2 min read
OpenAI has started piloting group chats in ChatGPT, allowing users to collaborate with family, friends, or colleagues in a shared space. The feature lets multiple participants discuss ideas, make decisions, or simply chat together.
To start a group chat, users tap the people icon in the top-right corner of any chat and send invites. Once accepted, a copy of the original conversation becomes a separate group chat, keeping the main chat intact. OpenAI allows up to 20 people to join via a shared link, and group members can invite others as well. New users must set up a profile with their name, username, and photo.
Group chats are accessible from the sidebar, where members can view participants, leave the chat, or remove others, except the creator. Responses are powered by ChatGPT 5.1 Auto, which selects the best model based on the prompt and user plan. Rate limits only apply to ChatGPT responses, not user interactions, and messages count toward the recipient’s available limit.
OpenAI emphasized that ChatGPT has been trained for social behavior in group settings. The AI decides when to respond or remain silent, following the conversation flow. Users can mention ChatGPT to prompt a reply, use emojis, reference profile photos, and set custom instructions for each chat.
Privacy is a key focus. According to an OpenAI blog post, group chats do not use personal ChatGPT memory, nor do they create new memories. OpenAI plans to offer finer controls over memory use in the future. Chats with participants under 18 automatically reduce exposure to sensitive content.
The group chat feature is now available on web and mobile for Free, Go, Plus, and Pro users in Japan, Taiwan, New Zealand, and South Korea. OpenAI will expand access to more regions after reviewing early feedback.
