ChatGPT is now ready to take on Meta’s WhatsApp and one of its biggest features – group chats. As part of an experimental feature, OpenAI has included the Group Chats feature in ChatGPT and the idea is rather simple – offer an easy way for various members to collaborate while utilising the benefits of ChatGPT’s advanced AI features. Rolling out in pilot mode to select users, this ChatGPT group chats update aims to transform the AI chatbot into a virtual mediator for group decisions, sort of what WhatsApp does.
With Group Chats in the ChatGPT app, OpenAI wants users to use the feature for activities like settling restaurant debates or planning trips, all while summarising shared info for smarter outcomes. Following the release of the Sora video generation tool, this update plays a key role in making ChatGPT into a sort of an ‘everything’ app – something that Elon Musk is trying to achieve with X.
Unlike Meta AI on WhatsApp, which uses chats for targeted ads and personalisation, OpenAI highlights privacy-focused utility without data monetisation for its take on the same concept.
ChatGPT Group Chats: What does it offer
Collaborative AI: This new tool lets users pull friends into ongoing conversations, where the AI acts as an impartial referee. You can participate in detailed discussions and use ChatGPT to help you quickly research important stuff, or provide a point of reference.
Shared insights: Users will be able to upload articles, notes, or questions, letting ChatGPT organise and summarise collective input.
Easy invites: You can share links with up to 20 people to join the conversation, thus allowing large group chats.
Profile setup: First-time users can create quick profiles with name, username, and photo for clear identification.
Dedicated access: Group chats appear in a labeled sidebar section for effortless navigation.
ChatGPT Group Chats: A Step-by-step ‘how-to’ guide
– Open an existing ChatGPT conversation and tap the people icon in the top-right corner.
– Now add a friend. The AI duplicates the chat into a new group version, preserving the original. You can generate and share a join link with up to 20 contacts.
– Note that new participants have to set up profiles upon entering the group chat.
– Once your friends are in, you can share content, discuss, and let ChatGPT summarise or suggest.
How to get ChatGPT group chats
The group chats feature in ChatGPT is debuting as a pilot project for Free, Go, Plus, and Pro users in Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Taiwan. OpenAI plans feedback-driven expansions to more regions soon, building on Sora’s iOS success. Note that the current limitations include the 20-person cap and regional restrictions.
