OpenAI Revenue Explodes to $20 Billion as ChatGPT Prepares for Ads

TLDR

• OpenAI announced annualized revenue of $20 billion in 2025, a threefold increase from $6 billion in 2024
• Computing infrastructure expanded from 0.6 gigawatts to 1.9 gigawatts between 2024 and 2025
• The company will prioritize “practical adoption” in 2026, focusing on healthcare, science, and enterprise
• ChatGPT will begin displaying ads to select U.S. users to fund AI development costs
• OpenAI expects to launch its first physical device in late 2026

OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar revealed Sunday that the company’s annualized revenue has surpassed $20 billion in 2025. The figure represents more than triple the $6 billion reported in 2024.

The AI company’s financial growth aligns with its computing infrastructure expansion. Computing capacity increased from 0.6 gigawatts in 2024 to 1.9 gigawatts in 2025.

Friar noted that both daily and weekly active users continue reaching record levels. The Microsoft-backed company did not disclose exact user counts.

OpenAI’s revenue trajectory shows rapid acceleration over recent years. The company generated $2 billion in 2023 before jumping to $6 billion in 2024.

Computing power grew during the same timeframe. Infrastructure expanded from 0.2 gigawatts in 2023 to its current 1.9 gigawatts.

The CFO stated that additional computing resources would have enabled faster customer adoption. She emphasized the direct link between infrastructure availability and revenue growth.

Practical Applications Take Priority in 2026

OpenAI will shift its focus to “practical adoption” throughout 2026. The strategy aims to bridge the gap between AI capabilities and everyday usage.

Healthcare, science, and enterprise sectors represent key target areas. Friar explained these industries can translate better intelligence into improved outcomes.

The company plans to introduce advertising on ChatGPT for some U.S. users. This revenue stream will help offset the substantial costs of AI technology development.

Policy chief Chris Lehane confirmed OpenAI remains on schedule to release its first hardware device. The launch window is set for the second half of 2026.

Partnership Strategy and Future Development

OpenAI now partners with multiple computing providers after previously relying on one. The company has diversified its infrastructure relationships over the past three years.

Friar described the company’s approach as maintaining a “light” balance sheet through partnerships. OpenAI avoids owning infrastructure and keeps contracts flexible across different providers.

The company reached an agreement with Nvidia in September. The chipmaker pledged $100 billion to help OpenAI deploy at least 10 gigawatts of systems.

Nvidia later informed investors in November that the agreement had not advanced to a formal contract. The arrangement remains at the announcement phase.

Friar outlined OpenAI’s next development phase as centering on agents and workflow automation. These tools will operate continuously, maintain context, and execute actions across multiple platforms.

The platform currently covers text, images, voice, code, and APIs. Future applications will extend into scientific research, drug discovery, energy systems, and financial modeling.

OpenAI is preparing for a possible initial public offering this year. Friar emphasized that monetization methods should feel natural to the user experience.

The post OpenAI Revenue Explodes to $20 Billion as ChatGPT Prepares for Ads appeared first on Blockonomi.