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OpenAI Introduces 'Custom Instructions' for ChatGPT
OpenAI Introduces 'Custom Instructions' for ChatGPT

OpenAI Introduces 'Custom Instructions' for ChatGPT

OpenAI says it will use Custom Instructions to improve model performance for users

Published Updated

Key takeaways

  • OpenAI's new 'custom instructions' feature enhances user control over ChatGPT's responses.
  • Users can personalise interactions by providing context, improving efficiency in communication.
  • The feature is initially available to Plus plan users, with plans for broader access over time.
  • This update also allows Plus customers to send more messages to GPT-4, increasing engagement opportunities.
  • OpenAI aims to leverage custom instructions to enhance model performance, with options for users to disable data sharing.
5 min

OpenAI just introduced a new feature called ‘custom instructions’, aimed at providing users with enhanced control over ChatGPT's responses. By incorporating custom instructions, users will have the ability to use fewer prompts, making the interaction process more efficient and user-friendly as ChatGPT will now be able to remember your conversation context based on your chosen preferences, allowing for a more personalized and tailored AI interaction experience.

​​For instance, a teacher could indicate that they are teaching sixth-grade math, or a developer can specify their preferred programming language when seeking suggestions. Users can also provide information about their family size, enabling ChatGPT to provide relevant responses related to meals, grocery shopping, and vacation planning tailored to their specific needs.

Starting today, the beta version of this feature will be accessible to users with the Plus plan, and it will gradually expand to include all users in the following weeks. 

Interestingly, this update coincides with OpenAI's decision to double the number of messages that ChatGPT Plus customers can send to GPT-4 in a given time frame. Starting next week, users will be able to send up to 50 messages per 3 hours, further expanding the possibilities for AI-powered conversations.

Notably, the company said it will use custom instructions to improve model performance for users. However, “you can disable this via data controls”, the company added. 

Plus users can start using custom instructions today by opting into the beta for custom instructions:

On the web, click on your name → Settings → Beta features → opt into Custom instructions. Custom instructions will appear in the menu when you click on your name going forward.

On iOS, go to Settings → New Features → turn on Custom instructions. Custom instructions will appear in settings.