ChatGPT Ads Are Now in 89 Countries: What Agencies Need to Know
ChatGPT ads now run in 89 countries, and more than 100,000 advertisers have tried them. Here's how they work, what they cost and what agencies should do next.
Alex Morgan · October 28, 2026 · 2 min read
ChatGPT is now an ad channel. On October 21, 2026, OpenAI added 26 more countries to ChatGPT Ads, bringing the total to 89. OpenAI says more than 100,000 advertisers have run campaigns since ads launched.
If your clients' customers ask ChatGPT for recommendations, this matters. Here's what you need to know.
How we got here
- February 2026: OpenAI started an ad pilot in the US.
- May 2026: The self-serve Ads Manager opened to all US businesses, with cost-per-click bidding added.
- August to September 2026: Ads went live in Mexico, Brazil, Europe, India, Southeast Asia and Taiwan.
- October 2026: 26 more countries joined, for 89 in total.
How ChatGPT ads work
- Who sees them: Only people on the Free and Go plans. Plus, Pro and Enterprise users don't see ads.
- Where they appear: Ads are labeled and kept separate from ChatGPT's answers. OpenAI says ads don't change what ChatGPT says.
- How they're matched: Ads match the topic of the conversation, not exact keywords. Advertisers describe the topics they want to show up for.
- How to buy: Through Ads Manager (self-serve) or through technology partners.
- What it costs: The US pilot started at a $60 CPM, meaning $60 per 1,000 views. Cost-per-click bidding is now also available in the US.
- Privacy: OpenAI says it keeps conversations private from advertisers and doesn't sell user data. Its policy also keeps ads away from users under 18 and from sensitive topics like health and politics.
What this means for agencies
- It's a new channel to test, not a replacement. Google and Meta still carry most budgets. Start with a small test for one client whose buyers already research in ChatGPT.
- Think in topics, not keywords. Write ad copy that fits the questions people actually ask, like "best CRM for a small sales team," not a single keyword.
- Organic still matters. Ads sit next to answers, not inside them. Showing up in the answer itself still depends on your clients' content, reviews and reputation. That's what GEO and AEO are about.
- Watch the sensitive-topic rules. Health and other sensitive categories are restricted, so check the policy before pitching ChatGPT ads to those clients.
- Measure carefully. It's a young platform. Track leads and sales, not just clicks, before you move real budget.
How CORÉAL helps
New channels need new creative fast. CORÉAL produces ad copy, creative and landing pages for tests like this, delivered under your agency's brand, so you can offer clients the newest channels without hiring. See our agency partner program.
Sources: PPC Land, AdTech Today
Want to offer your clients the newest channels? Apply to partner with CORÉAL.
