--- title: "OpenAI tests Sponsored Agents as a new ChatGPT ad format" url: https://seomadman.com/news/chatgpt-sponsored-agents-ads-test section: news published: 2026-09-18T00:00:00.000Z modified: 2026-09-18T00:00:00.000Z author: Adam Hafez topics: ["AI search"] --- # OpenAI tests Sponsored Agents as a new ChatGPT ad format ## The short answer OpenAI is testing a ChatGPT ad format called Sponsored Agents, reported on September 16, 2026. After clicking an ad, some users may start a clearly labeled conversation with a business-sponsored agent before following a link to the advertiser's website. The test is limited to select advertisers in the United States. ## Key takeaways - OpenAI is testing Sponsored Agents, an ad format that lets users start a conversation with a business-sponsored agent after clicking an ad in ChatGPT. - The test runs with select advertisers in the United States, and only some users see the option after a relevant ad. - Users can explain what matters to them, ask follow-up questions and follow a link to the business's website when ready. - OpenAI says the Sponsored Agent conversation is labeled and distinct from ChatGPT's independent answers. - OpenAI also announced other ChatGPT Ads changes, including flexible attribution windows, Shopify and HubSpot integrations and Event Quality Score. OpenAI is testing a new ad format in ChatGPT called Sponsored Agents, according to a September 16, 2026 report from Search Engine Roundtable. The format turns the click on an ad into the start of a conversation with an agent that speaks for the advertiser. ## How Sponsored Agents work OpenAI describes Sponsored Agents as letting people "start a conversation with a business-sponsored agent after clicking an ad in ChatGPT." The option appears for some users after they see a relevant ad. If they take it, they enter a clearly labeled conversation instead of going straight to a landing page. Inside that conversation, OpenAI says the user can explain what matters to them, ask follow-up questions and follow a link to the business's website when they are ready to take the next step. OpenAI also states that the conversation with a Sponsored Agent is distinct from ChatGPT's independent answers. ## Test status Sponsored Agents are being tested with select advertisers in the United States. Nothing in the report describes a wider rollout, pricing, or how advertisers configure an agent, so none of that should be assumed. ## Other ChatGPT Ads changes announced The same report lists several other ChatGPT Ads updates from OpenAI: conversion optimization with impression billing, flexible attribution windows of 7, 14 or 30 days, more granular platform targeting, Shopify and HubSpot integrations, AI-assisted ad creation, text customization, and availability of Event Quality Score. ## Why we care The ad is no longer the last step before the site: for tested advertisers, a conversation sits in between. That is worth watching for anyone measuring ChatGPT traffic, because the visit that reaches a website may follow several exchanges with an advertiser's agent. The labeling and the separation from ChatGPT's own answers are the parts OpenAI stresses, and they are the ones to check as the test develops. ## Frequently asked questions ### What are Sponsored Agents in ChatGPT? A new ad format OpenAI is testing. After clicking an ad in ChatGPT, a user may be able to start a clearly labeled conversation with a business-sponsored agent, ask questions and follow a link to the business's website. ### Who can see Sponsored Agents? Only a test group for now. OpenAI is testing the format with select advertisers in the United States, and some ChatGPT users will see the option after a relevant ad. ### Are Sponsored Agent answers the same as ChatGPT answers? No. OpenAI states that the conversation with a Sponsored Agent is distinct from ChatGPT's independent answers, and the conversation is labeled as sponsored. ## Sources 1. [OpenAI Testing Sponsored Agents For ChatGPT Ads](https://www.seroundtable.com/openai-chatgpt-sponsored-agents-42104.html) - Search Engine Roundtable (primary)