OpenAI faced user backlash after ChatGPT suggested the Peloton app during an unrelated conversation, prompting concerns about advertisements within its platform.
Yuchen Jin, co-founder of AI startup Hyperbolic, shared a screenshot on X, viewed nearly 462,000 times, depicting ChatGPT suggesting the Peloton app to him. Jin, a paid subscriber to ChatGPT’s $200 per month Pro Plan, highlighted the unexpected nature of such a suggestion. The post garnered significant attention, indicating user apprehension regarding potential ad integration into OpenAI’s paid offerings. Customers expressed dissatisfaction, particularly concerning app suggestions for paying subscribers.
Wow, ChatGPT is already showing ads?
I was just talking with it about Elon on Nikhil’s podcast when out of nowhere it popped up an ad saying, “Find a fitness class, Connect Peloton.” 🤯
Wild. At least match the ad to the topic next time! https://t.co/U4QMmiGbRn pic.twitter.com/s9uREIlB50
— Yuchen Jin (@Yuchenj_UW) December 1, 2025
An OpenAI spokesperson confirmed to TechCrunch that these instances are part of the company’s testing of “surfacing apps in ChatGPT conversations.” This aligns with OpenAI’s October announcement regarding its new app platform, which stated that apps would “fit naturally” into user conversations. The announcement detailed, “You can discover [apps] when ChatGPT suggests one at the right time, or by calling them by name. Apps respond to natural language and include interactive interfaces you can use right in the chat.”
However, Jin’s screenshot showed he was discussing a podcast featuring Elon Musk and xAI, with no connection to health or fitness. Users may perceive these suggestions as advertisements, even if relevant, given they promote products from commercial entities. Users currently cannot disable these app suggestions, which contributes to their intrusive nature.
ChatGPT apps are presently available to logged-in users outside the EU, Switzerland, and the U.K., with integrations still in pilot testing. OpenAI collaborates with various app providers, including Booking.com, Canva, Coursera, Figma, Expedia, and Zillow.
