AI Chatbot Landscape: GPTs, Claude Projects, Gemini Gems
You can now build custom AI chatbots without writing any code. Several major AI platforms offer builder tools that let you create specialized assistants in minutes. This lesson introduces the three main options and helps you understand which one fits your needs.
What Is a Custom AI Chatbot?
A custom AI chatbot is a specialized version of an AI assistant configured for a specific purpose. Instead of talking to a general-purpose AI, your users interact with a focused tool that:
- Follows your rules: Responds in a specific tone, format, or style
- Knows your content: References documents, guides, or data you provide
- Stays on topic: Handles a defined set of tasks rather than everything
- Starts conversations helpfully: Offers pre-built prompts or suggestions
Think of it as giving an AI assistant a job description, training materials, and workplace policies—all without touching any code.
The Three Major Platforms
Custom GPTs (OpenAI / ChatGPT)
Custom GPTs are personalized versions of ChatGPT. They were the first mainstream no-code chatbot builder and remain the most popular option.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Platform | ChatGPT (chat.openai.com) |
| Requirement | ChatGPT Plus ($20/month), Team, or Enterprise |
| Builder | GPT Builder with Create and Configure modes |
| Knowledge files | Up to 20 files per GPT |
| Sharing | Private, link-shared, or public via GPT Store |
| Strengths | Largest user base, GPT Store for distribution, web browsing and DALL-E integration |
Claude Projects (Anthropic)
Claude Projects let you create focused workspaces with custom instructions and knowledge files. They function as persistent, specialized Claude instances.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Platform | Claude (claude.ai) |
| Requirement | Claude Pro ($20/month), Team, or Enterprise |
| Builder | Project settings panel |
| Knowledge files | Up to 200K tokens of project knowledge |
| Sharing | Team sharing (Team/Enterprise plans) |
| Strengths | Large context window, strong reasoning, excellent for long documents |
Gemini Gems (Google)
Gemini Gems are Google's custom AI chatbot builder, integrated with the Google ecosystem.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Platform | Gemini (gemini.google.com) |
| Requirement | Gemini Advanced ($20/month) |
| Builder | Gem creation interface |
| Knowledge files | Upload documents for context |
| Sharing | Shareable via link |
| Strengths | Google Workspace integration, access to Google Search grounding |
Quick Comparison
| Capability | Custom GPTs | Claude Projects | Gemini Gems |
|---|---|---|---|
| No-code builder | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Custom instructions | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| File uploads | Up to 20 files | Up to 200K tokens | Yes |
| Web browsing | Yes | No (uses knowledge only) | Yes (Google Search) |
| Image generation | Yes (DALL-E) | No | Yes (Imagen) |
| Public sharing | GPT Store | Team only | Link sharing |
| Best for | Wide distribution | Deep analysis, long docs | Google Workspace users |
Which Platform Should You Choose?
Choose Custom GPTs if you:
- Want to share your chatbot with a wide audience
- Need image generation or web browsing built in
- Want to publish on the GPT Store
- Already have a ChatGPT Plus subscription
Choose Claude Projects if you:
- Work with long documents or complex information
- Need strong analytical and reasoning abilities
- Want to collaborate with a team
- Value thoughtful, nuanced responses
Choose Gemini Gems if you:
- Are deeply embedded in the Google ecosystem
- Want Google Search grounding for up-to-date information
- Use Google Workspace for your business
- Want quick integration with Google tools
Real-World Chatbot Examples
Here are practical chatbots people build on these platforms:
- Customer FAQ Bot: Answers common questions about your product or service
- Onboarding Assistant: Guides new employees through company policies
- Study Buddy: Helps students review material for a specific subject
- Content Style Guide: Ensures writing matches your brand voice
- Meeting Prep Assistant: Summarizes background materials before meetings
- Recipe Helper: Suggests meals based on dietary needs and available ingredients
What You Will Build in This Course
By the end of this course, you will:
- Plan a chatbot with a clear purpose and conversation design
- Build it on Custom GPTs and Claude Projects (hands-on)
- Add knowledge files so your chatbot can reference your content
- Publish and share your chatbot with others
- Learn how to test and improve it over time
Requirements
To follow along with the hands-on lessons, you will need at least one of the following:
- ChatGPT Plus ($20/month) for Custom GPTs
- Claude Pro ($20/month) for Claude Projects
- Gemini Advanced ($20/month) for Gemini Gems
Having access to two platforms is ideal so you can compare, but one is enough to complete the course.
Key Takeaway
Building an AI chatbot no longer requires programming skills. Custom GPTs, Claude Projects, and Gemini Gems each offer no-code tools to create specialized assistants. The best choice depends on your use case, audience, and the ecosystem you already use. In the next lesson, we will plan exactly what your chatbot should do before building it.