An OpenAI job listing described ambitions to build an ad network. Then the company deleted the references. (www.businessinsider.com)

A recent job listing from OpenAI revealed the company's ambitions to expand beyond its current advertising model, which primarily serves ads to ChatGPT users. The posting sought a "support delivery lead" for a potential ad network targeting publishers, marking a significant shift in OpenAI's advertising strategy. Although references to publishers were later removed from the listing, the initial details suggested that OpenAI is considering establishing a framework for publishers to sell their own ad space, potentially enhancing revenue opportunities and alleviating pressure from advertisers dissatisfied with current inventory limitations. This prospective ad network could enable OpenAI to tap into a broader market by monetizing traffic on external publisher websites and apps, akin to established networks like Facebook's or Google's. Enhancing its ad offerings could also help OpenAI navigate its strained relationships with media companies, many of which have recently sued the organization for copyright infringement while not receiving a share of the existing ad revenue. As OpenAI prepares for a public offering and strives to justify its high valuation, launching an ad network may provide a lucrative avenue to scale its revenue streams, with forecasts of $2.5 billion in ad revenue by 2026 and expectations of reaching $100 billion by 2030.