LINE OpenChat vs LINE group: members, anonymity and joining compared
SocialContactApp · Fu Xin Co., Ltd. · Updated 2026-10-05
Many people mix up LINE OpenChats and LINE groups, but their member limits, member identity and joining methods are different. Pick the wrong one and running or promoting it gets harder later.
The differences in one table
| LINE OpenChat | LINE group | |
|---|---|---|
| Member limit | Up to 5,000 | About 500 |
| Member identity | A different nickname and picture in each OpenChat, not your main LINE profile | Your own LINE profile |
| How people join | Invite link, QR code, OpenChat search | Invitation by a member, QR code or link |
| Joining condition | Anyone, join password or admin approval | Anyone invited can join |
| Management | Admin and co-admins | No admin role |
| Best for | Interests, fans, courses, group buying: members who do not know each other | Family, friends, colleagues, small teams |
When to use an OpenChat and when a group
Choose an OpenChat when members do not know each other, there may be hundreds of them, or strangers should be able to find and join it. Choose a regular group when members know each other, the group is small and identities matter.
For business, OpenChats suit recruiting and fan communities; for one-to-one service and broadcast messages, add a LINE Official Account.
Can you convert one into the other?
No. They are different features and cannot be converted; create a new OpenChat or group and invite the members over.
Growing members works differently
An OpenChat can grow through its link, QR code and OpenChat search, and through member-adding services; a regular group mostly grows by members inviting each other.
SocialContactApp offers OpenChat services (20001, 20002, 20005, from USD 0.124 per member) and a regular-group service (20007, currently mainly for Taiwan, USD 0.124 per member, 50–490 per order). For OpenChat limits and growth methods see What is the LINE OpenChat member limit?
FAQ
Q: Is a LINE OpenChat anonymous?
In an OpenChat you can use a nickname and picture different from your main LINE account, and other members see your profile for that OpenChat; LINE OpenChat rules still apply.
Q: Can a LINE group have more than 500 members?
No, a regular group holds about 500; for more people use a LINE OpenChat (up to 5,000).
Q: Can an OpenChat be limited to certain people?
Yes, with a join password or admin approval.
Q: Which is better for business?
OpenChats suit recruiting customers, fans or course members; for one-to-one service and broadcasts, combine with a LINE Official Account.
Want more members in your OpenChat or group?
There are services for both OpenChats and regular groups; prices and quantities follow the service page.
See LINE services