OpenAI is expanding collaboration avenues by introducing a group chat feature within ChatGPT, allowing up to 20 people to interact with artificial intelligence in a single conversation. We examine how the new feature works, potential use cases, and how it is changing the way we interact with AI.
Article Contents:
- A new era of collaboration with artificial intelligence
- New feature details
- How to create and use group chats
- Potential use cases: from planning to work
- AI behavior in groups
- Privacy and settings
- Technical aspects: GPT-5.1 Auto model
- Impact on communication and productivity
- Frequently asked questions
A new era of collaboration with artificial intelligence
OpenAI is rolling out the group chat feature within ChatGPT on a broad scale, opening up new possibilities for how we interact with artificial intelligence. This feature allows users to invite up to 20 other people into their conversation with the AI-powered chatbot. The feature is now available globally to all signed-in users, following a brief trial period earlier this month.
New feature details
OpenAI is positioning this feature as a way to collaborate with friends, family members, or coworkers. ChatGPT is no longer just an individual tool, but an active participant in group dynamics. This shift represents a significant step toward integrating artificial intelligence more deeply into our social and professional interactions.
How to create and use group chats
The process of creating a group chat is simple and straightforward. A user creates a group chat by selecting the “people” icon in the upper right corner of the ChatGPT application. ChatGPT will then copy the current chat into a new group chat, where the user can add others by sending a link to the conversation (which they can also share).
To improve the user experience and make it easier to see who is speaking, ChatGPT will prompt you to enter a name, username, and photo the first time you enter or create a group chat.
Potential use cases: from planning to work
There are numerous potential use cases for this new feature. It can be used in social contexts such as organizing a dinner or making travel plans with a group of friends, where ChatGPT can assist in searching for information, suggesting options, and summarizing decisions.
In a work environment, teams can use group chats to brainstorm ideas, draft project outlines, or even hold meetings with ChatGPT acting as a note-taker or immediate contributor. This can improve efficiency and productivity by providing instant access to information and the analytical capabilities of artificial intelligence.
AI behavior in groups
OpenAI states that it has trained ChatGPT to align with the “flow of conversation.” This means the artificial intelligence will try to determine the best times to step in and when to remain quiet, making it a more natural and less intrusive participant in group discussions.
If you want a direct response from the chatbot, you can address it directly by mentioning “ChatGPT” in a message. ChatGPT can also interact with messages using emojis and reference profile pictures when doing things like generating custom images, adding a layer of personalization and social interaction to the conversation.
Privacy and settings
Users can access various settings by selecting the group chat icon in the upper right corner of the screen. These settings include options to add or remove people, mute notifications, and give custom instructions to ChatGPT to guide its behavior in the conversation.
From a security and privacy standpoint, OpenAI indicates that ChatGPT will not use memories from your personal chats within group conversations, nor will it create new memories based on your group chats. This separation between personal and group interactions is important for maintaining user privacy and trust.
Technical aspects: GPT-5.1 Auto model
ChatGPT uses the “GPT-5.1 Auto” model to power its responses in group chats. This model “selects the best model to respond with based on the prompt and the models available to the user that ChatGPT is responding to.” This dynamic approach ensures that the AI’s responses are optimized for the specific context of the conversation and the capabilities of the participating users.
Regarding usage limits, rate limits will only apply when ChatGPT sends a message in the chat, not on messages sent by human users.
Impact on communication and productivity
The introduction of group chats in ChatGPT represents a major evolution in how we use artificial intelligence. By enabling real-time collaboration with AI within a group setting, OpenAI opens the door to new ways of working, playing, and communicating. As technology continues to evolve, we are likely to see more innovative features that seamlessly integrate artificial intelligence into our social and professional lives.
Frequently asked questions
Q: How many people can join a group chat in ChatGPT?
A: Up to 20 people, along with ChatGPT, can participate in a single group chat.
Q: Can ChatGPT understand who is speaking in the group?
A: Yes, users are encouraged to set up profiles (name and picture) to make it easier to distinguish between participants, and ChatGPT tries to follow the conversation flow and respond appropriately to the context.
Q: Can I control when ChatGPT speaks in the group?
A: Yes, ChatGPT will try to determine appropriate times to intervene, but you can also address it directly by mentioning “ChatGPT” if you want a specific response. You can also use custom instructions to guide its behavior.
Q: Is group chat data private?
A: OpenAI indicates that ChatGPT does not use memories from personal chats in group conversations and does not create new memories from them. However, anyone with the link can join the conversation, so caution should be exercised when sharing sensitive information.
