OpenAI’s image generator feature for ChatGPT has been nothing short of a hit. When it first launched on March 25, the new GPT-4o-powered tool was only available to paid users, including Plus and Pro subscribers.
But, as OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman revealed in a post on X, the demand for this tool was much higher than anticipated. “Images in ChatGPT are way more popular than we expected,” he said.
The crazy popularity of the feature overwhelmed OpenAI’s GPUs, leading to the decision to roll it out to all users — free and paid — just one week later. Now, every ChatGPT user can jump in and start generating images, no matter their subscription status.
The rise of Ghibli-style art
So, why is everyone talking about this new image generator? The hype is mostly about the trend of turning your photos into gorgeous Studio Ghibli-style portraits. These stunning anime-inspired images, with soft pastel colors and whimsical vibes, are flooding social media.
The creativity unleashed by this feature is unreal, and users are turning ordinary photos into magical works of art. But here’s the catch — free-tier users can only generate a limited number of images each day. So, if you’re hoping to create an entire collection of Ghibli-style portraits, you might have to pace yourself.
Why the wait? Here’s what you need to know
Since the image generator has exploded in popularity, don’t expect instant results. The creation process can take a few minutes per image, which might be slower than usual due to high demand.
But the wait has been totally worth it for many, especially after seeing how incredible these AI-generated artworks look. Altman also mentioned that the surge in popularity led to a huge influx of new users.
In fact, OpenAI gained one million new users in just one hour! This means there’s some serious excitement surrounding this feature, and more people are jumping in to try their hand at AI-generated art.
If you’re eager to make your Ghibli-style image stand out, be sure to use detailed prompts. Altman suggested incorporating words like “soft, warm lighting,” “watercolor tones,” and other creative details to enhance your results.
You can even add fun elements like “cherry blossoms gently falling” or “mystical forest spirits” to push the Ghibli aesthetic even further.
The bottom line? This new feature is just getting started, and the potential is huge. If you’re into transforming your photos into something out of a fantasy world, the ChatGPT image generator is the place to be. And with the free-tier access now available to everyone, the possibilities for creativity are endless.
