ChatGPT is introducing advertising for its free version and a new $8-per-month “Go” tier, marking a shift in how the AI platform is funded. Higher-priced plans will remain ad-free.
The move reflects the rising cost of running large AI systems and OpenAI’s effort to balance accessibility with sustainability. Adverts will help keep ChatGPT free for casual users while encouraging more frequent users to upgrade to premium subscriptions.
The Go tier sits between the free and Plus plans, offering higher usage limits and faster responses than the free version, but still includes advertising. OpenAI says adverts will be clearly labelled and will not influence ChatGPT’s responses.
Reaction has been mixed, with some users welcoming a cheaper paid option, while others are concerned about ads entering AI tools. The change highlights a broader trend towards subscription and ad-supported models as generative AI becomes a mainstream service.
Author: Victor Olowomeye