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ChatGPT is testing ads next to image generation. Get ready
Ads may soon appear right when people are picturing what they want to buy.
OpenAI is preparing to test a new visual ad format inside ChatGPT later this month with an initial group of U.S. advertisers.
The first test places clearly labeled ads alongside image-generation sessions, separate from ChatGPT’s answers. That timing matters: the ad can appear while someone is actively imagining, designing or comparing what they might buy.
OpenAI is also expanding measurement with conversion integrations, attribution partners, incrementality work and brand-suitability pilots. Its developer docs already cover browser and server-side conversion tracking for purchases, registrations and lead submissions.
This is less about another ad slot and more about a new moment in the customer journey, where intent and visualization happen together. Prepare before you spend anything:
- Pick one offer with an obvious before-and-after result
- Create one strong square visual that shows the outcome
- Write a specific, believable one-sentence promise
- Send the click to a focused landing page
- Track one meaningful conversion, such as a qualified lead, trial activation or purchase
- Set the test budget and success metric before launch
The catch: access is limited at first, and pricing, eligibility, inventory and real performance are still unclear. OpenAI says ads will not influence answers and advertisers will not see private conversations; those are platform claims to watch as the program grows. Treat this as a signal to prepare, not a reason to commit a large budget.
