The Information Machine
Concluded·New·in the edition since 18 Sep 2026·3 sources·updated 18 Sep 2026

OpenAI's ChatGPT advertising push

The gist

OpenAI to Launch ChatGPT Ads and Sponsored Agents on Sept. 23

OpenAI entering advertising places it in direct competition with Google, Meta, and Amazon. The move adds a revenue stream beyond subscriptions and API access as the company spends heavily on infrastructure, talent, and model development.

The full picture

ChatGPT Ads are set to begin September 23, with OpenAI introducing a suite of advertising products that includes Sponsored Agents, an Ads Manager plugin, and integrations with HubSpot and Shopify. OpenAI described the effort as building tools designed for marketers.

How it developed
First in the edition · 18 September 2026
17 September 2026

OpenAI set September 23 as the launch date for ChatGPT Ads, a suite that includes Sponsored Agents, an Ads Manager plugin, and integrations with HubSpot and Shopify, describing the effort as building tools for marketers.

The Information had reported that OpenAI's internal discussions focused on how to change AI models to provide sponsored content alongside organic replies, a move that places OpenAI in direct competition with Google, Meta, and Amazon.

26 December 2025

The Information reported OpenAI was developing plans to add ads to ChatGPT, including sponsored content alongside organic replies.

Sources
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