ChatGPT rolls out Group Chats feature globally for collaborative conversations

OpenAI has officially launched a group chat feature for ChatGPT users worldwide, enhancing the platform's functionality beyond individual interactions. This rollout, which follows successful trials in locations like Japan and New Zealand, makes collaborative conversations accessible to all users, including those on Free, Go, Plus, and Pro plans. The new feature allows participants to engage with each other and ChatGPT within a single chat room. This collaborative space is designed for tasks such as trip planning, collaborative document creation, information comparisons, and resolving discussions. ChatGPT is equipped to assist by searching for information, summarizing discussions, or providing suggestions as needed. Up to 20 users can participate in a group chat after accepting an invitation, with each individual's settings and memory remaining confidential. To initiate a group chat, users can simply click on the people icon to add contacts or share an invite link. Participants are then prompted to create a brief profile that includes their name, username, and profile picture. Adding members to an ongoing chat initiates a new conversation thread while preserving the original discussion. Notably, the AI is designed to understand when to contribute and when to remain silent, providing a more natural flow to interactions. Users can tag “ChatGPT” for specific responses, and the assistant can engage with posts through emojis or by referencing profile images. OpenAI views this development as a pivotal move towards transforming ChatGPT into a more social and collaborative platform. In a communication to TechCrunch, the company expressed its vision of ChatGPT playing a proactive role in group discussions, aiding users in planning, creation, and collaborative efforts. This update closely follows the launch of GPT 5.1, which brings both Instant and Thinking variants of the model, as well as the debut of Sora, a social application for generating and sharing AI-created videos akin to TikTok.