StackAdapt is testing ad placements inside ChatGPT, offering CPMs as low as $15 in an early access pilot that targets users based on prompt relevance rather than traditional audience segments. The demand-side platform positions the offering as a "New Mid-funnel Decision Layer" capturing users researching and comparing products within conversations. OpenAI is reportedly targeting $2.5 billion in ad revenue this year.

The pricing model operates as a "proto-auction" where costs fluctuate based on advertiser competition for specific prompts—starting at $15 when only one advertiser matches a query, but jumping to $60 CPM when multiple bidders compete. The pilot carries a $50,000 minimum spend through May, a significant reduction from OpenAI's earlier direct deals that required $200,000 minimums. Advertisers receive minimal targeting options—no audience segments or demographic overlays—relying instead on keyword and topic alignment with user queries. An agency executive noted that $60 CPM far exceeds typical programmatic benchmarks.

StackAdapt's push arrives as ad tech players compete for ChatGPT inventory access, with The Trade Desk also reportedly in negotiations. The platform cites 800 million weekly active users and approximately 2 billion prompts weekly. However, Max Willens from Emarketer noted that even at the $15 floor, ChatGPT's CPMs run over 50% higher than Meta's average. If OpenAI wants to scale toward its $100 billion 2030 revenue target, it must lower rates to attract more advertisers. Right now, the pilot remains an innovation test rather than a performance channel.