Google is finally rolling out a feature for its Gemini AI platform that many users have been waiting for – the ability to share custom Gems. This update directly challenges OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which has long allowed people to build and exchange their own custom GPTs. 
By closing this gap, Google is signaling that it wants Gemini to be more than just a closed sandbox; it wants to foster a thriving ecosystem of user-built AI assistants.
For those unfamiliar, Gems are Google’s version of customizable AI agents. They let you tailor Gemini to specific roles, whether that’s a writing coach, a study partner, a coding helper, or even a career advisor. Until now, these Gems were largely locked behind the Gemini Advanced subscription tier, and the only ones widely available were the official examples Google itself had created. That meant creative or business users couldn’t share their own unique tools, which significantly limited the platform’s appeal compared to ChatGPT’s Custom GPTs.
That changes with this update. Now, anyone using a personal or Workspace account can not only create Gems but also share them. The sharing process is seamlessly integrated with Google Drive. From the ‘My Gems’ section in Gemini’s web interface, you’ll find a share button next to the edit icon. Just like with Drive files, you can generate a link or share directly via email. Once someone opens a shared Gem, they’ll see a note explaining it’s shared, and any prompts they use will be saved under a new “Shared with me” section. You can also copy instructions and modify them, essentially remixing other people’s work to suit your own needs.
Interestingly, when you start sharing, Gemini automatically creates a new Drive folder labeled “Gemini Gems.” These files carry a dedicated icon, and clicking them launches Gemini with the corresponding assistant preloaded. This isn’t just a neat organizational trick; it also hints at Google’s deeper integration strategy. By tying Gems to Drive, Google ensures that its AI features are directly embedded into the productivity tools millions already rely on every day.
For comparison, OpenAI has been offering Custom GPTs for quite some time, and many users consider it one of ChatGPT’s strongest features. The ability to discover, share, and build on each other’s creations has helped OpenAI’s platform grow organically. Google has been criticized for lagging behind here, but this move suggests it’s serious about catching up. In fact, some early testers argue that Gemini already outperforms ChatGPT in certain specialized tasks, such as structured learning or workflow automation. If that’s true, the new sharing ability could unlock significant potential for collaboration in classrooms, workplaces, and creative communities.
It’s worth noting that the battle between ChatGPT and Gemini isn’t simply about features. It’s also about how each company envisions AI integration. OpenAI leans toward a standalone assistant model, while Google is weaving Gemini into its broader suite of apps. With Gems now sharable, Google has taken a decisive step to make its assistant more flexible, more social, and ultimately more competitive.
Whether this will be enough to shift public perception remains to be seen. Many still believe ChatGPT has the upper hand thanks to its massive head start and thriving community. But Google’s timing couldn’t be better. With AI adoption accelerating in both education and enterprise, the ability to create and share customized assistants may prove to be the deciding factor in who leads the next chapter of AI usability.
1 comment
if sharing works well this could be huge for schools n group projects