Google has significantly upgraded its Gemini AI platform by introducing a feature that allows users to share their custom-built AI assistants, known as "Gems." This new functionality, rolled out on September 18, 2025, aims to foster greater collaboration and streamline efficiency by enabling users to distribute their personalized AI tools with colleagues, friends, and family.
The sharing mechanism is designed to be intuitive, mirroring the familiar interface of Google Drive. Users can control access with view and edit permissions, ensuring that shared Gems can be utilized and refined by others effectively. This move is poised to reduce duplicated efforts, as teams and individuals can now build upon existing custom AI solutions rather than starting from scratch.
For instance, a marketing team could share a "Brand Persona" Gem, ensuring consistent brand voice across all communications, or a family could share a vacation planning Gem to manage itineraries and expenses collaboratively. Gems were initially introduced in 2024 as part of the Gemini Advanced subscription, offering users the ability to create specialized AI assistants for tasks ranging from vacation planning to meal preparation. Google also provided pre-made Gems, such as a learning coach and a brainstorming partner.
The accessibility of Gems has progressively expanded, first to Gemini Business and Enterprise users in over 150 countries, and then to all users in March 2025. This expansion also included the capability to upload files for enhanced context and personalization. This file upload feature allows Gems to reference up to 10 files, including documents, PDFs, and spreadsheets, serving as source material for more tailored responses. Google Docs and Sheets are recognized for their dynamic updates, ensuring Gems always reference the latest information.
The strategic expansion of shareable Gems aligns with Google's broader objective to integrate AI more deeply into everyday workflows, promoting both productivity and a more connected user experience. By making these powerful, personalized tools easily shareable, Google is not only democratizing advanced AI customization but also encouraging wider adoption and innovation within its ecosystem. This development transforms individual AI assistants into shared workspaces, potentially reshaping how groups of all sizes collaborate with artificial intelligence.