OpenAI is expanding its advertising program to India, targeting users on its free and lower-priced subscription tiers.
Key facts
- •OpenAI recorded $6.7 billion in revenue for the second quarter ending June 2026.
- •The company has partnered with WPP and Omnicom to manage initial ad campaigns for 50 brands.
- •The new ad manager platform requires a daily minimum budget of ₹725 ($7.60) per campaign.
- •OpenAI previously reported 100 million weekly active users in India as of February.
- •The company is reportedly aiming for 220 million paying subscribers by 2030.
OpenAI announced on Thursday that it will begin displaying advertisements on its ChatGPT Free and Go subscription tiers in India. This expansion follows a recent update to the company's terms of service, which signaled the intent to integrate ads into the AI assistant experience.
By the numbers
Ad Strategy and Partnerships
The company plans to launch with advertisements from 50 brands, supported by partnerships with agencies WPP and Omnicom. Additionally, OpenAI will release an ad manager next month, allowing marketers to create campaigns with a daily minimum budget of ₹725, or approximately $7.60.
Market Context and Expansion
OpenAI reports over 100 million weekly active users in India, many of whom utilize the free or Go tiers. The company has previously invested in local growth by launching a sub-$5 plan for ChatGPT Go in August 2025 and advertising during major cricket tournaments like the IPL and WPL. This move follows the rollout of ads to users in the United States in February and in Europe earlier this month.
Timeline
- August 2025OpenAI launched a sub-$5 plan for ChatGPT Go in India.
- February 2026OpenAI began showing ads to users in the U.S.
- June 2026OpenAI recorded $6.7 billion in revenue for the second quarter.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by TechCrunch.
