Sam Altman’s OpenAI is expanding ads in ChatGPT. The AI company has confirmed that it will soon start testing image-based ads in ChatGPT to offer brands a new way to showcase their products and services to users.
The new ads will initially appear during image generation in ChatGPT. This means users will see visual promotions related to products, services or experiences while using the AI chatbot to create images.
According to the US-based AI compny, these ads will be clearly marked and will remain separate from the image that the user is creating.
“Our new visual ad format helps people imagine how products and services could fit into their lives. Through images showing product inspiration, product usage, or the experiences they make possible, people can discover a new brand, understand what makes an offering distinctive, and decide what to buy. For advertisers, this creates new opportunities to tell their story through images,” OpenAI said in a blog post.
The AI startup has also made it clear that ads will not influence the answers provided by ChatGPT. This means, the advertisements will remain separate from the AI’s responses.
The testing of the new visual ad format is expected to begin later this month in the US. The ChatGPT maker will initially work with a limited group of advertisers before potentially expanding the format further.
Along with visual ads, the Anthropic rival is also expanding its measurement tools for advertisers. The company is working with several advertising and analytics firms to help brands understand whether their ChatGPT campaigns are leading to website visits, app activity, purchases and other conversions.
As per OpenAI, advertisers will be able to connect their existing measurement systems with ChatGPT Ads. The company has partnerships with firms including AppsFlyer, Triple Whale, Adjust, Branch, Singular and Kochava, among others.
The Altman-led AI startup is also working on new ways to help brands understand where their ads appear. The company says its advertising safeguards are designed to keep ads away from sensitive, emotionally vulnerable or otherwise unsuitable conversations.
OpenAI says privacy will remain a key part of its advertising approach. The company claims that ChatGPT’s answers will remain independent, conversations will stay private and users will continue to have control over their experience.
