ChatGPT's new ad format fills the image generation loading screen with product carousels
OpenAI plans to test a new visual ad format during image generation in ChatGPT in the United States. The company says ads will be clearly labeled, kept separate from the generated image, and will not
OpenAI is testing a new visual advertising format in ChatGPT during the image creation process. The key difference is that ads are not mixed into the conversation response; instead, a separate area is placed on the screen shown while image generation is in progress. The company explained that ads are displayed separately from the image being generated and do not affect ChatGPT's responses.
What is changing
Existing ChatGPT ads have primarily used a format that places sponsored content below the response. The new format focuses on showing products and services as images tailored to the image-generation workflow. OpenAI cited uses such as visually presenting how a product is used, inspiration that can be gained from a product, and the service experience.
How ads are displayed and distinguished for users
Ads are distinguished from generated results through clear labeling. This is intended to reduce the possibility that ads will appear to be part of the image result or create the misunderstanding that an advertiser is changing the response. OpenAI's advertising policy emphasizes the independence of responses and the privacy of conversations as principles, and states that advertisers cannot view individual conversations.
Scope of the test
The test is scheduled to begin later this month in the United States with an initial group of advertisers. Therefore, this is a limited test, not a launch that will immediately apply to all regions and all accounts. The next question will be what balance the approach of showing ads during image generation strikes between the actual user experience and ad relevance.