OpenAI says its ChatGPT advertising business has reached a $1 billion annualised revenue run rate as the company expands ads beyond the US. Starting 31 August, advertisers in India, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa can buy ChatGPT ads through OpenAI’s self-service Ads Manager.
The figure is a run rate rather than money already booked for the year. Reuters reports that OpenAI reached the milestone as adoption grew and the service expanded internationally. CNBC says the advertising operation is roughly 200 days old.
OpenAI ChatGPT ads expand to MENA
ChatGPT ads are available to users on the free tier and the lower-priced Go plan. OpenAI says advertisers outside the US represent a growing share of revenue, while small and medium-sized businesses make up a material share of the ads business.
The company says ads are clearly labelled and do not influence ChatGPT’s answers. Advertisers do not have access to users’ private conversations, according to Reuters.
OpenAI began testing ads in the US earlier this year. Reuters reports that the US pilot passed a $100 million annualised revenue run rate within six weeks of its launch.
What OpenAI’s ad business means for UAE users
The expansion puts the UAE in the first group of markets covered by OpenAI ChatGPT ads and the company’s international Ads Manager rollout, although the announcement does not list specific UAE launch dates, ad formats or inventory details.
For users, the immediate change is limited to ChatGPT’s free and Go tiers. OpenAI has not said whether the rollout will alter the service’s availability, pricing or privacy settings in the UAE.
How much revenue has OpenAI’s advertising business reached?
OpenAI says its ChatGPT advertising business has reached a $1 billion annualised revenue run rate. That is a projected yearly pace, not revenue already booked for the full year.
Where is OpenAI expanding ChatGPT ads?
Advertisers in India, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa can access OpenAI’s self-service Ads Manager from 31 August 2026.
Who will see ChatGPT ads?
OpenAI says ads appear for users on ChatGPT’s free tier and the lower-priced Go plan. It has not said that paid plans beyond Go will carry ads.
