Using ChatGPT with images, voice, and video in 2025
- Graziano Stefanelli
- Aug 15
- 4 min read
Using ChatGPT with images, voice, and video in 2025.
ChatGPT now allows users to work directly with visual and audio content, expanding its capabilities far beyond written prompts.
The system can process still images, spoken queries, and certain content derived from video, depending on how the input is provided. Each mode is available across supported platforms and subject to file size limits, upload quotas, and storage controls. The current setup favors structured input, allowing users to explore a wide range of use cases from document analysis to live conversation.
ChatGPT understands input that is spoken, shown, or attached.
Multimodal functions are now a core part of ChatGPT’s workflow. Users can upload screenshots, scanned forms, infographics, and photographs. The model can extract key data, summarize content, or interpret the visual context. Voice input is supported across desktop and mobile, enabling direct, turn-based conversations in multiple languages. Audio from meetings or notes can be transcribed and summarized automatically.
Each type of input is handled with different technical rules. Image uploads are limited to 20 MB per file. Voice input uses real-time streaming. Audio files are processed inside individual chats or long-form projects. These boundaries define how each interaction is handled across subscription plans.
You can upload images and extract structured information from them.
Images are processed through the same prompt interface used for text. After attaching a file, users can ask direct questions, request summaries, or prompt the system to locate and interpret visible elements. The model supports static photos, screenshots, diagrams, tables, and even handwritten content if the resolution is sufficient.
Supported image formats and usage conditions
The model can follow up across multiple uploads in a single thread. For PDFs, the system performs best with clean layouts and files under 30 pages unless specifically prompted to continue.
Voice mode enables continuous spoken interaction without typing.
Voice functionality is now available on all major interfaces, including desktop browsers. Users can activate it from the main chat window and begin speaking immediately. The system transcribes the user’s input, processes it as a prompt, and responds in natural speech.
There are five built-in voices: Sky, Juniper, Ember, Cove, and Breeze. Each supports fluent pronunciation across a wide range of languages and dialects. Voice conversations are not pre-recorded but are generated in real time, making latency an important consideration. Recent updates have reduced this delay, especially for paid plans.
On macOS, the Record Mode allows for extended audio sessions, such as interviews or meetings. These recordings are converted into editable transcripts and summarized into key points, providing a practical solution for content capture.
Video input must be reduced to images or audio to be interpreted.
At this time, ChatGPT does not process full video files directly. However, content from video can still be submitted using indirect methods. Users can extract screenshots from key frames, upload subtitle files, or convert dialogue into audio clips. Once processed, the assistant can provide descriptions, identify objects, and comment on visual or spoken content.
The best results are achieved by combining these methods. For example, uploading three still frames along with a transcript allows the system to understand the scene visually and narratively.
Multimodal tools support both everyday and technical tasks.
Users apply these features in routine situations as well as specialized work. Some examples include summarizing photographed lecture notes, debugging design layouts, translating menus abroad, and recording internal briefings for later review.
Examples of input and ideal use case
Each of these examples benefits from precise prompts and high-quality input. Image resolution, audio clarity, and language settings influence the system’s response quality.
File handling is regulated by usage limits and privacy controls.
Uploads are managed with rolling quotas that vary by plan. Each file must fall within the allowed size limits, and usage resets either daily or per cycle depending on the subscription.
Max file size: 20 MB (image); 500 MB (document)
Quota: 3 uploads/day (Free); 80 per 3 hours (Plus/Team)
User storage: 10 GB (individual); 100 GB (organization)
Supported formats: JPG, PNG, PDF, MP3, MP4 (extracted), CSV, XLSX, DOCX
Privacy: Opt-out of training and data logging available in Settings
When working with large files, users should consider splitting documents or resizing images. Speech input should be tested in quiet environments for best transcription quality. Video use should rely on frame capture until direct support is reinstated.
Multimodal access in ChatGPT creates a single space for interpreting content across formats—typed, spoken, or shown. When used with clear structure and appropriate input, the system responds with high relevance and supports fast, fluid exchanges across multiple tasks.
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