OpenAI has introduced a new feature for ChatGPT—group chats. This allows users to collaborate with family, friends, or colleagues in a shared space to discuss ideas, make decisions, and more. This feature is currently in its pilot phase, with the rollout beginning for select users.
How Do Group Chats Work in ChatGPT?
Creating a group chat in ChatGPT is simple. Users can start by tapping the people icon in the top-right corner of a new or existing chat. From there, you can invite up to 20 people by sharing a link. Once the invitation is accepted, a copy of your existing conversation will be created as a new group chat, keeping the original conversation separate.
Features of Group Chats
- Shared Space: Everyone in the group can join the conversation, share ideas, and make decisions collaboratively.
- User Control: Group members can see who’s in the chat, leave at any time, and the group creator can remove members.
- Responses by ChatGPT: Powered by ChatGPT 5.1 Auto, responses are tailored based on the models available to the user’s plan, making the chat dynamic and relevant to the conversation.
The group chat interface can be accessed from the sidebar, where users can see ongoing interactions and manage members.
New Social Features and Controls
ChatGPT group chats have also gained several social capabilities:
- Emojis: ChatGPT can now respond to messages with emojis, adding a more personalized touch.
- Profile Photos: ChatGPT can reference the profile photos of group members during interactions.
- Custom Instructions: You can set custom instructions on how ChatGPT responds within each group chat.
OpenAI also mentioned that ChatGPT now has “new social behaviors,” enabling it to follow the flow of conversation, knowing when to respond or remain quiet based on context. To prompt a response, simply mention “ChatGPT” in the conversation.
Privacy and Safety in Group Chats
OpenAI ensures that personal ChatGPT memory is not used during group chats. Additionally, ChatGPT does not create memories from these conversations. For privacy concerns, OpenAI is working on more granular controls for users to manage how ChatGPT uses memory in group chats.
Furthermore, for those under 18, ChatGPT will automatically reduce exposure to sensitive content in group chats to ensure a safer experience for younger users.
Availability of Group Chats
The group chat feature is currently rolling out for logged-in users with Free, Go, Plus, and Pro plans in Japan, Taiwan, New Zealand, and South Korea. Based on early user feedback, the rollout will expand to more regions in the near future.
