Archive · 5 Dec 2025
OpenAI Faces Backlash Over ChatGPT Ads
OpenAI, the company behind the popular chatbot ChatGPT, is in trouble because users are upset about seeing ads.
These ads are showing up even for people who pay $200 a month for a special version of ChatGPT.
Users are complaining on social media, saying the ads are annoying and not relevant to what they're talking about.
OpenAI says they're looking into the problem.
Some people first noticed the ads being tested in a special version of the app.
OpenAI's boss once said ads would be a last resort, but now they're appearing.
Users are threatening to leave if the ads don't stop.
OpenAI is facing user backlash for introducing ads in ChatGPT, including paid Pro accounts.
Users on social media, particularly X (formerly Twitter), are expressing frustration, with some threatening to cancel their subscriptions.
OpenAI's Chief Research Officer and data lead have acknowledged the issue, with the latter explaining the ads are from 'pilot partners' and meant to be relevant.
Users argue that the ads are intrusive and unrelated to their conversations, regardless of OpenAI's labeling.
The backlash follows a leak in late November 2025 revealing ad features in a beta version of the ChatGPT Android app.
- Who
- OpenAI and its ChatGPT users
- What
- Backlash over unexpected ads in ChatGPT, including Pro accounts
- When
- December 2025 (with ad features first noticed in late November 2025)
- Where
- Globally, via ChatGPT platform and social media
- Why
- Users feel ads are intrusive and unrelated to their queries, especially in paid subscriptions
- Company
- OpenAI
- Product
- ChatGPT
- Subscription Tier Affected
- Pro ($200/month)
- Advertiser Example
- Target
- User Complaints Platform
- X (formerly Twitter)
- OpenAI's Response
- Investigating the matter
- Ad Feature First Noticed
- November 29, 2025 (by Tibor Blaho)
- ChatGPT Launch Date
- November 2022