. As previously reported by CNBC, in August the ads business was running at a $1 billion annualized revenue pace, compared with $100 million in March. The company also noted that over 100,000 advertisers have launched campaigns on the platform.
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The competitive backdrop and what is next
Anthropic mocked OpenAI's U.S. ads test and made that push the centerpiece of its first Super Bowl ad, while pledging to keep its Claude chatbot ad free.
Both companies are gearing up for widely expected IPOs without public timelines. OpenAI executives have indicated they are eyeing a 2027 listing, and Anthropic's leaders have met with prospective investors in recent weeks.
Why investors should care
An announced move to 89 countries broadens the surface where OpenAI can monetize ChatGPT usage. The mix now spans enterprise deals, paid consumer plans, metered API access, and a growing ads unit with a $1 billion run rate as of August. OpenAI says it will keep expanding formats, measurement and buying paths, while pursuing new, native ways for companies to engage ChatGPT consumers - all potential levers for future revenue.
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