OpenAI has begun testing group chats in ChatGPT, a major social feature designed to rival messaging platforms like WhatsApp. The new update allows up to 20 participants to collaborate with the AI inside a single conversation. The pilot is currently available on both mobile and web for logged-in users across Free, Go, Plus and Pro plans in Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Taiwan.
What ChatGPT Group Chats Offer
ChatGPT’s group chat experience supports link-based invites, simple profile setup and GPT-5.1 Auto for AI responses. Users can search within chats, upload files and images, generate visuals and use dictation making the feature useful for teamwork, brainstorming, or quick discussions.
A new Group Conversations section appears in the sidebar, helping users manage group threads separately from private chats. When a new member is added, ChatGPT automatically copies the existing conversation into a new group chat, ensuring the original one remains unchanged.
Key Features of ChatGPT Group Chats
- Up to 20 members per group
- Shareable invite links for easy entry
- Profile setup (name, username, photo) required when joining
- AI responses powered by GPT-5.1 Auto, tailored by each participant’s subscription plan
- Search, file uploads, image generation, and voice dictation supported
- Rate limits apply only to ChatGPT’s responses, not human messages
Users can simply say “ChatGPT” in the group to trigger an AI reply. The assistant is trained to decide when to speak or stay silent based on context, and can even show reactions with emojis.
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Privacy and Safety Controls
OpenAI states that group chats are handled differently from private conversations:
- Personal ChatGPT Memory is disabled in group chats
- The AI does not create new memories from group interactions
- All participants can see who is in the group and leave at any time
- Anyone except the creator can be removed by other members
- Creators can be removed only if they leave
- For users under 18, sensitive content exposure is automatically reduced
- Parents/guardians can disable group chat access via parental controls
Where the Feature Is Available
ChatGPT group chats are currently in a limited pilot in Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Taiwan for both mobile and desktop users. OpenAI says the feature is an early test, and global expansion will depend on feedback collected during the pilot phase.