The popular chatbot ChatGPT became a trending topic recently because of its ability to generate images in the style of Studio Ghibli illustrations, a feature that previously was limited to paid subscribers (ChatGPT Plus, ChatGPT Pro, and ChatGPT Team users).
However, OpenAI has now made it available to all the users—Yup, including those on the free plan! The announcement was made by OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, through a post on X (formerly Twitter). According to OpenAI’s official blog, free users can generate up to three images per day; Once they reach this limit, they are invited to upgrade to a paid plan for additional image generation.
The rise in interest was largely driven by the appeal of Studio Ghibli-inspired illustrations, influenced by the studio’s renowned films such as Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away, and My Neighbor Totoro. The ability to create artwork in this beloved style led to a surge in new users, with ChatGPT gaining over one million new users in just a single hour.
This feature quickly became a trending topic on social media, as users eagerly experimented with AI-generated illustrations—However, the excitement was accompanied by discussions about the potential consequences for artists. Many raised concerns that AI-generated art could devalue the work of human illustrators and impact the creative industry.
Despite these debates, ChatGPT continues to expand its user base at a rapid pace—According to OpenAI, the chatbot now has over 500 million weekly active users. The decision to make image generation available to everyone further cements ChatGPT’s role as a widely used AI tool, blending accessibility with advanced creative capabilities.
As AI-generated art becomes more common, discussions about its ethical and professional implications are likely to continue.
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