ChatGPT Is Becoming the Next Big Shopping Platform

How ChatGPT Is Changing Online Shopping

1. The Problem and the Pivot

ChatGPT has become a global sensation with over 800 million users, but only 20 million pay for a subscription. Despite this massive reach, OpenAI still isn’t profitable; running ChatGPT costs billions each year.

So, what’s the fix? OpenAI is transforming ChatGPT from a chatbot into a shopping and advertising platform; an ecosystem where users can chat, discover, and buy, all in one place.
The company has already partnered with Shopify, Etsy, and Stripe, and brought in top ad experts from Facebook and Instacart to make this vision real.

2. AI Is the New Search

People aren’t searching like they used to; they’re asking AI what to buy.
In September 2025, ChatGPT drove:

20% of Walmart’s referral traffic
Over 20% for Etsy
10% for eBay

That means millions are finding products directly through ChatGPT instead of Google.

3. Shopping Inside ChatGPT

With Instant Checkout, users can now purchase products directly in chat. Powered by Stripe, this feature connects with Shopify and Etsy, so users never have to leave
ChatGPT.
Big brands like Glossier, Skims, and Spanx have already joined; and the news even boosted Etsy’s stock by 16% overnight.
The open-source Agentic Commerce Protocol will also let other AI tools, like Gemini or TikTok AI, plug into the same system.

4. OpenAI’s Ad Plan

OpenAI avoided ads for years; but that’s changing fast. Internal forecasts predict $25 billion in ad revenue by 2029.
Instead of banner ads, ChatGPT will feature “conversational ads” – natural product mentions or brand suggestions built into AI responses. These feel more like recommendations than ads, keeping trust and flow intact.

5. From SEO to AIO (AI Optimization)

The new marketing strategy isn’t SEO, it’s AIO: AI Optimization.
To appear in ChatGPT’s answers, brands need:

Structured, verified data
Clear product descriptions
Real-time pricing and availability

ChatGPT already drives 87% of AI referral traffic and 82% of AI-driven sales, far ahead of other AI assistants.

6. The Future of Advertising

AI ads are becoming more helpful, personalized, and trusted than traditional ones.
Instead of chasing clicks, success will depend on:

Engagement depth
Actual purchases
Long-term brand recall

The next wave of advertising won’t appear in search results it’ll live inside chat conversations.

Conclusion

ChatGPT isn’t just a chatbot anymore, it’s becoming an AI-powered shopping and advertising network. With built-in checkout, smart recommendations, and ad integration, OpenAI is building the next trillion-dollar digital ecosystem.
For brands, the message is simple:
Adapt now, optimize for AI, and prepare for the conversational era.