ChatGPT to start testing visual ads when creating images. Who will be affected?

When requesting an image in ChatGPT, you may now also encounter a visual offer of products or services. OpenAI has announced a visual advertising format that it will begin testing precisely when generating images. Sponsored content is to be clearly marked and separate from the creation itself. The company also promises that advertising will not influence ChatGPT’s responses.

Instead of just the logo, also a product usage demonstration

Advertising in ChatGPT is not new in itself. The previous format displayed a sponsored section below the conversation with the company name, its logo, and a link to the product. The new variant adds visual content, allowing advertisers to showcase a product in use or an experience associated with a service.

OpenAI aims to make it easier for people to imagine how the offered product would fit into their lives. Image generation is just the first announced testing location. The company plans to further develop the advertising platform and try other formats, but it does not name specific additional placements in the announcement.

Test to start in the USA, Plus and Pro won’t get ads

Testing is set to begin this month in the United States with an initial group of advertisers. This is not an announcement of a global launch. Users with ChatGPT Plus, Pro, or Enterprise subscriptions will not see ads.

Sensitive conversations to remain ad-free

The topic of the conversation will also determine ad display. OpenAI states that its protective mechanisms assess the suitability of a conversation for advertising and are designed to keep ads out of sensitive situations or moments when a person is emotionally vulnerable. Adherence to these rules is to be ensured by automated checks, human oversight, and continuous monitoring.

The company is also preparing a pilot assessment with DoubleVerify and Integral Ad Science of the environment in which ads are displayed. Partners will evaluate the application of rules for safe ad placement in a controlled testing environment. According to OpenAI, they will not have access to users’ private conversations during this process.

Would image ads bother you when generating images in ChatGPT?

Sources: openai.com, theverge.com