ChatGPT is the Swiss Army knife of the digital age, packed with tools most people haven’t even discovered yet. Sure, everyone’s heard of it, millions of people lean on ChatGPT for everything from brainstorming ideas to writing emails and solving life’s little problems. Here’s the fun part: almost nobody realizes how much power is packed under the hood.
If you’re still typing basic prompts with non-specific instructions just to copy and paste a mediocre answer, you’re only skimming the surface of what ChatGPT can do. ChatGPT is overflowing with hidden features that can save you time, boost your creativity, and even make the AI feel like your own digital sidekick. Ready to unlock some secret weapons? Let’s dive into 10 must-know ChatGPT tricks that will supercharge the way you work, think, and create with no advanced tech skills required.
Why These AI Features Matter
AI isn’t just about speed; it’s about smart speed. ChatGPT’s advanced features let you search for old convos instantly, use your voice instead of typing, and personalize your assistant’s behavior. And best of all? These tools come built into ChatGPT, no external apps or plugins needed.
Note: You will need the paid ChatGPT Plus plan for $20/month to access these features.
1. Voice Mode
How voice mode works: Instead of typing back and forth, you can now talk to ChatGPT. This voice-to-voice conversation mode allows you to speak to your prompts and hear responses aloud. Just click the headphone icon on your mobile app or desktop and start chatting in real time.
Why voice mode matters: Voice Mode allows for faster, more fluid exchanges compared to typing. It’s especially useful when multitasking, whether you’re brainstorming ideas while walking or cooking dinner. Since transcripts get automatically saved, you don’t have to worry about losing your thoughts. This feature brings a more natural, conversational tone to your interactions, making ChatGPT feel more like a collaborator than a tool.
2. The “Slash” Command (Picture, Search, Reason)
How “slash” command works: Type a simple forward slash (/) in the chat box to trigger three quick-access shortcuts:
- /picture: Instantly generate an image
- /search: Pull live web results
- /reason: Ask for deeper, logical reasoning or structured arguments
Why “slash” command matters: The slash command removes the guesswork of prompt engineering. Instead of typing out long or repetitive instructions, you can access pre-set commands that instantly signal your intent. Whether you need a quick visual, up-to-date research, or a logically structured argument, slash commands streamline the process and help you get faster, more focused results with minimal effort.
3. Search the Web in Real Time
How it works: Click the globe icon on the sidebar or type /search to activate real-time web browsing. You’ll get accurate, up-to-date answers from the internet, not just ChatGPT’s training data.
Why it matters: Unlike the static knowledge base ChatGPT was trained on, this feature taps into real-time web results, allowing you to access current events, trends, and niche data that go beyond its default training cutoff. Whether you’re validating facts, researching competitive markets, or checking breaking news, the live web search transforms ChatGPT into a dynamic research partner that functions like Google, only smarter and more contextual.
4. CTRL/Command + K to Search Past Chats
How “CTRL/Command + K” works: Hit CTRL + K (or Command + K on Mac) to pull up a universal search bar. This lets you instantly find past conversations even from months ago by typing a keyword or topic.
Why ” CTRL/Command + K” matters: Over time, your ChatGPT sidebar can become cluttered with dozens of past threads. With this search function, you can instantly locate previous conversations by typing keywords or topics. It’s like having an AI-powered inbox, ideal for marketers, researchers, and professionals who need to revisit past SOPs, project outlines, or client brainstorms without scrolling endlessly.
5. Memory Function
How memory function works: ChatGPT remembers details you’ve shared across conversations: your name, preferences, past projects, and favorite formatting styles. You can manage this under Profile > Settings > Personalization.
Why memory function matters: Memory mode makes ChatGPT feel like a true assistant. By remembering your preferences, the AI can deliver more personalized responses tailored to your style and needs. Whether you frequently ask for help writing in a specific tone or revisiting ongoing projects, this feature ensures your workflow feels seamless. Best of all, you have complete control over what ChatGPT remembers and can delete or reset the memory anytime.
6. Temporary Chat Mode (Incognito for AI)
How temporary chat works: Do you want ChatGPT to remember anything from a conversation? Start a Temporary Chat. This feature won’t store your messages or use them to improve the learning model. Navigate to ChatGPT-4 > Start Temporary Chat (upper left corner).
Why temporary chat matters: Temporary chat may be perfect for one-off or sensitive inquiries where you don’t want the AI to store or remember anything. It’s like opening a private incognito tab in your browser. Even though your conversation isn’t saved, the chat remains fully functional in real-time. This mode proves especially helpful when you’re testing ideas, working with confidential topics, or simply want a clean slate.
7. “Improve the Model” Data Sharing Toggle
How data toggling works: Under Profile > Settings > Data Controls, toggle on or off whether your conversations help train ChatGPT.
Why data toggling matters: This setting gives you more control over your data. While sharing your chats helps improve the model for everyone, some users, especially in regulated industries, may prefer to opt out for privacy or compliance reasons. The ability to disable this feature adds an extra layer of transparency and control, making ChatGPT more adaptable to various professional environments.
8. Customize ChatGPT’s Personality
How customizing ChatGPT’s personality works: Want ChatGPT to sound more like you? Or respond with humor, brevity, or technical accuracy? Use the Customize ChatGPT tool with specific instructions about tone, style, and behavior.
Why customizing ChatGPT’s personality matters: Customization becomes a game-changer for anyone who wants ChatGPT to feel less like a generic bot and more like a tailored assistant. You can prompt the software to respond with humor, brevity, technicality, or warmth, whatever suits your communication style. This feature proves particularly valuable for marketers, copywriters, and agencies who want to preserve voice consistency across projects or teams.
9. Archiving Conversations
How archiving conversations works: Hover over any conversation in your chat sidebar, click the three dots, and select “Archive.” This action removes the thread from your sidebar but keeps the chat saved for future reference.
Why archiving conversations matters: Archiving lets you declutter your active chats without losing valuable conversations. Whether you’re storing client notes, brainstorming sessions, or research threads, you can neatly file them away and access them later as needed. When paired with the search function, archived threads become a searchable knowledge base for your entire workflow.
10. MyGPTs: Build Your Own AI Assistants
How MyGPT works: Click “Explore GPTs” in the sidebar and browse or create personalized versions of ChatGPT tailored to specific tasks, like writing Amazon product listings, generating TikTok scripts, or analyzing SEO reports.
Why MyGPT matters: MyGPTs turn ChatGPT into a specialized assistant for repeat tasks. You can build and name unique GPTs to handle different workflows and share them across teams or clients. This not only boosts efficiency but creates scalable, repeatable systems that save time across departments. It’s like having an agency of mini experts working for you, 24/7.
Don’t Just Chat, Master the AI Software
ChatGPT isn’t just a “do it for you” tool anymore. It’s a massive productivity engine that will only be as smart as the person behind the prompt. Whether you’re creating content, managing data, writing code, or brainstorming ideas, these tools can unlock serious time savings and a competitive edge. At Premiere Creative, we help brands go beyond the basics, from AI-powered content strategies to automation workflows that drive real results. Want help integrating AI into your marketing or SEO strategy? Call (973) 346-8100 to chat with our renowned team.
