OpenAI brings ChatGPT to WhatsApp: How it works, what it can do, and more

ChatGPT

OpenAI has launched an experimental service, 1-800-ChatGPT, which brings the popular chatbot to WhatsApp. This move aims to make the AI chatbot more accessible to people without needing a dedicated account or app. Interestingly, Meta already has Meta AI on WhatsApp.

Users in the US and Canada can call 1-800-CHATGPT (1-800-242-8478) to speak directly with the AI, while WhatsApp users in supported countries can message the same number for text-based conversations.

Moneycontrol checked for the chatbot in India and while we couldn’t add ChatGPT through the phone number, it worked with the QR code on OpenAI’s support page. However, ChatGPT will not initiate communication; users must start the interaction.

How will it work?

The service includes a 15-minute free usage cap per month for phone calls and a daily limit for WhatsApp messages. OpenAI stated it might adjust these limits based on system capacity. Notifications will alert users as they approach their monthly or daily usage limits. “We provide a notice as you approach the limit and inform you when the limit has been reached,” said OpenAI.

Does it support only text messages?

On WhatsApp, the AI currently supports only text conversations. Features such as logging into a ChatGPT account, conducting searches, chatting with images, and using personalized settings like memory or custom instructions are unavailable for now. Additionally, users cannot add ChatGPT to group chats, maintaining its functionality strictly for one-on-one interactions.

The knowledge base for ChatGPT on WhatsApp is limited till October 2023, so the AI cannot address events or updates beyond that date.

While limited in some features, the new service makes ChatGPT more accessible, and reaches out to a wider audience.  More importantly, it also gives WhatsApp users an alternative to Meta AI.