OpenAI tests ChatGPT group chats, positioning it as a potential WhatsApp rival — here’s how it works

OpenAI has started piloting a new group chat feature in ChatGPT, allowing up to 20 people to collaborate in a shared conversation alongside the AI assistant. The rollout hints at OpenAI’s ambitions to expand ChatGPT into a more interactive, social communication platform—potentially stepping into the territory of messaging apps like WhatsApp.

OpenAI Rolls Out Group Chats: What’s New?

OpenAI has introduced a new group chat functionality inside ChatGPT, enabling users to communicate in shared conversational spaces with the AI. This feature allows up to 20 participants to collaborate simultaneously in a single chat window.

Currently available in Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Taiwan, the pilot is live for users across Free, Go, Plus, and Pro plans on both mobile and web versions. The addition includes features such as invites via links, profile creation, AI-generated responses, and support for multimedia input.

This expansion marks a significant step toward transforming ChatGPT from a solo assistant into a more collaborative communication platform.

How OpenAI’s Group Chats Function

The group chat interface introduces a dedicated section in the ChatGPT sidebar where users can find their group conversations separate from private chats. When new members are added to an existing chat, the system automatically creates a fresh group chat to preserve the original conversation thread.

Easy Group Creation and Invitations

• Hosts can generate a shareable invite link.

• Groups can include 1–20 members.

• Any participant can re-share the invite link.

• New users joining the chat must set a brief profile that includes a name, username, and photo.

Smarter AI Interaction with GPT-5.1 Auto

ChatGPT responds in these group chats using GPT-5.1 Auto, an intelligent system that automatically selects the most suitable model based on:

• the conversation context

• the user’s subscription tier

ChatGPT can:

• answer questions

• generate content

• provide insights

• summarize discussions

• upload and interpret images and files

• generate visuals on request

Users can also summon ChatGPT by simply mentioning “ChatGPT” in the conversation.

Features Supported in Group Chat Mode

The group chat pilot includes rich capabilities designed to enhance communication and collaboration:

1. Search and Knowledge Integration

Users can search within the conversation or retrieve external knowledge with ChatGPT’s integrated search abilities.

2. Multimedia Inputs

Participants can upload:

• images

• documents

• files

ChatGPT can analyze or summarize these multimedia items.

3. Image Generation

The assistant can create images directly in the group chat when prompted.

4. Dictation Support

Voice-to-text capability allows users to speak instead of typing.

5. Reaction and Social Features

ChatGPT has been trained to:

• understand when to chime in

• stay silent when appropriate

• react with emojis

• reference user profile images when permitted

This makes group conversations feel more natural and dynamic.

Rate Limits and Usage Rules

Only ChatGPT’s responses count toward rate limits—and these apply to the user who prompted the assistant. Direct messages between users are not rate-limited.

Privacy and User Controls in Group Chats

OpenAI emphasizes that group chats operate differently from private conversations:

No Personal Memory in Group Chats

• ChatGPT does not access personal memory settings.

• The assistant does not store new memories** from group chats.

User Safety and Management

• Every user must accept an invite to join.

• All group members can see who is in the chat.

• Anyone can leave anytime.

• Only group participants (except the creator) can remove others.

• The creator can only be removed if they choose to leave.

Protection for Younger Users

For users under 18:

• ChatGPT reduces exposure to sensitive content for everyone in the group.

• Parents can disable group chat access through parental controls.

Availability and Future Rollout Plans

The group chat functionality is currently in a limited test phase across four markets. OpenAI says it will closely monitor usage patterns and feedback before deciding on a broader global launch.

This pilot suggests OpenAI’s intention to bring ChatGPT closer to becoming a real-time collaborative platform—positioning it as a potential competitor to messaging apps like WhatsApp and Telegram in the future.