OpenAI has introduced a beta program allowing businesses to claim verified profiles in ChatGPT, update key information, and launch AI-powered Business Agents that engage users directly. This initiative targets the platform's massive weekly user base of 1.2 billion and integrates advertising options to boost business visibility.
- Businesses gain verified profiles with update controls and analytics.
- US ecommerce firms can launch AI Business Agents that answer user queries.
- Agents serve as interactive ads but must follow strict transparency guidelines.
What happened
OpenAI launched the Businesses in ChatGPT beta, giving companies the opportunity to claim verified profiles inside ChatGPT and update their business details such as prices and inventory. Verified businesses receive a blue checkmark and access analytics about how frequently ChatGPT mentions them, user click-through rates, and conversation themes around their brand.
In addition to profile management, eligible US ecommerce and online-service companies can now deploy Business Agents within ChatGPT. These AI-enabled agents answer user questions using the companies' product data in a clearly labeled chat separated from ChatGPT's own responses. OpenAI also offers these agents as part of its advertising suite, allowing businesses to sponsor them and enhance visibility without pay-to-play recommendation bias.
Why it matters
This rollout deepens OpenAI’s strategy to monetize its platform through targeted advertising and brand engagement, building on an ad business already exceeding $1 billion in annualized revenue. Providing businesses with verified profiles and conversational agents establishes a new channel for customer interaction directly inside ChatGPT’s interface.
For users, the feature promises clearer brand representation and the ability to chat with business agents for real-time information, improving trust and convenience. From a market perspective, it raises the bar for startups offering brand visibility analytics on AI platforms and stimulates competition in AI-driven customer service and advertising.
What to watch next
Industry watchers should monitor how widely US ecommerce businesses adopt Business Agents and verified profiles, as well as how these AI-powered interactions influence consumer behavior and sales conversions. OpenAI’s plans to integrate payment processing with Visa through these agents may mark the next evolution toward in-chat commerce.
Regulators and privacy advocates will likely scrutinize data transparency and consent mechanisms, especially around user information shared with businesses and advertising practices. The balance OpenAI strikes between monetization and user protection will be critical in shaping future adoption and competitive responses within the AI commerce ecosystem.