OpenAI says ChatGPT ads reach $1bn annualised revenue run rate

OpenAI says advertising on ChatGPT has reached a $1 billion annualised revenue run rate as the company expands the service beyond the United States.

From August 31, advertisers in India, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa will be able to buy ChatGPT advertisements directly through OpenAI’s Ads Manager. The self-service system had already launched in the United States and has attracted small and medium-sized businesses, which OpenAI says now make up a material share of its advertising business.

Ads appear for users of ChatGPT’s free service and the cheaper Go subscription plan. OpenAI said in April that its initial US advertising operation had exceeded a $100 million annualised revenue rate within six weeks of launch. The company did not provide a regional breakdown, although it said revenue from advertisers outside the US is rising.

The rapid expansion puts OpenAI into more direct competition with Google and Meta, which have built large digital advertising businesses. Advertising may become increasingly important as OpenAI seeks to pay for the expensive computing infrastructure needed to develop and operate advanced AI systems.

Reuters has reported that OpenAI confidentially filed for a US initial public offering earlier in 2026, with a possible flotation expected in 2027 or sooner.