OpenAI is pushing the monetization of its AI chatbot further, introducing a new format called “Sponsored Agents.” Through this feature, users will be able to interact directly with business agents within the application to learn more about products. Among the first advertisers participating in a US-based test are prominent companies such as Best Buy, Lowe’s, Newegg, and VistaPrint.
How Sponsored Agents Work
The ad format takes effect whenever users tap or click on an advertisement inside ChatGPT. This opens a dedicated conversation with the advertiser’s sponsored agent. Within this separate chat window, users can ask product-specific questions and follow links directly to the vendor’s website.
Crucially for users: OpenAI strictly separates these advertising interactions both technically and visually from the actual chat history and standard model responses. Furthermore, conversations with these business agents are explicitly labeled as sponsored.
E-Commerce Push With Shopify and HubSpot
Behind the scenes, the company is noticeably professionalizing its advertising platform by integrating key third-party services. Shopify serves as the core partner in the e-commerce sector. Its free app for merchant integration launched in the US on September 3, 2026, and is scheduled for an international rollout on September 23, 2026, across all markets where ChatGPT ads are available.
HubSpot was integrated as a customer relationship management (CRM) partner, already counting over 400 installations. Billing options include cost-per-mille (CPM), cost-per-click (CPC), and optimized cost-per-click (oCPC) automated bidding.
Billion-Dollar Run Rate Through ChatGPT Ads
The monetization strategy is delivering financial results: According to company figures, the “ChatGPT Ads” division achieved an annualized revenue run rate of one billion US dollars by August 31, 2026—in under 200 days. Tens of thousands of advertisers across more than 40 countries are already using the platform. To attract new clients, OpenAI is offering ad credits: Businesses that spend $500 on their own ads receive an additional $500 bonus.
Inside the ad manager, advertisers gain tools to create ad campaigns using natural language prompts, complete with automated translations. Audience targeting can be configured separately for desktop users as well as native apps and web applications across Android and iOS.
What Does This Mean for Users?
With the international launch of the Shopify app slated for September 23, 2026, integration will expand to all markets where ChatGPT ads are active. Moving forward, users should pay close attention to chat window labels when making product queries: If a separate, sponsored-labeled agent opens, the interaction is being handled directly by the respective vendor.
Sources: Borncity.com
