ChatGPT ads expand into 26 more countries, bringing the total to 89

what happened

OpenAI is rolling out ads inside ChatGPT in 26 further nations, bringing the number of countries covered to 89, GuruFocus reports. The company is building out its advertising arm as it weighs a possible initial public offering. In August it said the ad business had hit an annualized revenue run rate of $1 billion.

The new group includes 14 Latin American countries such as Argentina, Chile, Colombia and Peru, added after Mexico and Brazil. Markets in Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia also come in, among them Nigeria, South Africa, Ukraine and Pakistan. Since the US test began earlier this year, more than 100,000 advertisers have run campaigns. Ads appear only for users on the Free and Go tiers, while Plus, Pro and Enterprise stay ad-free.

Brands in the new regions can buy through technology partners or work directly via self-service access in Ads Manager. In September OpenAI unveiled AI-driven tools for marketers and started trialing sponsored agents with selected US advertisers. Microsoft held roughly 27% of OpenAI after the recapitalization in October 2025.

why it matters

The move signals that OpenAI is looking for revenue beyond subscriptions, and investors are watching how it monetizes AI services ahead of any listing. A broad advertising footprint would be a meaningful test of that model, and Microsoft's stake ties its shareholders to the outcome.

market impact

Microsoft: its roughly 27% OpenAI stake links results to ChatGPT ad monetization and IPO expectations

tags

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