March 2, 2026 — OpenAI partnered with Criteo as the first major ad-tech platform for its ChatGPT ads pilot, enabling around 17,000 advertisers programmatic access at a $60 CPM rate with a $200,000 minimum spend. The ads target ChatGPT’s Free and Go tiers in the US, offering basic impression and click reporting.
This integration, announced in Criteo’s press release, marks OpenAI Launches Programmatic ChatGPT Ads via Criteo Integration, expanding digital marketing into conversational AI and challenging the Google-Meta ad duopoly with high-intent placements.
Partnership Details
Criteo, serving its global base of ~17,000 advertisers with over $4 billion in media spend, provides easier access compared to OpenAI’s direct pilot requiring a $200,000 minimum, as reported by Adweek. Agencies like Dentsu, Omnicom, and WPP are involved. Ad Age notes Criteo lowers barriers to $50,000–$100,000 minimums, with rollout imminent and commerce-focused ads emphasizing 1.5x higher conversion rates from ChatGPT referrals versus other channels.
Criteo is the first ad-tech platform to integrate with OpenAI’s ChatGPT advertising pilot, targeting Free and Go tiers in the US.
Ads are contextually matched, clearly labeled “sponsored,” and do not influence ChatGPT responses, per OpenAI’s pilot page, launched February 9, 2026.
Industry Context and Coverage
The move positions Criteo in AI-driven commerce media, as covered by MediaPost, Digiday, and AdExchanger. MarTech Series and Portada highlight the shift to programmatic buying in LLMs.
OpenAI Launches Programmatic ChatGPT Ads via Criteo Integration opens opportunities for performance-driven buys, though agencies seek improved volume, reporting, and self-serve options, according to Ad Age. Speculation includes future partners like The Trade Desk, per eMarketer.
Limited X discussions reference the partnership, including Portada links and Shopify implications (X post).
This development synthesizes OpenAI’s February pilot with Criteo’s March 2 milestone, as detailed in the ALM Corp blog, reinforcing OpenAI Launches Programmatic ChatGPT Ads via Criteo Integration as a key expansion for marketers worldwide.