OpenAI lets users branch chat threads to explore different ideas without losing context.
Projects are now free and come with larger file uploads, customizable colors and memory controls.
Creators on TikTok and YouTube share branching hacks that inspire collaborative storytelling.
The relentless march of OpenAI updates continued this week with an intriguing upgrade: ChatGPT branching conversations. Users can now split a chat into multiple directions, exploring alternate realities while preserving the original thread. OpenAI quietly rolled out the feature alongside an expansion of Projects—an organization tool previously available only to paid users—and added design tweaks like color selection, icons and project‑level memory setting. For the millions who rely on ChatGPT to brainstorm, code or plan creative work, this update unlocks new possibilities. The primary keyword appears here because the ability to branch conversations helps users build stories, code or lesson plans without losing context.
Branching for creative exploration
Imagine writing a novel outline. With branching, you can start with a central plot, then spin off separate threads to explore “what if” scenarios while keeping your main story intact. Writers on Reddit immediately praised the feature: one thread showed how branching allowed a user to create three different endings for a short story, all referencing a shared beginning. TikTok tutorials popped up within hours, demonstrating how to use branching to test various marketing strategies or code refactoring options. YouTubers compared branching to the “fork” function in version control. In education forums, teachers shared how branching enables them to craft multiple lesson plan variants while preserving the core objective.
Projects become free for everyone
The update also brings Projects to free users, removing a major barrier. Projects help organize conversations, files and memory settings, turning ChatGPT from a single chat window into a collaborative workspace. Users can now upload larger files, choose colors and icons to differentiate projects, and control memory settings at the project level. For students juggling assignments or developers managing multiple codebases, this change is huge. Within hours of the announcement, #ChatGPTProjects trended on X as people showed off color‑coded boards for course syllabi, Dungeons & Dragons campaigns and film scripts. On GitHub, users created templates using Projects to manage prompts and outputs. And for those curious about how OpenAI is extending its tools beyond creativity into careers, check out our coverage of the OpenAI jobs platform and AI certification, which aims to redefine hiring and skills in the AI era.
Why it’s viral: agency and narrative control
Branching taps into a universal desire to explore possibilities. Previously, ChatGPT forced you down one path; now you can experiment. This resonates with gamers, writers and coders who love branching narratives. TikTok skits showing ChatGPT arguing with its own branched personalities went viral. Podcasts speculated about using branching to create choose‑your‑own‑adventure books. The update also democratizes features previously behind a paywall, inviting new users to engage deeply. Many see this as OpenAI responding to competition from Mistral, Anthropic and Perplexity, all of whom are pushing new features to attract audiences.
Limitations and concerns
As exciting as branching is, there are caveats. Each branch still counts toward usage limits, so heavy explorers may hit token caps. Some users reported confusion managing multiple branches, prompting calls for better UI design. Privacy advocates questioned whether branching could inadvertently create new data retention issues if users don’t manage memory settings carefully. Meanwhile, some developers worry that branching encourages over‑reliance on AI for creative choices instead of human intuition.
Future implications
Branching could pave the way for more advanced agentic behaviors. If a user can branch and compare outputs, AI could eventually propose branches automatically, like a creative partner. It might also integrate with version control systems or collaboration tools. For now, the feature signals OpenAI’s commitment to experimentation and user feedback. It also demonstrates the company’s strategy: incremental improvements that keep ChatGPT sticky while competitors race ahead.
