Recent indicators suggest that ChatGPT may begin displaying advertisements as early as 2026, which could significantly transform how we view ads online. This would also fundamentally change how marketers use AI to interact with users.

OpenAI has not made a formal announcement about the development, but CEO Sam Altman recently stated that the company is “exploring” ways to incorporate ads into ChatGPT. He emphasized that the goal is not to replicate traditional banner or search ads, but to develop a model that fits more naturally and appears more trustworthy in a conversational context.

OpenAI’s job postings suggest that the groundwork is already being laid. The company has begun hiring for positions such as Growth Sponsored Marketing Platform Engineer, indicating that they are building the infrastructure for future sponsored campaigns, analytics, and advertiser tools.

Industry Experts are of the opinion  that if progress continues at this pace, a limited ad rollout could happen in 2026.

OpenAI is likely to experiment with contextual recommendations, or advertisements that fit into the conversation, and they will not look like Google ads. For instance, if someone asks ChatGPT about the best summer caps, it might suggest a particular brand or store and could earn a commission if the person decides to buy.

This approach can lead to a new era of “trust-based advertising,” where authenticity and usefulness matter more than simply generating clicks or reach. Marketers will need to adjust their strategies, prioritize brand transparency, create high-quality content, and deliver clear messages to foster meaningful conversations.

Although 2026 is still a month away and no launch date has been confirmed, it is clear that the future of advertising will shift from search results to intelligent conversations. ChatGPT may revolutionize digital marketing when it starts showing ads.