[Survey Release] ChatGPT Ads in Japan: Consumer Attitudes Revealed

OpenAI's introduction of advertising on ChatGPT has begun in Japan, with major companies in sectors such as telecommunications and finance placing ads. As generative AI becomes an everyday information touchpoint, how will ad placements affect user experience and continued usage?

Minedia Inc. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Tatsuya Suzuki), a provider of consumer data analysis solutions utilizing generative AI, conducted a survey on the attitudes towards ChatGPT ads and intention to continue usage among 5,064 generative AI users nationwide aged 18-59.

The survey results showed that 71% responded they "want to continue using it as before" even after ad placement, indicating limited resistance to the ads themselves. However, nearly 80% (77%) expressed concerns about usability due to ad volume and display timing, and approximately two-thirds (65%) felt uneasy about the handling of personal information and conversation content.

This survey suggests that continued usage is influenced not by the presence of ads itself, but by how ad placement affects UX (usability) and trustworthiness.

"Consumer Awareness Survey on the Launch of ChatGPT Ads in Japan" Survey Theme

[1] Ad Acceptance at 65%, Limited Resistance to Ads Themselves

-- "Acceptable if Free/Low-Cost" and "No Problem if Ads are Few" cited by 60-70%

[2] 71% Intend to Continue Usage, but Signs of Decreased Frequency Emerge

-- While a majority intend to "continue using," a decrease in usage frequency is noticeable among younger demographics

[3] Nearly 80% Concerned About UX (Usability)

-- Concerns about difficulty of use due to ad volume and display timing

[4] Approximately Two-Thirds Concerned About Personal Information/Trustworthiness

-- Concerns about handling of conversation content and neutrality of responses

[5] Discussion

[1] Ad Acceptance at 65%, Limited Resistance to Ads Themselves

A survey was conducted on users of ChatGPT's free or low-cost plan (around 1,000 yen/month) (n=2,041) regarding their perception of ad display.

The results showed that 65% responded, "Ads are acceptable if it can be used for free or at a low cost." Additionally, 63% said, "It's not a problem if ads are displayed as long as I can use it when needed," and 68% said, "I don't mind if there are few ads."

Resistance to ads themselves was limited, with many users showing a tendency to accept ads under certain conditions, such as price benefits and ad volume.

[2] 71% Intend to Continue Usage, but Signs of Decreased Frequency Emerge

Regarding intention to use after ad introduction, 71% responded, "I want to continue using it as before with the current plan" (based on free/low-cost plan users, n=2,041).

Furthermore, the proportion who responded "I want to stop using ChatGPT" or "I want to switch to another AI" was only 2% each, indicating limited immediate intention to leave due to ad introduction. On the other hand, 13% across all age groups responded, "I will continue using the current plan, but I think I will use it less often." By age group, this was 18% for 18-29 year olds, 13% for 30-44 year olds, and 9% for 45-59 year olds, showing a trend where younger demographics are more likely to decrease their usage opportunities.

The impact of ad placement may manifest as a change in daily usage frequency rather than an immediate cessation of use. This tendency was found to be relatively stronger among younger demographics.

[3] Nearly 80% Concerned About UX (Usability)

The most common concern regarding ad display was related to UX (usability).

"It will be harder to see the screen if there are too many ads" was cited by 77%, and "Ads might interfere with conversations or responses" by 76% (based on free/low-cost plan users, n=2,041). Both reached high levels of nearly 80%, indicating that many users feel that the display volume and timing of ads affect their user experience.

While resistance to ads themselves is limited, concerns about impaired usability are stronger, suggesting that the evaluation of ads is closely linked to the quality of the user experience.

[4] Approximately Two-Thirds Concerned About Personal Information/Trustworthiness

Among concerns about ad display, privacy and trustworthiness items were at a high level alongside UX.

"I'm worried that conversation content or personal information might be used for ads" was answered by 65% (based on free/low-cost plan users, n=2,041). Additionally, 56% were "worried that responses might be biased due to ads," and 53% felt "it would be harder to trust responses with ads present," suggesting that ad display may also affect the perception of AI neutrality and trustworthiness.

Generative AI often handles inputs related to daily consultations and thoughts, and these results reflect a high level of interest in data handling and information reliability.

[5] Discussion

This survey revealed that user reactions cannot be captured by a simple dichotomy of "accepting ads" or "not accepting ads."

Approximately two-thirds (65%) responded, "Ads are acceptable if it can be used for free or at a low cost," indicating relatively limited resistance to ads themselves. On the other hand, concerns about UX deterioration due to ad volume and display timing reached nearly 80%, and anxieties about the handling of personal information and conversation content reached approximately two-thirds (65%).

These results suggest that users prioritize not the presence of ads itself, but how their user experience and trustworthiness change with ad placement.

Compared to search engines and social media, generative AI has a characteristic of being more prone to inputs of personal thoughts and intentions. Therefore, in addition to convenience, an environment where users can feel secure may influence continued usage.

This survey's results indicate that UX design and maintaining trustworthiness are important factors when considering ad acceptance in generative AI services.

Survey Overview

Survey Name

Consumer Awareness Survey on the Launch of ChatGPT Ads in Japan

Survey Organizer

Minedia Inc.

Target Audience

Generative AI users nationwide, male and female, aged 18-59

Sample Size

5,064 people (1,253 aged 18-29, 1,594 aged 30-44, 2,217 aged 45-59)

Survey Period

June 26-28, 2026

Survey Method

Internet Survey

Inquiries Regarding This Matter

Minedia Inc.

Contact: Kobayashi

8-5-8 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052 TERRACE HILL AOYAMA

Corporate Site: https://corporate.minedia.com/

Inquiry: https://corporate.minedia.com/inquiry

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