ChatGPT Ads: Game Changer or Gimmick? Here’s What Marketers Need to Know

Let’s set the scene. You’re sipping your oat latte, scrolling through another "AI-powered" tool promising the moon. Then boom, ChatGPT is not just generating text now, it's serving ads. Wait, what?

Before you put on your 'digital marketer of the year' hat and start pitching banner ads to robots, let’s take a step back

What Even Is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is an AI chatbot developed by OpenAI, designed to generate human-like responses to user prompts. It can write your emails, summarise your reports, and even argue with you about which Taylor Swift album is best. Since its launch, it’s become the fastest-growing consumer app in history (OpenAI Community, Investors.com).

And now? OpenAI is exploring ways to monetise this traffic goldmine. Enter: ads.

OpenAI Is Rolling Out Ads. Seriously.

In early 2025, OpenAI began testing sponsored links within ChatGPT’s web browsing (Digiday). Essentially, when you ask ChatGPT a question, it might show you promoted content relevant to your query. It’s kind of like Google Ads... but with less clutter and more charm.

The NYT took a slightly saltier view, pointing out this move risks pulling OpenAI into the same data-hungry ad machine that critics say turned Big Tech into, well, the villain of every Netflix documentary (New York Times).

Should You Jump In?

Look, there’s potential. Big potential. Unlike traditional search engines, ChatGPT gives one answer. If your business is that answer? You’re the hero of someone’s story. Imagine a customer asking: "What’s the best reusable protein shaker in Australia?" and BAM, your product appears as the endorsed link. That’s not a Google Ads sidebar. That’s prime-time real estate (eMarketer, ContentGrip).

It’s early days, but this ad format could be a dream for brands who obsess over relevance and intent. The kind of folks who love a clean funnel and a warm lead.

There are also whispers about integrations, think booking systems, product catalogues, or even affiliate links (Search Engine Land). Imagine skipping the click-through entirely. Just ask ChatGPT and boom, booked.

But Hold Your Horses, Cowboy.

With great power comes great... confusion.

For starters, there are some massive unknowns. Targeting options? Still fuzzy. Conversion tracking? Not well defined. Plus, you don’t own the user journey like you do with Meta or Google Ads. And let’s not forget the ethical elephant in the room: will users trust answers laced with paid suggestions? (WebFX, SEO.com).

Also worth noting: ChatGPT ads are not for everyone, yet. The current format might favour larger brands or info-heavy industries. And if your ad copy is cringe or salesy? Forget it. This isn’t the place for "LIMITED TIME OFFER!!!" energy.

A Brave New Ad World?

ChatGPT ads could become a massive opportunity. But right now, it’s a bit like camping in the outback, full of promise, but only fun if you know what you’re doing (and don’t mind a few spiders).

If you're an early adopter with a taste for testing new platforms, it's worth exploring. For everyone else, keep an eye on it while doubling down on the proven stuff.

Whether you want to test ChatGPT placements or just improve your existing ad game, we’ve got your back. At Dadek Digital, we help you make smart moves, not just trendy ones.

Let’s turn data into dollars (and keep the AI hype in check).