Group Chats Now Available on ChatGPT

Group chats have been introduced by OpenAI for ChatGPT users across Free, Go, Plus, and Pro plans, transforming the service into a more collaborative platform instead of a simple one-on-one assistant. This feature, which was initially tested in regions like Japan and New Zealand last week, is now accessible globally.

Collaborative Conversations with ChatGPT

This new functionality enables users to work together with each other and with ChatGPT within a single chat environment. According to OpenAI, this update turns ChatGPT into a hub for groups to organise trips, co-author documents, evaluate information, or resolve arguments, while the AI can assist by searching, summarising, or providing suggestions when required.

Setting Up Group Chats

Up to 20 participants can join a group chat once they accept an invitation. Each individual’s preferences and memory settings remain confidential. To initiate a group chat, users can click on the people icon, add contacts directly, or distribute an invitation link. Everyone will need to create a brief profile containing their name, username, and photo. Adding a new participant to an ongoing chat will initiate a fresh conversation, preserving the original thread.

Interactive Features During Group Discussions

OpenAI indicates that the model is capable of understanding when to engage in the chat and when to stay silent. Users can mention “ChatGPT” for a prompt reply, and the assistant can react to messages using emojis or reference participants’ profile pictures during discussions.

A Leap Towards Social Engagement

The company considers this update a significant advancement towards making ChatGPT resemble a social and collaborative platform. OpenAI conveyed in a communication to TechCrunch that gradually, ChatGPT is expected to play a more dynamic role in genuine group conversations, assisting individuals to plan, create, and take joint action.

Recent Developments and Innovations

This update comes shortly after the release of GPT 5.1, featuring both Instant and Thinking versions of the model. Additionally, it follows the debut of Sora, a social application enabling users to create and share short AI-generated videos within a feed similar to TikTok.