Key Information
- ChatGPT advertisements are being offered at approximately $60 per 1,000 impressions (a $60 CPM).
- Expect reports to provide a high-level overview (impressions and clicks) but limited details on conversions or attribution.
- Ads will be presented as premium, trust-oriented placements within AI conversations.
- Initial access will likely be available on free and lower-cost tiers, with specific exclusions (e.g., users under 18, sensitive topics).
OpenAI is reportedly offering initial ad placements for ChatGPT at around $60 CPM, marketing them as premium, high-visibility options with limited analytics available. This pricing significantly exceeds average social media CPM rates, aligning more closely with “premium TV” advertising costs noted in industry discussions.
Selling and Measurement Expectations for Ads
Initial proposals indicate an impression-based model, offering advertisers primarily high-level data such as total clicks and impressions. The reporting is noted to be less comprehensive than major advertising platforms, lacking deep insights into subsequent consumer actions like purchases.
Potential Ad Placements and Audience
The first ad placements may occur within ChatGPT, appearing at the end of responses, initially targeting users of free and lower-cost tiers (paid tiers are likely to be exempt). Reported safeguards include blocking access for users under 18 and avoiding discussions surrounding sensitive topics (such as mental health or politics).
The central assumption is that placing ads within conversational AI will capture significant attention and influence consumer decisions earlier in their purchasing journey, which OpenAI leverages to justify its elevated CPMs.
The trade-off may be that advertisers focused on performance could find it challenging to measure ROI due to the lack of detailed data on queries and conversions. If measurement improves—without compromising personal conversation data—it could make CPMs easier to justify and optimize. Conversely, if measurement remains more akin to traditional TV advertising, initial investments might lean towards brand experimentation and larger advertisers willing to invest in testing.
