# OpenAI adds Sponsored Agents, HubSpot, Shopify to ChatGPT Ads, hitting $1 billion run rate

Digest AI · Business & Funding · published 2026-09-16T06:00:00Z · updated 2026-09-18T19:11:00Z

Canonical: https://digestai.news/story/angi-tests-chatgpt-sponsored-agents

## Summary

OpenAI announced a suite of AI‑powered advertising features for ChatGPT. Sponsored Agents let users who click an ad start a clearly labeled conversation with a business‑sponsored AI, separate from the main chat. The Ads Manager plugin now supports natural‑language prompts to create, update and analyse campaigns, generates copy and images, and offers optional text‑customisation that adapts headlines and translates copy. HubSpot becomes the first CRM partner and Shopify the first e‑commerce partner; the Shopify app will roll out internationally from September 23. OpenAI says the ad business reached a $1 billion annualized revenue run rate roughly 200 days after launch and is active in more than 40 countries.

Only Yahoo reports additional details about a HubSpot AI Growth Bundle that provides up to 65% off, a buy‑one‑get‑one‑free offer on ChatGPT Business seats, and a $750 match on ChatGPT Ads spend for new accounts. Yahoo also notes an Amazon partnership that will allow brands to place ads inside ChatGPT for a limited U.S. rollout.

## Key points

- OpenAI is testing Sponsored Agents in ChatGPT ads with select US advertisers, allowing labeled AI conversations separate from the main chat.
- Ads Manager plugin now supports natural‑language campaign creation, AI‑generated copy and images, and optional text‑customization that adapts headlines and translates copy.
- HubSpot and Shopify are CRM/e‑commerce partners; Shopify app goes Sep 23, and Yahoo reports HubSpot Growth Bundle offers to 65% off and $750 spend match.

## Why it matters

The launch turns ChatGPT into a commercial ad platform, giving advertisers AI tools to streamline campaign creation and linking with existing business software, while unlocking a fast‑growing revenue stream for OpenAI.

## Sources

1. [Reimagining advertising with AI](https://openai.com/index/reimagining-advertising-with-ai) (OpenAI, 2026-09-10, primary source)
2. [Dropbox Joins ChatGPT to Streamline Small Business Workflows](https://smallbiztrends.com/dropbox-joins-chatgpt-to-streamline-small-business-workflows) (Small Business Trends, 2026-09-18)
3. [OpenAI tests sponsored AI agents inside ChatGPT ads](https://finance.yahoo.com/media-advertising/articles/openai-tests-sponsored-ai-agents-171233648.html) (finance.yahoo.com, 2026-09-17)
4. [OpenAI expands ChatGPT Ads with sponsored agents and AI tools](https://afaqs.com/news/digital/openai-expands-chatgpt-ads-with-sponsored-agents-and-ai-tools-12544823) (afaqs.com, 2026-09-17)
5. [OpenAI expands ChatGPT monetization with Sponsored AI Agents and CRM integrations](https://adgully.com/post/20680/openai-expands-chatgpt-monetization-with-sponsored-ai-agents-and-crm-integrations) (adgully.com, 2026-09-16)
6. [OpenAI Tests Sponsored AI Agents in ChatGPT Ads](https://pymnts.com/news/artificial-intelligence/2026/openai-tests-sponsored-ai-agents-in-chatgpt-ads) (pymnts.com, 2026-09-16)
7. [OpenAI tests advertiser-sponsored agents, expands AI tools for ChatGPT ads](https://channelnewsasia.com/business/openai-tests-advertiser-sponsored-agents-expands-ai-tools-chatgpt-ads-6389506) (channelnewsasia.com, 2026-09-16)
8. [OpenAI Tests Sponsored Agents and Rolls Out AI Tools for ChatGPT Ads](https://unite.ai/openai-tests-sponsored-agents-and-rolls-out-ai-tools-for-chatgpt-ads) (unite.ai, 2026-09-16)
9. [Angi Among First Brands to Pilot Sponsored Agents in ChatGPT](https://finance.yahoo.com/media-advertising/articles/angi-among-first-brands-pilot-130000493.html) (finance.yahoo.com, 2026-09-16)

Part of the developing story: [OpenAI and HubSpot Build AI Commerce Ecosystem](https://digestai.news/thread/angi-tests-chatgpt-sponsored-agents) (9 stories)

## Cite

Digest AI, "OpenAI adds Sponsored Agents, HubSpot, Shopify to ChatGPT Ads, hitting $1 billion run rate", 16 September 2026, https://digestai.news/story/angi-tests-chatgpt-sponsored-agents

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