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Advertising in AI in 2026: ChatGPT, Google AI Mode, Gemini, Perplexity

The Perroly team·September 23, 2026·7 min read

In 2026, two players dominate AI advertising: OpenAI with ChatGPT Ads, and Google with ads in AI Mode. Perplexity, a pioneer of ads in AI answers, has paused its ad business. Here’s what actually exists, where, and how to choose.

Key takeaways

ChatGPT Ads: launched February 2026, self-serve, 52 countries. Ads below the answer.
Google AI Mode: over a billion monthly users; new Gemini-generated formats inside the answer, fed by your Search and Performance Max campaigns.
Gemini app: Google told advertisers ads are coming in 2026.
Perplexity: tested sponsored questions from late 2024, then stopped taking new advertisers.
Paying isn’t enough: being cited for free in answers (GEO) remains the most durable lever.

The landscape

Advertising in AI assistants (September 2026)

StatusPlacementAccess

ChatGPT AdsOpen, 52 countriesBelow the answerSelf-serve (ads.openai.com)

Google AI ModeOpen, expandingInside the answerVia Search and Performance Max

Gemini appAnnounced for 2026TBDNot open

PerplexityPausedSponsored follow-up questionsClosed to new advertisers

ChatGPT Ads: the most mature

Launched February 9, 2026 in the US, ChatGPT Ads is self-serve in 52 countries, including 31 European markets since late August. Ads appear below the answer, targeted by conversation context. Full details in our ChatGPT Ads guide and early benchmarks.

Google AI Mode: the ad becomes part of the answer

At Marketing Live 2026, Google introduced four AI Mode formats: conversational ads that answer the user’s question directly with Gemini-generated copy, highlighted answers inside recommendation lists, enriched Shopping ads for considered purchases, and a conversational agent that replaces the contact form.

The big difference from ChatGPT: no new campaign to build. These placements draw on your existing Search and Performance Max campaigns. The flip side: you control the copy less, since it’s generated on the fly.

Perplexity: a story of retreat

Perplexity was first to test ads in AI answers, with sponsored follow-up questions launched in November 2024 (Indeed and Whole Foods among early advertisers) and CPMs above $50. Lacking scale and conversion measurement, it stopped onboarding new advertisers in late 2025 and now favours subscriptions.

Where to invest in 2026

You already run Google Ads: you’re probably already eligible for AI Mode. Watch the reports and polish your landing pages.
Your customers ask questions before buying: test ChatGPT Ads with $500–$1,500 while competition is still low in newly opened markets.
In every case: work on your presence in free answers, because an organic citation costs nothing and earns more trust. Our GEO guide to getting cited by ChatGPT explains how.

Frequently asked questions

Can you advertise on Gemini?

Not yet in the Gemini app, announced for 2026. Google ads already appear in AI Mode, though, with Gemini-generated formats.

Does Perplexity show ads?

Perplexity tested sponsored questions from November 2024, then stopped accepting new advertisers in late 2025 to focus on subscriptions.

Which AI should you advertise on?

ChatGPT Ads for a campaign dedicated to conversational context; Google AI Mode if you already run Search or Performance Max.

Does Perroly handle AI advertising?

No. Perroly handles your organic content, Instagram and Facebook messaging, automations and analytics; Meta and Google ads management is in the works.