OpenAI Launches ChatGPT Ads in Australia After US Success

OpenAI is bringing advertising to ChatGPT in Australia in the coming weeks, following what the company described as "encouraging early signals" from its US test. The rollout marks the first major international expansion of the platform's ad model.

Ads Appear on Free and Go Tiers Only

Ads will be shown only to logged-in adult users on ChatGPT's free and Go tiers. The Go tier is priced at A$13 per month in Australia. Users on Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise plans will not see any advertising.

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OpenAI says ChatGPT's answers will "remain independent and unbiased." The company adds that conversations will stay private and that users will retain "meaningful control over their experience."

Chloe Browne, OpenAI's Australian Head of Communications, said: "Our aim here is to support broader access to increasingly capable AI, while maintaining the trust Aussies place in ChatGPT for both everyday and more personal use."

Browne confirmed that Australian usage of ChatGPT more than doubled in the 12 months before the announcement. OpenAI has recently established a dedicated local team in the country.

How the Ad Format Works

ChatGPT ads appear as clearly labeled sponsored results, separate from the AI's core responses. They are matched to the topic of a user's conversation, not to personal data.

Early US test pricing was reported at approximately US$60 per 1,000 impressions, a premium rate compared to standard digital display advertising. This reflects the high-intent nature of conversational queries, where users are actively seeking information or making decisions.

Certain categories are excluded from advertising eligibility, including health, politics, and mental health. Advertisers receive only aggregated performance metrics, with no access to individual user data.

A New Revenue Stream With Significant Scale

OpenAI's global user base stands at 800 million weekly active users, with approximately 20 million paying subscribers. Advertising and affiliate revenue is projected to reach US$1 billion in 2026, scaling to US$25 billion by 2029.

The Australian rollout follows the US pilot, which formally launched on January 16, 2026. New Zealand and Canada are also part of the current expansion phase.

OpenAI is not alone in this space. Microsoft Copilot already integrates advertising within its AI assistant, and Google Gemini is anticipated to introduce ads in 2026. Conversational AI advertising is becoming a standard feature across major AI platforms, not a differentiator for any single player.

What Comes Next for the Australia Pilot

OpenAI has not confirmed a specific launch date for the Australian rollout. Browne stated that more details on timing will be shared in the coming weeks.

For users who prefer no ads, Browne noted: "There will continue to be options to upgrade to Plus or Pro."

The Australia and New Zealand pilot is expected to inform OpenAI's broader international expansion, with a full global ad rollout including its API and Sora video platform projected by 2027.