OPENAI LAUNCHES PAY-PER-CLICK ADS FOR CHATGPT
AI DESK■ 2 MIN READ
THU, APR 16, 2026OpenAI is rolling out a cost-per-click pricing model for ChatGPT advertisers in the coming days, expanding its ad monetization options beyond existing models.
OpenAI has notified select advertisers of the new pricing structure, which charges based on actual clicks rather than impressions. The cost-per-click model will run alongside the company's current advertising offerings.
The move represents another step in OpenAI's efforts to build a sustainable advertising business around ChatGPT. By introducing flexible pricing options, the company aims to attract advertisers with different budget structures and campaign goals.
Cost-per-click pricing is common across digital advertising platforms like Google and Meta, where advertisers pay only when users interact with their ads. This model appeals to performance-focused marketers seeking direct accountability for spending.
OpenAI has been gradually expanding its advertising capabilities. The company launched ChatGPT ads last year, initially with impression-based pricing. The addition of cost-per-click options signals the company's commitment to meeting diverse advertiser needs.
The timeline for the rollout remains tight, with OpenAI indicating the feature will launch within days. The company has not disclosed specific pricing per click or details about advertiser eligibility.
This development comes as OpenAI pursues multiple revenue streams beyond API access and ChatGPT subscriptions. Advertising represents a significant opportunity to monetize the platform's massive user base.
Competitors like Google have long demonstrated the profitability of ad networks. OpenAI's expansion of ad products positions it to capture a portion of the digital advertising market, though it remains smaller than established players.
The cost-per-click model also gives advertisers more predictable spending patterns. Rather than paying for views that may not convert, advertisers only pay when users take action.
■ MORE FROM THE BIG TECH DESK
Apple is reportedly redesigning the iPhone interface around a redesigned Siri. The overhaul marks a significant shift in how the voice assistant integrates with iOS.
YESTERDAY— Industry Desk
Tencent is shifting strategy toward smaller AI models to compete with Chinese rivals. Executive Vice President Dowson Tong revealed that AI now accounts for over 20% of the company's revenue and generates 95%+ of new internal code.
YESTERDAY— AI Desk
Dell reported Q1 revenue of $43.84B, up 88% year-over-year and significantly above the $35.43B analyst estimate. The company also issued FY 2027 guidance above expectations, sending shares up 15% in after-hours trading.
YESTERDAY— Industry Desk
Anthropic, the company behind Claude, has raised $65 billion in funding to reach a $965 billion valuation, surpassing OpenAI as the most valuable AI startup. The massive funding round reflects continued investor appetite for artificial intelligence companies.
YESTERDAY— AI Desk