ChatGPT now available via phone and WhatsApp: what marketers need to know
Calls and WhatsApp chats with ChatGPT? Yep, it’s live. Marketers, let’s talk about why this matters and how to make it work for you.
OpenAI has announced a new milestone in expanding accessibility to its AI chatbot, ChatGPT. Users worldwide can now interact with ChatGPT via phone calls or text messages through WhatsApp. This development is a significant step toward integrating conversational AI into everyday tools, making it more accessible to a broader audience.
Here's everything you need to know about the update, its potential impact on digital marketing, and what lies ahead.
What’s new with ChatGPT?
OpenAI's new service, called 1-800-ChatGPT, enables users to call ChatGPT or message it on WhatsApp. For users in the U.S. and Canada, dialing 1-800-242-8478 provides 15 minutes of free phone conversation per month. Globally, users can message the same number on WhatsApp to chat with ChatGPT without needing an account.
According to OpenAI, this feature was designed to offer “an easy, convenient, and low-cost way to access ChatGPT through familiar channels.” It is especially useful for individuals in areas with limited data connectivity, as the phone access does not require an internet connection.
When does this take effect?
The update is already live, part of OpenAI’s recent 12-day release event. The rollout coincides with the company’s broader strategy to integrate ChatGPT into everyday interactions.
Alongside this feature, OpenAI has also debuted tools like Sora, an AI video-generation product, underscoring its commitment to staying ahead in the competitive AI landscape.
Atikah Amalia
How to access ChatGPT via phone and WhatsApp
Using ChatGPT on these new platforms is straightforward:
- Phone calls: Add the number 1-800-242-8478 to your contacts and call directly to speak with ChatGPT.
- WhatsApp: Message the same number on WhatsApp or scan a QR code provided on OpenAI’s official page. The WhatsApp integration is limited to text interactions for now.
Users will need to monitor their usage, as free phone calls are capped at 15 minutes per month. For more extensive use, OpenAI encourages downloading the ChatGPT app or accessing it via its website.
What does this mean for digital marketers?
A new channel for customer engagement
The integration of ChatGPT into WhatsApp opens up new opportunities for marketers to experiment with conversational AI. WhatsApp, with over 2 billion monthly active users, is a cornerstone for customer communication in many regions. This could become a testing ground for AI-driven customer service, product recommendations, or even lead generation.
Enhancing campaign strategies
AI tools like ChatGPT are already popular for content ideation, but adding voice and WhatsApp functionality could change how marketers gather insights. Imagine using ChatGPT via phone calls for voice-of-customer research or as a virtual assistant during brainstorming sessions.
Accessibility for diverse audiences
This update bridges a significant gap in accessibility. Not every user has the luxury of high-speed internet, but phone calls and WhatsApp are ubiquitous. Marketers targeting emerging markets, where WhatsApp dominates, may find new opportunities to connect with audiences through localized AI interactions.
Current limitations and challenges
Despite its promise, 1-800-ChatGPT has limitations that marketers should keep in mind:
- No web access: ChatGPT still relies on its training data, with the latest knowledge cutoff being October 2023. It cannot access live web pages or fetch up-to-date information, which limits its utility for real-time marketing queries or news-sensitive tasks.
- Usage restrictions: Free usage caps and the lack of advanced features, such as image recognition and search within WhatsApp, mean that heavy users will need alternative solutions for more comprehensive needs.
- No group chats: Marketers cannot add ChatGPT to group conversations, limiting its collaborative potential for now.
Possibilities ahead
While the current rollout is foundational, it sets the stage for future innovations that could redefine marketing workflows:
- Real-time customer insights: Once ChatGPT integrates live web access, marketers could use it for real-time trend analysis or competitor monitoring.
- Visual and voice integration: OpenAI has hinted at plans to incorporate features like image uploads and voice responses in WhatsApp, potentially turning ChatGPT into a more versatile assistant for campaign creation and analysis.
- Advanced personalization: As OpenAI refines the service, marketers may soon integrate their ChatGPT credentials with WhatsApp to deliver highly personalized experiences, such as customized chatbot interactions for niche audiences.
Patrecia Meliana
The launch of 1-800-ChatGPT is an exciting development, particularly for digital marketers seeking innovative ways to integrate AI into their workflows. While the service has limitations, its potential for expanding customer engagement, supporting content creation, and improving accessibility is immense.
As OpenAI continues to improve this feature, digital marketers should explore its applications to stay ahead in the evolving AI landscape. Whether it’s brainstorming new campaign ideas or offering seamless customer support, the possibilities for integrating ChatGPT into marketing strategies are just beginning.
