OpenAI Brings ChatGPT Ads to Free and Go Users in India

OpenAI is expanding its advertising program to India, bringing ads to users on the free ChatGPT tier and the lower-priced ChatGPT Go plan. The move gives the company another way to generate revenue from one of its largest user markets as it continues expanding the AI assistant’s global reach.

The company said it will begin showing ads in India after updating its terms of service earlier this month to reflect that advertising could appear during ChatGPT usage. OpenAI said it will initially work with 50 brands and has partnered with advertising agencies WPP and Omnicom for the rollout.

OpenAI also plans to launch an ad manager that will allow businesses to create campaigns for ChatGPT users. The tool will require advertisers to meet a minimum daily campaign budget of ₹725, or about $7.60.

ChatGPT advertising expands in India.

India has become one of ChatGPT’s largest markets. OpenAI said the country had more than 100 million weekly active users as of February, with many users relying on the free version or the lower-cost Go subscription tier.

The company has invested heavily in building its presence in India. OpenAI introduced ChatGPT Go as a lower-priced subscription option and has promoted its products through major sporting events, including the Women’s Premier League and Indian Premier League cricket tournaments.

The company has also expanded its operations in the country, including appointing leadership focused on its growth strategy in India.

OpenAI previously began testing ads with users in the United States and later expanded the program to Europe. The company said its advertising approach is designed to help businesses reach users at relevant moments as they interact with ChatGPT.

OpenAI’s expansion into advertising comes as the company seeks additional revenue streams while scaling its AI services. The company has been preparing for potential future financial milestones while increasing investments in its products and infrastructure.

OpenAI explores new revenue channels.

Reports have indicated that OpenAI has been working to grow its paid subscriber base. The company has focused on expanding subscription options alongside free access to ChatGPT.

According to reporting from The Wall Street Journal, OpenAI recorded significant revenue growth in 2026, though the company continues to develop additional business models around its AI products.

A report from The Information said OpenAI is targeting significant growth in paid ChatGPT subscriptions over the coming years.

The company’s advertising expansion follows a broader effort to diversify how ChatGPT generates revenue while maintaining free access for a large global user base.

OpenAI has also expanded advertising availability in other regions, including Europe, as part of its wider rollout strategy. The company outlined details of that expansion in its official announcement.