OpenAI Positions ChatGPT Ads as Key Revenue Stream Ahead of Potential IPO
OpenAI is highlighting the rapid growth of its ChatGPT advertising business, which has reportedly reached a $1 billion annualised revenue rate about 200 days after launch. The company is expanding ads into more markets, including India, as it builds multiple revenue streams ahead of a potential IPO.
OpenAI is increasingly positioning advertising as an important part of its business as the ChatGPT maker builds a broader mix of revenue streams ahead of a potential massive initial public offering.
The company's advertising business has reached a reported annualised revenue rate of $1 billion, around 200 days after its launch, according to CNBC. The milestone gives OpenAI another significant source of income alongside enterprise products, consumer subscriptions and usage-based API services.
The development comes as the company faces pressure to support its reported $852 billion valuation with a business model capable of generating substantial and diversified revenue.
OpenAI's ChatGPT advertising business
OpenAI began testing advertisements inside ChatGPT in the US in February 2026. The move marked a major shift for the company, bringing advertising into a chatbot that had previously relied largely on subscriptions, enterprise services and API usage.
The decision also drew criticism from competitors. Anthropic, one of OpenAI's major rivals, used its first Super Bowl advertising campaign to contrast its approach with OpenAI's decision to introduce ads.
Despite the controversy, OpenAI has continued expanding the programme.
ChatGPT ads expand to India and other markets
ChatGPT advertising is now available in more than 40 countries, according to OpenAI. The company has also expanded self-service access for advertisers across India, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.
India has become a significant market in the expansion. OpenAI said advertisements would be available to logged-in adult users on the Free and Go tiers, while Plus, Pro, Business, Enterprise and Education plans would remain ad-free.
The company has partnered with WPP and Omnicom as its first agency partners for ChatGPT Ads in India. More than 50 brands are expected to launch campaigns during the initial rollout.
Dany is a business journalist with Annuity Outlook Magazine, with over 16 years of experience across print, digital, and wires. He covers business, technology, policy, and corporate developments, with a focus on in-depth reporting and analysis. Over the years, he has worked across multiple editorial platforms. Skilled in content creation, editing, proofreading, and overseeing print layouts, his career spans multiple editorial platforms.
