OpenAI has announced that ChatGPT users have generated over 700 million images in a single week following the rollout of its image generation feature to free-tier accounts. The unprecedented surge in activity highlights the explosive popularity of AI-driven creativity tools, particularly the ability to create Studio Ghibli-inspired visuals, which have captivated users worldwide.
The introduction of ChatGPT’s image generation tool has sparked a creative revolution, with users flocking to the platform to produce stunning visuals. The feature, powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4o model, allows users to generate images based on text prompts, including highly detailed scenes and artistic styles like Studio Ghibli’s iconic animation.
Brad Lightcap, OpenAI’s COO, described the first week as “very crazy,” revealing that over 130 million users engaged with the tool, creating an average of 100 million images daily. Social media platforms have been flooded with Ghibli-style creations, showcasing enchanting landscapes and whimsical characters inspired by the legendary animation studio.
India has emerged as OpenAI’s fastest-growing market for ChatGPT, contributing significantly to the surge in image generation activity. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman praised India’s creativity and rapid adoption of AI technologies, stating: “What’s happening with AI adoption in India right now is amazing to watch. We love to see the explosion of creativity, India is outpacing the world.” This growth underscores India’s increasing role as a global leader in AI usage and innovation, with millions of users embracing tools like ChatGPT for artistic expression and productivity enhancement.
While the feature has been a runaway success, it has also put immense pressure on OpenAI’s infrastructure. Altman revealed that the company’s GPUs were “melting” due to the sheer volume of requests, prompting temporary rate limits on image generation for free-tier users. Free accounts are now limited to generating three images per day as OpenAI works to optimise resources and expand capacity.
Altman humorously appealed to users for patience, tweeting: “Can y’all please chill on generating images? This is insane; our team needs sleep.” Despite these challenges, OpenAI remains committed to improving its infrastructure to meet rising demand.
Not everyone is thrilled about the rise of AI-generated art. Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki criticized the use of AI for creative purposes, calling it “an insult to life itself.” His comments highlight ongoing debates about the ethical implications of using AI in creative fields and whether it undermines traditional artistry. Despite these concerns, many argue that tools like ChatGPT democratize artistic expression by enabling non-artists to explore their creativity without formal training or expensive software.
The viral success of ChatGPT’s image generation feature marks a significant milestone in AI-driven creativity, showcasing how technology can inspire and empower users worldwide. With over 700 million images created in just one week, OpenAI has demonstrated the transformative potential of accessible AI tools in reshaping artistic expression and digital innovation.