OpenAI is preparing to introduce advertising inside ChatGPT. A recent job posting shows the company is putting together a team to design the systems needed for an in-house marketing platform.
Building a New Team
The role being advertised is for a Growth Paid Marketing Platform Engineer. The job involves creating campaign management tools, linking with existing ad platforms, and building services that can track results in real time. The posting also mentions setting up frameworks to test and improve campaigns. These tasks are part of a new “ChatGPT Growth” team that will focus on technical foundations for paid marketing.
Few companies outside of the largest tech firms build their own ad-buying systems. Most depend on agencies or external platforms to handle automation and measurement. By developing its own tools, OpenAI would gain more control over its spending and cut reliance on third parties.
Why It Matters
The timing suggests OpenAI is serious about monetizing its chatbot beyond subscriptions. ChatGPT has grown quickly, reaching around 700 million weekly active users in August, four times higher than last year. Turning that scale into an advertising business could provide a large new stream of income.
The company has already taken steps in that direction. Earlier this year it named Omnicom Media Group’s PHD as its global media agency of record and ran its first Super Bowl advertisement. Executives with advertising backgrounds have also joined, including Fidji Simo, who is now leading application efforts after building the ad business at Instacart.
Possible Outcomes
If the new systems work as planned, OpenAI could eventually extend them beyond internal use. ChatGPT might one day allow brands to set goals directly in the chatbot while the platform handles placement, execution, and reporting. Industry analysts believe this would put the company closer to the model used by firms such as Google or Meta.
Looking Ahead
Reports suggest that OpenAI intends to roll out advertising for free users by 2026. Starting now with internal tools gives it time to test and refine how ads will work in the product. With a fast-growing audience, new leadership, and structural changes toward revenue generation, the advertising push is becoming a central part of OpenAI’s plans.
Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools. Image: DIW-Aigen.
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