Some developers have discovered multiple sets of new ad-related strings in the Android beta version of ChatGPT, including "ads feature", "search ad", "search ads carousel", etc., sparking speculation that OpenAI is about to test the ad function for ChatGPT. Currently, these fields are only appearing in test builds, and the official version for general users has not yet actually shown ads.
From the perspective of code naming, early testing is thought to be likely to focus primarily on search or class search scenarios, such as including sponsored bits or referral cards in results. However, there is no official confirmation on whether the ads will be limited to search results or whether they will use the same or shared infrastructure as Bing Ads, and the relevant claims are more speculative at the level of technical and business logic.
The industry generally believes that with huge computing power costs and infrastructure investment, OpenAI needs to explore new commercialization paths beyond subscriptions. Advertising is seen as one of the potential options, but how to strike a balance between revenue and user trust, and how to clearly identify advertising content, are still key issues facing ChatGPT product design.
FAQs
Q: Is it now certain that ChatGPT will be advertised soon?
A: At present, it can only be stated that advertising-related fields appear in the beta code, indicating that the function is in preparation, but the specific launch time, scope and form have not yet been officially announced.
Q: Do ads only appear in search results?
A: The appearance of words such as "search ad" in the code has led to speculation that it will start with the search or class search experience, but it is uncertain whether it will be extended to other interfaces in the future.
Q: Will these ads be served through Bing's advertising system?
A: There is speculation about this possibility, but there is no public evidence to confirm whether the two parties share the same advertising infrastructure.
Q: What was OpenAI's previous attitude towards advertising?
A: The company's management has stated that it will explore business models such as advertising, while emphasizing that it will pay attention not to undermining users' trust in the quality and neutrality of answers.
Q: Do ordinary users need to worry about the chat interface being full of ads in the short term?
A: Judging from the current signs, advertising is still in the planning and testing stage, and even if it is launched in the future, it is expected that there will be clear distinction and identification rules.
