ChatGPT Shared Links: A New Way to Share ChatGPT Conversations

OpenAI introduces a new feature called Shared Links, which enables users to generate unique URLs for their ChatGPT conversations. This feature replaces the old method of sharing screenshots and offers a more convenient way to share and continue interesting, funny, or insightful exchanges with ChatGPT.

In this article, we will discuss frequently asked questions about Shared Links and explain how to use this feature effectively.

What are shared links?

Shared links are a convenient feature that allows users to generate unique URLs for their ChatGPT conversations. These URLs can be shared with friends, colleagues, and collaborators, allowing them to view and continue the conversation.

Shared links eliminate the need for sharing screenshots and provide a seamless way to share ChatGPT interactions.

Where can shared links be found?

Shared links are gradually being rolled out to users and can currently be found on the website chat.openai.com. It’s important to note that shared links are not yet available on the iOS app, but they will be available in the near future.

How are shared links created?

Creating a shared link is a simple process. Users can hover over a chat and click on the share link option. This will provide a preview of the conversation snapshot before sending it.

Once the green button is clicked, the link will be copied and ready to be shared with others.

Further, users have the choice to share the link with their name or anonymously.

How can shared links be updated?

If there is a need to update a shared link, users can open the link share modal for that conversation. Within the modal, there are options to update the name visibility, allowing users to choose between sharing their name or remaining anonymous.

Also, if necessary, the shared link can be deleted. Remember to save changes by clicking the “Update and Copy Link” button.

Are shared links public? Who can access shared links?

Shared links are accessible to anyone who possesses the link. It is important to exercise caution when sharing sensitive content, as anyone with the link can view the conversation. If a user no longer wishes for a link to be public, they can delete it or clear the conversation.

However, it should be noted that deleting a link will not remove the conversation from another user’s chat history if they have imported it.

What information is included in the shared link?

By default, shared links do not include personal information or the user’s name. However, users can choose to add their name to the shared link by selecting the option “Share your name” in the shared link window. The name will then appear at the top of the conversation page. It is important to remember that anyone with the link can view the conversation, so caution should be exercised when sharing personal information.

What are the use cases of shared links?

Shared links have various use cases, including:

A. Sharing a specific conversation or message: Users can easily share specific pieces of information or discussions with individuals who were not part of the original conversation. This is particularly useful for highlighting noteworthy examples, referencing specific discussions, or emphasizing important messages.

B. Sharing content with external collaborators: Shared links facilitate the sharing of content with people outside of the user’s organization, such as contractors or clients. This feature is valuable when specific messages or conversations must be shared with external parties.

C. Creating a reference point for future discussions: Shared links serve as reference points for future discussions. Users can refer to previous conversations or messages by accessing them through the shared link.

If a conversation continues after creating a shared link, will it be visible in the shared link?

No, shared links serve as snapshots of conversations up to the point at which they were generated. Any messages added to the conversation after creating the shared link will not be visible through the link.

Can a shared link be deleted if the original conversation is deleted?

Yes, if the original ChatGPT conversation is deleted, the shared link will also be deleted. This means the content will no longer be accessible through the shared link. However, it should be noted that if a user has imported the conversation into their chat history, the content may still be accessible from their history even after the link is deleted.

Account Deletion: If a user deletes their account, will their shared links be deleted?

Yes, if a user deletes their account, all shared links associated with that account will also be deleted. After the account deletion, the shared links will no longer be accessible or viewable by anyone.

Can another user be prevented from continuing a conversation through a shared link?

Currently, OpenAI does not offer functionality to prevent another user from continuing a conversation through a shared link. Therefore, it is advised not to share sensitive information through shared links. Users have the option to delete or disable their shared links.

Will shared links show up in public search results on the Internet?

No, shared links are not designed to appear in public search results on the Internet. They are intended for direct individual sharing and are not indexed by search engines. Yet, it is essential to ensure that shared links are received from trusted sources before clicking on them.

Data Export: Are shared links included when exporting data from ChatGPT?

Currently, shared links are not included when exporting data from ChatGPT. However, OpenAI is actively working on adding shared links to data exports, and this feature is expected to be available in the coming weeks.

How can access and permissions for shared links be limited?

At present, OpenAI does not provide granular permissions for shared links. Anyone accessing a shared link can view and continue the linked conversation. Therefore, it is important to avoid sharing sensitive content, as anyone with the link can access the conversation or share it with others.

How can the expiration date of a shared link be set?

OpenAI does not currently offer the functionality to set an expiration date for shared links. Users can delete or disable their shared links to restrict access.

How can the safety and authenticity of shared links be ensured?

The URL structure for ChatGPT shared links always starts with “https://chat.openai.com/share/“. Users should exercise caution and ensure that shared links come from trusted sources before clicking on them. It is advised not to click on suspicious links.

How can harmful or illegal content in a shared link be reported?

To report harmful or illegal content in a shared link, users can click “Report Content” below the “Continue this conversation” button. The user will be prompted to describe the issue and provide details about the nature of the report. It is not necessary to be signed in to submit content reports.

Where can users access their settings to view their shared links?

Users can access their settings by clicking on their name at the bottom left of the page on chat.openai.com.

From there, they can navigate to the “Data controls” section and click “Manage” for the Shared links setting.

How can a shared link be deleted or invalidated?

There are three methods to delete or invalidate a shared link:

1. Users can click the trashcan icon on the conversation itself in chat.openai.com to delete a single chat.

2. The shared link modal can be opened, and by clicking the three dots, users can select “Delete link” to remove the shared link.

3. The settings area provides a history panel where users can see all their shared links and choose to delete individual or all of them.

By managing shared links in the settings area, users have full control over their shared conversations.