ChatGPT’s Studio Ghibli trend overloads GPUs: OpenAI introduces rate limits

The internet is obsessed with all things Studio Ghibli, and ChatGPT’s latest image-generation feature is proving just how deep that love goes. With its anime-inspired Ghibli filter, social media has erupted with stunning, dreamy visuals straight out of a Hayao Miyazaki film. But all that viral excitement comes with a price—OpenAI’s servers are struggling to keep up.

Sam Altman, OpenAI’s CEO, recently took to social media to warn users that the company’s GPUs are being pushed to their limits. With millions of users generating their own Ghibli-style masterpieces, the demand has skyrocketed, causing significant strain on the system. As a result, OpenAI has had to implement temporary rate limits to keep everything running smoothly.

So what does this mean for users? If you’re on the free tier, you’ll still be able to generate images, but only three times per day. While it may feel like a bit of a slowdown, this limitation is meant to ensure that the experience remains enjoyable for everyone. After all, even a little magic needs time to recharge.

The sudden surge in popularity highlights the growing interest in AI-generated art and the nostalgia that Ghibli’s aesthetic brings. Fans have been sharing breathtaking reimaginings of everything from modern cities to personal portraits in the classic, hand-drawn style that made Ghibli famous. It’s a testament to both the enduring legacy of traditional animation and the power of AI to bring artistic visions to life.

For now, users will have to pace themselves—but let’s be honest, a little patience is a small price to pay for a touch of Ghibli magic.