OpenAI is expanding ChatGPT’s capabilities with the introduction of Group Chats, a new multi-user feature that lets multiple users join the same conversation with the AI — similar to WhatsApp groups, but with the AI chatbot as an active, intelligent participant.
The feature is currently being piloted in Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Taiwan, marking one of the most significant upgrades to the platform since its launch. It is available across all ChatGPT subscription tiers — Free, Go, Plus, and Pro — for users logged in on mobile or web. Further, a wider global release is expected to follow once OpenAI gathers early user feedback and fine-tunes the experience.
A Shared Space For Planning, Debates, And Brainstorms
Until now, ChatGPT has mostly been a one-on-one tool. With Group Chats, up to 20 people can join the same conversation with ChatGPT, making it easier for teams, families, and friends to collaborate.
Whether it is planning a weekend trip, organising a group dinner, designing a room, settling friendly debates, or working on school and office projects, everyone can now work together in one shared space.
“With group chats, you can bring friends, family or coworkers into a shared space to plan, make decisions, or work through ideas together,” OpenAI said in its announcement..
The group chats operate separately from personal conversations in a new sidebar section, preserving privacy. No individual ChatGPT memory is shared with other group members.
How To Start A Group Chat
To start a group chat:
- Tap the people icon in the top-right corner of any ChatGPT window.
- Generate a shareable invite link to add up to 20 participants.
- New members create a small profile with their name, username, and photo for transparency.
- All group chats appear in a new, dedicated sidebar section for easy access.
When you add someone to an existing chat, ChatGPT automatically creates a duplicate group version, keeping your original conversation untouched.
Smarter, More Social AI Behaviour
Powered by GPT-5.1 Auto, the feature supports search, file uploads, image generation, image and video uploads, dictation, emoji reactions, and personalised image creation using group members’ profile photos. ChatGPT responds only when its input is relevant — or when a participant explicitly tags it by typing “@ChatGPT”. ChatGPT’s messages count toward the respondent’s rate limit, while user-to-user messages remain unlimited.
Privacy And Safety Protections
To reassure users, OpenAI stresses that group chats are completely separate from personal chats. ChatGPT does not use or store personal memories, nor does it create new ones from group interactions. Users must accept an invite before joining. Further, all participants are visible to one another, and anyone can leave at any time. Additionally, the group creator cannot be removed by others.
If someone under 18 is part of the group, ChatGPT automatically filters sensitive content for everyone. Parents and guardians can also disable group chats entirely through parental controls.
A Step Toward Shared AI Experiences
While still in early testing, Group Chats mark one of OpenAI’s boldest steps toward turning ChatGPT into a shared, social experience. If successful, it could transform the chatbot from a personal assistant into a collaborative platform that rivals group messaging apps.
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