OpenAI says ChatGPT ads hit a $1 billion annual revenue run rate

OpenAI's advertising business has crossed a milestone: a $1 billion annualized revenue run rate, as the company expands ChatGPT ads into more international markets.

A rapid ramp-up

In April, OpenAI said its initial US advertising operation had already exceeded a $100 million annualized rate within six weeks of launch. The acceleration has been dramatic, with advertising joining subscriptions and business services as a growing revenue stream.

Europe and the Middle East now covered

Since August 31, advertisers in India, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa can buy ChatGPT ads directly through OpenAI's Ads Manager, which had already launched in the US. Ads are shown to users of the free tier and the Go subscription plan.

Taking on Google and Meta

The push puts OpenAI into more direct competition with Google and Meta, which have built enormous businesses around digital advertising. Reuters has separately reported that OpenAI confidentially filed for a US IPO earlier in 2026.

Sources

• The Daily Star / Reuters — OpenAI says ChatGPT ads reach $1bn annualised revenue run rate