TLDR
- Overwhelmed by the traction of ChatGPT’s fresh image tool, OpenAI has initiated steps to prevent server strain through rate limits.
- In light of the explosive popularity, CEO Sam Altman humorously noted the infrastructure stress with 'our GPUs are melting' regarding Studio Ghibli-esque AI visuals.
- Those on the free plan face a restriction to create only three AI images per day.
- The surge of Studio Ghibli-styled creations has stirred debates on copyright, hinting at the signature style's unique nature.
- Legendary animator Hayao Miyazaki, from Studio Ghibli, has not minced words in the past, labeling AI-generated art as fundamentally disrespectful.
A sudden influx of Studio Ghibli-style image making led OpenAI to put temporary constraints on their new tool, after it overburdened the servers.
Sam Altman, the CEO, acknowledged the enjoyable chaos on Thursday via X (formerly Twitter), exclaiming, 'Observing the love for ChatGPT images is thrilling, albeit taxing for our GPUs.'
this was a real labor of love from @gabeeegoooh . congrats gabe; excellent work!
Here are the creations we produced during our recent live stream: pic.twitter.com/fmHWp4d9AF
— Sam Altman (@sama) March 25, 2025
Not long after launching the enhanced image generator included in the ChatGPT-4o model, OpenAI instituted the rate constraints.
Soon, users on the free tier will find themselves limited to crafting just three images each day, though Altman expressed hope that these limitations will be short-lived.
The craze erupted when fans began fashioning AI visuals echoing the Studio Ghibli style, famous for timeless films like 'Spirited Away'.
Social media became a gallery for these personal renditions, showcasing adapted scenes from beloved movies to political moments, all imagined in Ghibli's iconic format.
The widespread trend highlights both the immense capability and underlying challenges of AI-based image production.
The trend ingeniously reimagined viral memes, including the 'distracted boyfriend', 'bro explaining', and the infamous Ben Affleck smoking snapshot.
Joining the buzz, Elon Musk shared a quirky AI illustration combining Mufasa from Disney with a Shiba Inu.
Joining early, CEO Altman amusingly shared his own portrait interpreted in the Ghibli manner when the trend was emerging.
These rate controls are OpenAI’s strategy for balancing server demand: an essential measure when API use threatens to overwhelm the system capacity. OpenAI explains on its website.
A copyright debate erupted over the images, sparking questions on potential infringements concerning Studio Ghibli's unique visual identity.
A frequently circulated 2016 clip shows Miyazaki viewing AI art with distaste, considering it a grave insult.
Miyazaki, revered for his hand-drawn craft, commented feeling revolted by the trend, citing it as something he could never integrate into his creative process.
In response to the controversy, thousands signed a plea urging Christie’s to halt an AI art sale, highlighting concerns over intellectual property and human art.
Despite backlash, OpenAI’s expansion in AI realms remains undeterred, expecting a revenue surge to $12.7 billion this fiscal year.
Looking ahead, Altman hinted at upcoming releases of GPT-4.5 and GPT-5, anticipated to push the boundaries of AI proficiency.
Subscribers of ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Team plans currently have access to image generation, with broader availability coming for business and academic users.
OpenAI paved early roads with image creation technology, starting with DALL-E in 2021—initially stunning the world before merging into ChatGPT by 2023.
