#GhibliGPT goes viral: Internet reacts as Ghibli style art draws 1 million users to OpenAI in one hour
OpenAI¡¯s free AI image generator saw a rapid surge, gaining 1 million users in an hour. A key factor was its ability to create Studio Ghibli-style images, which led to the viral #GhibliGPT trend. This surge marked one of the fastest growth spikes in AI history.
The internet loves a good surprise, and well, OpenAI delivered a big one. On March 29, OpenAI quietly rolled out its highly anticipated image generation feature to free-tier users.
Within a few minutes, social media was buzzing with AI-generated masterpieces.
On March 31st, CEO Sam Altman announced a staggering milestone: one million new users had joined ChatGPT. Altman said, ¡°The Chatgpt launch 26 months ago was one of the craziest viral moments i'd ever seen, and we added one million users in five days. We added one million users in the last hour.¡± sharing on X.
the chatgpt launch 26 months ago was one of the craziest viral moments i'd ever seen, and we added one million users in five days.
¡ª Sam Altman (@sama) March 31, 2025
we added one million users in the last hour.
This surge marked one of the fastest growth spikes in AI history. For comparison, when ChatGPT first launched, it took five days to reach the same number. But this time, it hit one million because of the free image feature.
What¡¯s new?
So, earlier the ChatGPT¡¯s image generation tool was available only to paid subscribers on the Plus, Pro, and Team plans. The feature quickly became a favorite, with users creating everything from futuristic cityscapes to whimsical fantasy characters.
Given its success, OpenAI decided to expand access, allowing free-tier users to join in.
chatgpt image gen now rolled out to all free users!
¡ª Sam Altman (@sama) April 1, 2025
The rollout began on March 29, and by April 1, the tool was available to all. The response was immediate and overwhelming. Within minutes, social media platforms were flooded with AI-generated artwork, as users experimented with the tool¡¯s capabilities. Anime lovers also embraced the feature, filling timelines with breathtaking Studio images.
Why is everyone obsessed?
One unexpected but delightful trend emerged immediately after the launch is the tool¡¯s ability to generate images in a style reminiscent of Studio Ghibli films.
Right from dreamy landscapes to expressive characters, users quickly realized they could bring their favorite anime aesthetics to life with just a few words.
ChatGPT delivered the best?#Ghibli #IndiaPost pic.twitter.com/bhSTJffUkV
¡ª India Post (@IndiaPostOffice) March 27, 2025
The hashtag #ghiblistyle started trending as people shared their ghibli styled images and which made the trend go viral.
Users react on social media
Users had mixed reactions to the rollout. ¡®I can finally create my dream Ghibli scenes without needing any art skills,¡¯ one user said on X. Another commented, ¡®It¡¯s fun, but the limits on free users make it frustrating.¡¯
Others debated the impact on artists, with one saying, ¡®This is exciting for creativity,¡¯ while another warned, ¡®AI-generated art could hurt real artists.¡¯
What are the limitations?
OpenAI has implemented a few restrictions so that they are able to manage demand and ensure accessibility. Free-tier users are limited to generating one in a few hours and three images in a day.
Those who want unlimited access will still need a paid subscription. But while there are limitations, the excitement still doesn¡¯t seem to be slowing down. Because, who knows what we will be creating next?
Kriti Shukla is a lifestyle journalist with over two years of experience, writing about celebrity fashion, beauty, and culture. She covers trends both on and off the red carpet, with a sharp editorial eye and a knack for spotting what¡¯s current. Based in Delhi, Kriti blends her love for glamour and culture with a deep understanding of the zeitgeist.
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