ChatGPT brings group chats for all users as OpenAI pushes social features

ChatGPT

OpenAI has made group chats available globally for all users on Free, Go, Plus and Pro plans. The rollout follows a short pilot in markets like Japan and New Zealand, and marks a shift in how the company wants people to use ChatGPT. Instead of being a private assistant, ChatGPT can now sit at the centre of shared conversations with friends, colleagues or family.

A group chat can include as many as 20 people, provided they accept an invite. OpenAI says personal settings and memory remain private to each person. The idea is simple: let users collaborate, debate, plan and co write documents together while ChatGPT searches, summarises or compares information on demand.

To start a group chat, you tap the people icon and add participants directly or share a link. Everyone will be asked to set up a short profile with a name, username and photo. If you add someone to an existing chat, a fresh conversation is created so the original remains untouched.

OpenAI says ChatGPT has been trained to understand the rhythm of group conversations. It can jump in when tagged, stay silent when not needed and even react to messages with emojis. It can also reference profile photos to keep the discussion grounded and clear.

The launch is part of a broader shift. OpenAI recently introduced GPT 5.1 with Instant and Thinking modes and, in September, launched Sora, a social video app built around AI generated clips. With group chats, ChatGPT inches closer to a genuine social platform, and OpenAI hints this is just the start. Over time, the company expects ChatGPT to take a more active role in group planning, creation and decision making.