Concept·Builder Tools·Added 1 month ago

Custom GPTs

Also known as: GPTs, Custom GPT, GPT Builder, ChatGPT GPTs

Pre-configured ChatGPT instances that anyone can build and share in OpenAI's GPT Store. Each Custom GPT has a custom name, instructions, knowledge files, and optionally connected actions (API calls), packaged so users can interact with a specialized assistant without writing their own prompts.

OpenAI launched Custom GPTs in late 2023 and they are now the most-used form of AI product distribution that doesn't require deploying your own application. You configure a GPT with a system prompt, optional file uploads as knowledge, and optional Actions (API connections that let the GPT call external services). Then you publish it to the GPT Store or share a private link.

For small builders, Custom GPTs lower the barrier to shipping an AI product: you don't need a backend, hosting, or even an API key. The GPT runs on OpenAI's infrastructure. The trade-off is limited customization of the UI and dependence on OpenAI's platform. More sophisticated builders use Custom GPTs as lightweight entry points that funnel users to a fuller application.

The ecosystem has matured significantly: OpenAI now supports revenue sharing for GPTs with significant traffic, third-party apps can integrate with ChatGPT via the Apps SDK, and the Custom GPT concept has been replicated by Anthropic (Projects with custom instructions) and Google (Gems). The term GPT has become somewhat genericized among non-technical users to mean any AI chatbot.

This definition is AI-generated and refreshed weekly. It may contain inaccuracies. Use your own judgment, especially for production decisions.

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