March 2, 2026 — OpenAI partnered with Criteo to launch its ChatGPT advertising pilot for programmatic ad placements, granting approximately 17,000 advertisers access to the Free and Go tiers in the United States.
The collaboration, announced by Criteo, enables commerce-focused ads in conversational AI interfaces as part of OpenAI’s ongoing ad testing that began on February 9. Ads target logged-in adult users, are labeled as sponsored, and remain separate from ChatGPT responses, which are unaffected by advertising.
Partnership Details
Criteo, the first ad tech partner, integrates its platform to lower entry barriers beyond OpenAI’s direct sales model. The rollout starts in coming weeks for U.S. Free and Go users.
“This integration with OpenAI represents an exciting step forward in advancing advertising in an emerging AI experience,” said Michael Komasinski, Criteo CEO. “Through this pilot, we are helping shape how advertising can support discovery and consideration within Large Language Model (LLM) platforms, grounded in experiences that are additive, relevant, and built on user trust.”
Criteo data shows referrals from LLM platforms like ChatGPT convert at 1.5 times the rate of other channels.
Pricing and Access
ALM Corp reported OpenAI’s pricing at about $60 CPM—three times Meta’s standard—with a $200,000 minimum commitment for direct access. Criteo’s programmatic buying opens it to its network of 17,000 advertisers.
ChatGPT Ads Go Live: OpenAI Enters Programmatic Advertising. On March 2, 2026, OpenAI launched its ChatGPT advertising pilot, partnering with Criteo to allow 17,000 advertisers access to ad placements in ChatGPT’s Free and Go tiers (US-only initially). Priced at $60 CPM with a $200,000 minimum commitment, this marks a major shift in AI-driven, high-intent digital marketing.
Background on Testing
OpenAI started ad tests on February 9 for U.S. logged-in adults on Free and Go tiers, excluding sensitive topics. Users can dismiss ads, provide feedback, and manage personalization. No ads appear in higher tiers like Plus or Enterprise.
“Ads do not influence the answers ChatGPT gives you,” OpenAI stated. “ChatGPT’s answers remain independent and unbiased, conversations stay private.”
Industry Coverage
Adweek noted advertisers can soon buy ChatGPT ads programmatically via Criteo. Digiday highlighted commerce data integration.
X buzz includes IAB Europe sharing the news and Affiverse on higher conversions.
ChatGPT Ads Go Live: OpenAI Enters Programmatic Advertising blends tech innovation with digital marketing, per industry analysis.