OpenAI begins showing ads on ChatGPT free and Go tiers in India

OpenAI announced on August 27, 2026, that it will introduce advertisements to its ChatGPT Free and Go subscription tiers in India, partnering with agencies WPP and Omnicom to launch campaigns for 50 brands. The expansion follows ad rollouts in the US and Europe earlier in 2026. OpenAI, which reported $6.7 billion in Q2 2026 revenue, is seeking to diversify its revenue streams ahead of a potential IPO in 2026 or 2027, leveraging its base of over 100 million weekly active users in India.

ChatGPT ad rollout in India

• ▪OpenAI changed its terms of service in August 2026 to indicate that it will show ads to users while they use the ChatGPT AI assistant
• ▪OpenAI started showing ads to United States users in February 2026 and expanded the program to Europe in August 2026
• ▪OpenAI announced on August 27, 2026, that it will start showing ads on its ChatGPT Free and Go subscription tiers in India

OpenAI India market strategy

• ▪OpenAI launched a sub-$5 plan for ChatGPT Go in India in August 2025, which included a limited promotion making the tier free for a full year
• ▪OpenAI stated in February 2026 that it has more than 100 million weekly active ChatGPT users in India, with a large portion on the free or lower-priced Go tiers
• ▪OpenAI advertised its products during Indian sports tournaments, including the Women’s Premier League and the Indian Premier League cricket leagues
• ▪OpenAI hired the former head of Uber India to lead its expansion efforts in India

OpenAI revenue growth trends

• ▪OpenAI is trying to ramp up and cement its revenue sources ahead of a potential initial public offering expected in 2026 or 2027
• ▪OpenAI recorded revenue of $6.7 billion in the second quarter ended June 2026, up from $5.7 billion in the previous quarter, according to The Wall Street Journal
• ▪OpenAI aimed to reach 220 million paying subscribers by 2030, up from 35 million users paying for its Plus and Pro plans in November 2025, according to a report by The Information

Ad platform brand partnerships

• ▪OpenAI partnered with advertising agencies WPP and Omnicom to launch ads in India, starting with campaigns for 50 brands
• ▪OpenAI will launch an ad manager in September 2026 allowing marketers to create campaigns with a daily minimum budget of ₹725 ($7.60)

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