OpenAI has unveiled a new pilot group chat feature for ChatGPT, currently accessible to users in Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Taiwan. This innovative functionality allows both Free and Plus users, as well as Team members, to collaborate within the app in real time, significantly enhancing the user experience.
The pilot program aims to investigate how group conversations can elevate interactions within ChatGPT. Early participants will have the opportunity to provide feedback, which OpenAI plans to utilize for future enhancements and broader regional rollout.
Key aspects of the group chat feature include:
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Privacy: User privacy is prioritized; individual chats remain confidential, and group memberships are invitation-only. Members can exit at any time, while only group creators can voluntarily leave. Additionally, stringent safeguards and parental controls enhance the experience for users under 18.
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User-Friendly Mechanics: Initiating a group chat is simple: users can add participants via a link or directly tap the people icon. Groups can consist of 1 to 20 members, and adding someone to an existing conversation creates a new group, preserving the original chat. All interactions are cataloged in a labeled sidebar for easy navigation.
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Enhanced Interaction: Similar to standard ChatGPT functionality, group chats are powered by GPT-5.1 Auto, which supports features like search, image generation, and file uploads. Importantly, user messages do not count against the limitations on AI responses, which are only applicable to ChatGPT’s replies.
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Social Capabilities: The AI has developed new social skills tailored for group interactions, allowing it to respond appropriately and react with emojis. Users can tag "ChatGPT" to prompt a response, and personalized images for conversations can be generated using profile photos.
This development marks another significant milestone in OpenAI’s evolution from a basic AI tool to a more sophisticated social platform. Following the recent launch of Sora 2, a standalone app designed for AI-generated video sharing with TikTok-style feeds and enhanced parental controls, the group chat feature further solidifies OpenAI’s commitment to integrating social capabilities into its offerings.
