OpenAI will test picture ads that appear while ChatGPT makes images, starting in the US later in October

OpenAI said on 5 October that it will test a new kind of ChatGPT ad, pictures shown while ChatGPT is generating an image a user asked for, TechCrunch, BleepingComputer and Search Engine Journal reported. OpenAI's own announcement page refused access twice, so everything here is as those outlets reported it.

The test starts later in October, in the US only, with a first group of advertisers who are not named, TechCrunch reported. The ads can show product ideas, how a product is used, or experiences tied to a service, BleepingComputer reported. OpenAI says they will be clearly labelled and kept separate from the image being made, BleepingComputer reported, and OpenAI repeated that ads do not change ChatGPT's answers.

The format comes with a wider set of measurement partners: companies that handle conversion data, attribution and geo-based experiments for advertisers. OpenAI is also running brand-suitability pilots with DoubleVerify and Integral Ad Science, which will not see private conversations, BleepingComputer and Search Engine Journal reported.

Search Engine Journal said OpenAI has not shared targeting, pricing or a date for a wider rollout. TechCrunch noted that picture ads could interrupt the experience and might push casual users toward paid plans. The test builds out the ChatGPT ads OpenAI introduced earlier this year, TechCrunch noted; until now they appeared below responses, Search Engine Journal said.

• Reported The test starts later in October, in the US only, with a first group of advertisers, TechCrunch reported. TechCrunch
• Claimed OpenAI says the ads will be labelled, kept separate from the generated image and will not affect answers, BleepingComputer reported. BleepingComputer
• Reported OpenAI is piloting brand-suitability checks with DoubleVerify and Integral Ad Science and has not shared targeting, pricing or a rollout date, Search Engine Journal reported. Search Engine Journal