ChatGPT Ads context hint checker
This free tool checks ChatGPT Ads context hints as you type. Paste the hints for one ad group, one per line, and it flags the patterns OpenAI’s guidance rules out. It also marks each hint as a what, who or when hint, and gives you the list as JSON for bulk upload.
Checks
For bulk upload
Ads Manager's bulk upload takes an ad group's hints as a JSON list. An uploaded list replaces the old one, so always paste the complete list.
Everything runs in your browser. Nothing you type is stored or sent anywhere.
What the checker looks for
Each check comes from OpenAI’s guidance on writing context hints. The word counts and patterns that trigger them are our own rules of thumb. Treat a flag as a prompt to look again.
| Check | What it flags | OpenAI’s guidance |
|---|---|---|
| Keyword list | Three or more short fragments split by commas | Write a clear, natural phrase about one idea, not disconnected keywords |
| Too short | Fewer than four words | Hints should be specific about a feature, need or situation |
| Delivery instruction | Phrases such as “show this ad only to” or “target” | Hints aren’t targeting rules or delivery instructions |
| Exclusion | Phrases such as “not for” or “except” | Hints can’t enforce exclusions |
| Several ideas | Over 25 words, or several “and”s | Each hint should focus on one idea |
| Claim words | Words such as “best”, “guaranteed” or “cheapest” | Ads must be truthful; describe rather than boast |
| Offers and dates | Discounts, sales and end dates | Update hints when pricing or promotions change |
| Repeats the ad | Mostly the same words as your ad title | Good hints add context beyond the ad and landing page |
| Duplicates | The same hint twice | Keep the list clean |
A hint that passes every check can still be wrong for your business. OpenAI’s four tests ask whether a hint is additional, specific, relevant and accurate. Only you can judge the last two.
What, who and when
OpenAI suggests three angles for hints: what you offer, who it helps and when it’s useful. The checker tags each hint with the angle it reads as, using simple word patterns. It then suggests an angle you haven’t covered.
| Angle | Describes | Example |
|---|---|---|
| What | Features, services, pricing, availability or service areas | Same-week roof leak repairs across north Manchester |
| Who | Needs, preferences or circumstances | Founders of new companies who have just hired their first employee |
| When | Situations or decisions where the offer helps | Replacing worn-out shoes before a first half marathon |
A hint doesn’t need to cover all three. Our context hint examples show 30 more, in ten industries.
How to use it
- Clear the examples and paste the hints for one ad group, one per line.
- Add your ad title, so the checker can spot hints that only repeat it.
- Fix anything marked Fix. Read each Tip and decide whether it applies.
- Check the angles. If every hint is a “what”, consider adding a “who” or a “when”.
- Copy the JSON list for Ads Manager’s bulk upload, or paste the hints into the ad group by hand.
Bulk upload format
Ads Manager’s bulk upload template takes an ad group’s hints as a JSON list, such as [“hint one”, “hint two”]. The checker builds that list for you, with quotes and commas in the right places.
An uploaded list replaces the existing list. It isn’t added to it. OpenAI’s help pages say to treat the uploaded value as the complete list. Always paste every hint you want the ad group to keep.
What the checker can’t tell you
- Whether a hint is true. Only you know your prices, service areas and availability.
- Whether a hint will match conversations. OpenAI publishes no report by hint.
- Whether your category is allowed. Check the policy tracker first.
- How hints perform. Test them by ad group, with matching ads and landing pages.
Our context hints guide explains how to write, organize and test hints.
Questions
Is the context hint checker free?
Yes. It’s free to use and runs entirely in your browser. Nothing you type is sent to our server or stored. Reload the page to start again, or use the button to clear the examples and paste your own hints.
Does passing the checker mean my hints are good?
No. It catches common mistakes, such as keyword lists and delivery instructions. It can’t judge whether a hint is accurate, relevant or useful for your offer. OpenAI’s four tests still apply, and the results in Ads Manager are the real measure.
How many context hints should an ad group have?
OpenAI doesn’t give a number. Keep each hint to one idea, and keep all the hints in an ad group about the same offer or need. If you’re listing unrelated situations, move them to a second ad group with its own ads and landing page.
Why does the checker flag “show this ad only to”?
OpenAI says context hints aren’t targeting rules or delivery instructions, and can’t enforce locations, schedules or exclusions. A phrase like that won’t restrict delivery. Use location targeting or custom audiences in the campaign instead. A hint can still describe your service area as a fact about the business.
Can I paste the JSON straight into bulk upload?
Yes. The output is a JSON list in the format Ads Manager’s bulk template expects for context hints. Paste it into the ad group’s context hints cell. Remember that it replaces the existing list rather than adding to it.
Why is a good hint tagged with the wrong angle?
The angle tags use simple word patterns, so they can misread a hint. A “who” hint without the word “for” may show as “what”. Use the tags as a rough guide to balance, and trust your own reading.
Sources
- Write Context Hints for ChatGPT Ads, Edit Campaigns and Bulk Upload Campaign Schema Checklist, OpenAI Help Center
- Ad policies, OpenAI, version 1.6