OpenAI has rolled out a major update to ChatGPT, introducing group chat functionality that allows up to 20 users to communicate together, with ChatGPT joining the conversation as a collaborative assistant.
The feature aims to transform ChatGPT from a one-on-one tool into a shared productivity companion for teams, study groups, and families.
With group chats, participants can share links, images, documents, and PDFs, giving ChatGPT full context to contribute intelligently to the discussion.
The AI can respond automatically when relevant or be tagged with @ChatGPT to prompt a reply, similar to X’s Grok.
Users can also customise ChatGPT’s behaviour per group, specifying tone, role, or focus to match the conversation’s needs.
“Group chats make it easier for teams to brainstorm, plan projects, or just stay organised,” OpenAI explained.
“ChatGPT can help summarise discussions, suggest ideas, or clarify points, all in real time, alongside your colleagues or friends.”
Privacy, safety
OpenAI emphasised privacy, stating 'messages in group chats are not shared with personal ChatGPT memory, and participants control group membership through shareable links that can be reset or disabled'.
Content filters are active for users under 18, and parental controls allow group chats to be disabled if needed.
Group chats support AI tools such as search, image generation, file uploads, and voice dictation, powered by the latest GPT‑5.1 Auto models.
Currently, the feature is being piloted in Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and Taiwan, and is available to all Free, Go, Plus, and Pro users on both web and mobile.
As of now, the ChatGPT group chat feature is not available in Kenya. OpenAI plans to expand globally based on feedback from early users.
“Group chats are just the beginning,” OpenAI said. “We aim to make AI a natural part of team workflows, helping people work smarter, faster, and more creatively.”
