Open AI seems to be developing an advertising system for ChatGPT, starting within search-connected answers. The hints emerged from engineer Tibor Blaho, who checked the Android beta app version 1.2025.329. The code contains early references for ad placement formats and shopping-style sponsored cards, indicating that OpenAI is testing a different income direction while staying focused on the search layer for now.
How sponsored content could look in ChatGPT search
The latest ChatGPT Android beta includes internal markers that outline how ads might be arranged when ChatGPT fetches information from the web. These markers describe sections for sponsored product cards and scrolling lists, indicating that ads are first being shaped as part of AI-backed search answers rather than the main chat interface. This means users may eventually see shopping-linked sponsored cards or swipeable panels while going through search-enhanced responses.
Some of the strings point toward marketplace-related content feeds that could collect retail or product listings and display them dynamically along with AI search answers. This suggests OpenAI is building the skeleton that lets advertisers share product-driven material in card or carousel formats.
The presence of these markers in a beta build indicates testing and system preparation, not a full rollout. OpenAI has not released a public announcement yet, and no timelines have been shared.
Why intent-driven ads are central to OpenAI’s test
ChatGPT now processes billions of prompts per day, with overall platform visits estimated in the billions every month. India has the highest number of active users, giving OpenAI a large audience base where search-focused ads may scale quickly.
Unlike traditional search platforms that show ads based on keywords alone, conversational AI can infer intent from query structure, recent follow-ups, and conversation themes, allowing ad targeting to feel more precise than general interest-based systems.
Search ads work best when a user clearly shows buying intent, compares products, asks for pricing, or looks for options. AI conversations are naturally suited to detecting these signals in real time. This could help OpenAI build an advertising system that feels less disruptive and more relevant, especially in searches that turn toward product choices. But the ability to target at a user level raises valid concerns around privacy and reliability, especially if users are not fully aware of how recommendations or sponsored cards are selected.
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