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OpenAI Ads Pilot Hits $100M Annual Revenue in Under 2 Months

OpenAI's advertising pilot has achieved over $100 million in annualized revenue within two months of its U.S. launch, targeting free and ChatGPT Go users. Ads are placed at the bottom of responses with clear labeling, exempting minors and sensitive topics. Over 600 advertisers are involved, and expansion to Canada, Australia, and New Zealand is planned. Despite early success, some advertisers complain about the slow rollout, which OpenAI defends as a deliberate testing phase. Privacy metrics remain unaffected, and the venture signals a major monetization shift for the company.

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OpenAI Ads Pilot Hits $100M Annual Revenue in Under 2 Months

OpenAI's advertising pilot has surpassed $100 million in annual recurring revenue less than two months after launching in the United States, according to a company spokesperson.

Rapid Revenue Growth

  • The pilot launched in January 2024 for free users and ChatGPT Go subscribers in the U.S.
  • It generated over $100 million in annualized revenue quickly, as first reported by The Information.
  • This marks a potential lucrative new revenue stream for the AI startup.

Ad Placement and User Eligibility

  • Ads appear at the bottom of ChatGPT's answers, are clearly labeled, and do not influence responses.
  • Users under 18 are exempt from seeing ads.
  • Ads are not displayed near sensitive topics, including politics, health, and mental health.
  • Approximately 85% of eligible U.S. free and Go users can see ads, but less than 20% are shown them daily.

Advertiser Partnerships and Feedback

  • OpenAI is collaborating with more than 600 advertisers.
  • The company reports no impact on privacy-related trust metrics.
  • Some advertisers have criticized the slow and conservative rollout, as noted by CNBC.
  • OpenAI states the gradual pace is intentional to learn and refine the experience before broader expansion.

Expansion and Competitive Context

  • OpenAI is exploring additional testing in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
  • Rival Anthropic mocked OpenAI's ad push in its first Super Bowl campaign.
  • The company emphasizes early positive signals from users and brands, with strong advertiser interest.
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