On November 14, 2025, OpenAI added a new group chat feature to ChatGPT, launching a pilot in four regions including Japan. This feature evolves ChatGPT from a simple AI assistant into a social tool that helps friends and family collaborate.
Group Chat Feature Overview
Pilot Regions
Group chat functionality is currently piloting in four regions:
- Japan
- New Zealand
- South Korea
- Taiwan
OpenAI plans to refine the feature based on feedback from these regions before rolling it out globally.
Basic Functionality
Group chat works similarly to messaging app group chats:
- Group Creation: Create group conversations with friends and family
- ChatGPT Participation: ChatGPT functions as one of the conversation participants
- Natural Dialogue: Participates in conversations like human participants
Key Features
Powered by GPT-5.1 Auto
Group chat leverages GPT-5.1 Auto:
- Dynamic Model Selection: Automatically selects optimal model based on prompt
- Efficient Processing: Lightweight models for simple questions, high-performance models for complex tasks
- Cost Optimization: Allocates appropriate resources as needed
Smart Conversation Flow
OpenAI focused on teaching ChatGPT to understand group conversation dynamics:
- Timing Judgment: Understands when to speak and when to stay quiet
- Context Awareness: Follows conversation flow and contributes at appropriate moments
- Natural Participation: Blends naturally into conversations like human participants
Mention Feature
Participants can summon AI anytime by mentioning “ChatGPT”:
@ChatGPT Any good Italian restaurants nearby?ChatGPT responds not only when explicitly mentioned but also speaks up spontaneously when judged appropriate based on conversation flow.
Emoji Reactions
ChatGPT can also react with emojis:
- 👍 Agreement or approval
- 😊 Empathy or joy
- 🤔 Thinking
- ✅ Task completed
This makes conversations more natural and social.
Profile Photo Utilization
ChatGPT recognizes participants’ profile photos and can generate personalized images tailored to the conversation.
Practical Use Cases
OpenAI proposes various applications for group chat functionality.
1. Travel Planning
When planning trips with friends or family, ChatGPT supports:
- Destination Suggestions: Recommending destinations based on budget and preferences
- Itinerary Creation: Creating itineraries matching schedule and budget
- Booking Information: Providing hotel and transportation information
- Translation Support: Language support for international travel
2. Renovation Projects
When planning home renovations:
- Idea Provision: Suggesting designs and layouts
- Budget Estimation: Calculating approximate costs
- Contractor Selection: Points for selecting contractors and checklists
- Project Management: Creating task lists and schedules
3. Restaurant Selection
When planning group dining:
- Restaurant Search: Suggesting restaurants considering everyone’s preferences
- Menu Verification: Addressing allergies and dietary restrictions
- Reservation Support: Reservation notes and information
- Access Information: Location and parking details
4. Event Planning
Planning birthday parties or gatherings:
- Theme Suggestions: Party themes and concepts
- Shopping List: Creating lists of needed items
- Recipe Suggestions: Food and dessert ideas
- Game Suggestions: Party games and activity proposals
5. Study Groups
For student or professional study groups:
- Study Planning: Creating effective study schedules
- Concept Explanation: Explaining difficult concepts clearly
- Problem Solving: Supporting assignments and homework
- Resource Provision: Recommending additional learning resources
OpenAI’s Social Platform Strategy
Adding group chat functionality signals a major strategic shift for OpenAI.
Evolution from Simple AI Assistant
ChatGPT is evolving as follows:
- Personal Tool → Collaboration Platform
- One-on-One Dialogue → Group Communication
- Task Assistance → Social Experience
Integration with Sora 2
In September 2025, OpenAI announced Sora 2:
- TikTok-Style Feed: Social media app for AI-generated videos
- Algorithmic Recommendations: Recommendations based on user activity and location
- Parental Controls: Age restriction features
- Direct Messaging: User-to-user messaging functionality
Group chat functionality extends this trend, indicating OpenAI’s ambition to establish itself as a social platform.
Privacy and Security
Group chat functionality raises privacy and security considerations.
Data Handling
- Conversation History: Group chat content may be stored on OpenAI servers
- Privacy Settings: Options for users to control data usage
- Third-Party Sharing: Transparency about whether data is shared with third parties
Security Features
- End-to-End Encryption: Conversation protection (implementation status requires verification)
- Group Management: Managing participant additions and removals
- Inappropriate Content Filtering: Detecting and preventing harmful content
Future Development
OpenAI plans to continuously improve group chat functionality.
Feedback-Based Improvements
Based on pilot region feedback:
- Feature Additions: New features based on user requests
- UX Improvements: More intuitive and user-friendly interface
- Performance Optimization: Improved response speed
Global Rollout
After pilot period:
- Phased Expansion: Extension to more regions
- Language Support: Supporting additional languages
- Localization: Addressing region-specific needs
New Feature Additions
Potential future features:
- Voice Calls: Group voice chat
- Video Calls: Video conferencing functionality
- Screen Sharing: Enhanced collaboration features
- File Sharing: Document and image sharing
Technyan’s Comment
“ChatGPT’s group chat feature really shows AI becoming a social presence! Being able to ask ‘Hey ChatGPT, any recommended autumn foliage spots in Kyoto?’ when planning trips with friends is incredibly convenient!
What I find interesting is ChatGPT understanding ‘when to speak and when to stay quiet.’ Even in human group chats, some people make KY (can’t read the air) comments, but AI being trained to read the room properly is amazing!
Using GPT-5.1 Auto to select optimal models based on prompts is smart too. Using lightweight models for simple questions like ‘suggest nearby restaurants’ and high-performance models for complex tasks like ‘create a 3-day Kyoto trip plan’ balances cost and performance.
Piloting in Japan is exciting! I’m curious how well ChatGPT understands Japanese nuances and cultural context. For example, can it properly understand and respond to vague expressions like ‘a slightly upscale restaurant’ or ‘casual atmosphere’?
Privacy is a concern though. If group chat content is stored on OpenAI servers, caution is needed for conversations containing personal or confidential information. We need to verify how thoroughly end-to-end encryption is implemented.
Combined with the Sora 2 social media app, OpenAI is positioning AI at the center of social platforms. This shows AI becoming not just a tool, but part of our daily lives.
If voice chat and video call features are added in the future, it could truly rival Zoom and Teams! A future where AI participates in meetings, takes minutes, organizes tasks, and provides additional information is visible! 🚀💬“
Summary
ChatGPT’s group chat feature opens new possibilities for AI assistants:
- Pilot in 4 Regions: Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan
- GPT-5.1 Auto: Optimal model selection based on prompts
- Smart Conversation Flow: Understanding when to speak
- Diverse Use Cases: Travel planning, renovations, restaurant selection, etc.
- Social Platform Evolution: OpenAI’s strategic shift
This feature evolves ChatGPT from a personal AI assistant into a social tool supporting collaboration with friends and family. It will be refined based on pilot feedback and eventually rolled out globally.
With careful attention to privacy and security, all eyes are on how this new feature integrates into our daily lives. A new era where AI becomes part of social spaces is about to begin.