OpenAI expands ChatGPT ads to 26 new countries, reaching 89 markets total

Oct 20, 2026

On October 21, 2026, OpenAI announced the expansion of ChatGPT ads to 26 additional countries, expanding its footprint to 89 total global markets. The expansion includes 14 Latin American nations such as Argentina and Peru, alongside regions in Europe, Asia, and Africa. More than 100,000 advertisers have utilized the platform, driving OpenAI's advertising revenue to a $1 billion annualized run rate in August 2026. Ads are displayed exclusively to Free and Go users, remaining clearly labeled and distinct from response outputs, while paid subscription tiers remain ad-free ahead of an anticipated 2027 initial public offering.

Geographic expansion of ChatGPT ads

▪The ChatGPT ads geographic expansion includes 14 Latin American countries, including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Peru, following prior launches in Mexico and Brazil.
▪OpenAI announced on October 21, 2026, that it is expanding ChatGPT ads to 26 additional countries, bringing the total to 89 markets globally.
▪OpenAI previously expanded ChatGPT ads to 31 European countries in August 2026.
▪OpenAI's ChatGPT ads expansion introduces advertising to markets across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, including Nigeria, South Africa, Serbia, Ukraine, Cambodia, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.

Advertiser tools and platform features

▪In September 2026, OpenAI introduced AI-powered tools for advertisers and began testing branded sponsored agents with select U.S. marketers.
▪OpenAI plans to continue developing additional ChatGPT ad formats, measurement capabilities, and buying options during its next phase of growth.
▪Advertisers can access ChatGPT ads in new markets through authorized agency technology partners or via direct self-service access in OpenAI's Ads Manager.

Ad placement and user privacy

▪ChatGPT advertisements appear separate from ChatGPT's response to prompts, are clearly labeled, and do not influence the answers the chatbot provides.
▪ChatGPT advertisements appear only on Free and Go subscription plans, while ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Enterprise tiers remain completely ad-free.
▪OpenAI stated that it keeps user conversations private from advertisers and does not sell customer data.

Advertising revenue and business growth

▪OpenAI's advertising business hit an annualized revenue run rate of $1 billion in August 2026, up from $100 million in March 2026.
▪OpenAI is building out its eight-month-old advertising unit to diversify revenue alongside enterprise contracts, consumer subscriptions, and usage-based application programming interfaces.
▪OpenAI stated that more than 100,000 advertisers have run campaigns on ChatGPT since testing began in the U.S. in February 2026.