- AI Platforms & Assistants
- OpenAI
- ChatGPT
Hidden code spotted
Comments (0) ()When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.
Ads could be on their way to ChatGPT
(Image credit: Getty Images/VCG)
- Ads could be heading to ChatGPT in the near future
- Related text has been spotted in the ChatGPT app
- It's not clear how these ads would work or appear
We know that generating stacks of AI text, images, and videos every day isn't cheap, and it looks as though the inevitable is about to happen: according to a fresh rumor, OpenAI is testing adverts in ChatGPT, ahead of a full rollout to users.
As spotted by @btibor91 (via BleepingComputer), the latest ChatGPT for Android app includes hidden code that refers to an "ads feature", some "bazaar content", a "search ad", and a "search ads carousel" – so it's clear what's coming.
What's not certain is when or how OpenAI might decide to introduce adverts into chats, or whether paying for a subscription will be enough to hide them. Based on the style of the current ChatGPT app interface, including the new Shopping Research tool, we'd expect them to be subtle and well-integrated into the current ChatGPT aesthetic.
You may like-
ChatGPT now runs apps – and it’s about to go from chatbot to full-on operating system
-
ChatGPT gets apps: now you can book a trip, build slides, and make Spotify playlists without leaving the chat
-
OpenAI wants ChatGPT to contribute to your group chats - and I can't decide if that's exciting or creepy
Indeed, OpenAI has previously gone on the record as saying that ads should be "thoughtful and tasteful", if they have to be used – which they almost certainly do, given the cost of keeping all those GPUs and data centers working.
Ads with your AI
ChatGPT Android app 1.2025.329 beta includes new references to an "ads feature" with "bazaar content", "search ad" and "search ads carousel" pic.twitter.com/BdHOJIQHmANovember 29, 2025
It's really no surprise to see advertising coming to ChatGPT. The move has long been predicted, and would bring the chatbot into line with other AI offerings – it's something Google and Microsoft have already been testing, for example.
If we do have to put up with advertising, it should at least be well targeted and relevant: the AI apps many of us chat to on a daily basis have access to a wealth of information about our likes, dislikes, and interests, and all of that can be tapped into to generate ad links relevant to a user's current prompts and queries.
AI searches are an obvious starting point, because if you're looking for something to buy online, then you might be interested in a sponsored link or two. However, OpenAI will have to make sure advertising content is kept distinct from the usual AI bot responses.
Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inboxContact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.ChatGPT only just turned three years old yesterday on November 30, but its userbase has quickly grown to hundreds of millions of people, and that's a lot of eyeballs that ads could be shown too. There have also been rumors of bumps in subscription prices, though they haven't arrived yet.
Follow TechRadar on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our expert news, reviews, and opinion in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!
And of course you can also follow TechRadar on TikTok for news, reviews, unboxings in video form, and get regular updates from us on WhatsApp too.
The best business laptops for all budgetsOur top picks, based on real-world testing and comparisons➡️ Read our full guide to the best business laptops1. Best overall:Dell Precision 56902. Best on a budget:Acer Aspire 53. Best MacBook:Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4)
TOPICS AI
David NieldSocial Links NavigationFreelance ContributorDave is a freelance tech journalist who has been writing about gadgets, apps and the web for more than two decades. Based out of Stockport, England, on TechRadar you'll find him covering news, features and reviews, particularly for phones, tablets and wearables. Working to ensure our breaking news coverage is the best in the business over weekends, David also has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci and a few other places besides, as well as being many years editing the likes of PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook.
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
Logout Read more
ChatGPT now runs apps – and it’s about to go from chatbot to full-on operating system
ChatGPT gets apps: now you can book a trip, build slides, and make Spotify playlists without leaving the chat
OpenAI wants ChatGPT to contribute to your group chats - and I can't decide if that's exciting or creepy
Your chats with Meta AI will start affecting what ads you see on Facebook and Instagram
5 things you need to know about ChatGPT's big voice mode update
ChatGPT enters the group chat globally
Latest in ChatGPT
OpenAI reveals ChatGPT’s most popular features
ChatGPT turns 3 – after coming so far, here's what's next
OpenAI and Google limit free Sora, Nano Banana Pro and Gemini 3 Pro use
Amazon blocks ChatGPT shopping agent – what the fallout could mean for you
ChatGPT vs Gemini vs Perplexity: Which AI is your smartest shopper?
ChatGPT’s new voice integration feels like the missing piece in AI chat
Latest in News
Windows 11 File Explorer fudge works, I just wish it was fixed properly
Brace yourself, ChatGPT fans – your conversations could get ads soon
Some Apple Watch Series 10 users are reportedly getting free replacements
This newly discovered hack may enable Gemini for Home early
The Samsung Galaxy S26 series might come in these six colors – including an iPhone 17 Pro-inspired one
French Football Federation suffers data breach that compromised Club member's data
LATEST ARTICLES- 1Brace yourself, ChatGPT fans – an OpenAI leak suggests ads could come to your conversations very soon
- 2Complaints about Windows 11's fix for File Explorer sluggishness are overblown – but they underline a fundamental problem with the OS
- 3Some Apple Watch Series 10 owners are reportedly getting free replacements due to a paint flaw
- 4Want to skip the line for Gemini for Home access? This simple hack is working for some users
- 5French Football Federation suffers data breach that compromised Club member's data
