March 2, 2026 — United States OpenAI rolled out advertising in ChatGPT through a programmatic partnership with Criteo, pricing ads at approximately $60 CPM with a $200,000 minimum commitment for beta access. The ChatGPT Advertising Goes Live at $60 CPM, Google AI Mode Reaches 75M Users milestone marks a major shift in AI-driven platforms, initially targeting Free and Go subscription tiers in the U.S.
Approximately 17,000 advertisers gained access via programmatic channels, shifting from OpenAI’s prior direct-sales model. Reporting focuses on impressions and clicks, with early data indicating higher conversion rates from large language model platforms compared to traditional sources.
Google AI Mode Expansion
Concurrently, Google’s AI Mode, an enhanced search interface, reached more than 75 million daily active users globally. On March 4, the Canvas workspace expanded to all U.S. users without requiring Google Labs opt-in, enabling document creation, code writing, and project building. A new checkout feature powered by UCP allows purchases within the conversational experience, streamlining e-commerce.
The ChatGPT Advertising Goes Live at $60 CPM, Google AI Mode Reaches 75M Users development also includes AI Mode’s expansion to 53 new languages, positioning it as a multi-task destination with implications for global optimization strategies.
Pricing and Beta Details
OpenAI confirmed the beta as “small and tightly controlled” to assess ad value, with ads targeting retail, streaming, and connectivity brands. Pricing at $60 CPM—comparable to NFL broadcasts and Netflix tiers—requires upfront commitments, as detailed in pre-launch analysis questioning value in an “intent economy.”
“The fundamental difference is that ChatGPT advertising operates in a post-intent environment… With search, you’re bidding on keywords to intercept intent as users express it. With conversational AI, intent has already been identified through dialogue.” — Caroline Giegerich, VP of AI at IAB
The pilot, running through March, tracks basic metrics with plans for expansion.
Industry Reactions
Marketing expert Steve Merrill warned e-commerce sellers on March 15 about the shift from organic product recommendations to paid visibility in ChatGPT:
“Ads are coming to ChatGPT. This matters more than most Shopify store owners realize… The window where clean product data = free visibility is right now.”
The ChatGPT Advertising Goes Live at $60 CPM, Google AI Mode Reaches 75M Users news highlights fragmentation in digital ads, adding high-intent surfaces alongside Google and Meta. Early adopters benefit from learning advantages, per ALM Corp analysis. For broader AI ad trends, see SEO SpyGlass.
Pre-launch coverage from AdWeek and MarTech provides context on the high-stakes entry into advertising.