High Demand for Studio Ghibli-Style AI Images on Social Media

OpenAI has temporarily restricted ChatGPT’s image generation feature after a viral trend swept social media. The trend involved users creating stunning visuals inspired by the signature style of Japan’s famous Studio Ghibli. Indian influencers fueled the surge by posting over 5.3 million images in just one night. This led to unprecedented server overload, forcing OpenAI to introduce temporary usage limits.

OpenAI Faces Overload After Millions of Ghibli-Inspired Posts

The trend started as users experimented with ChatGPT’s image generation feature to produce Studio Ghibli’s animation style. What began as a fun experiment quickly spiralled out of control when influencers, especially from India, jumped on the trend. Within an overnight period, over 5.3 million Ghibli-style AI posts flooded social media platforms like Instagram and X.

The sudden spike in usage overwhelmed OpenAI’s servers, leading to slower performance. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman responded to the situation, acknowledging the platform’s struggles to manage the high demand. He posted on X, saying, “Our GPUs are melting,” while promising users that the team is working on optimising the system.

Temporary Rate Limits Introduced to Ease Pressure

OpenAI has temporarily limited image generation within ChatGPT in response to the overwhelming demand. Altman announced that these rate limits are necessary to stabilise server performance. ChatGPT Plus and free-tier users are currently facing restricted availability, with plans for gradual reintroduction.

Altman reassured users that free-tier access will soon return, allowing non-subscribers to generate three daily images. Although he didn’t specify an exact timeline, he emphasised that OpenAI prioritises system upgrades to meet the increased demand.

What Is Studio Ghibli Style? Everything You Need to Know

Studio Ghibli was founded in 1985 by renowned Japanese filmmakers Hayao Miyazaki, Isao Takahata, and producer Toshio Suzuki. A world-famous animation studio known for its hand-drawn, intricately detailed visuals and emotionally rich storytelling. “Ghibli” is derived from Italian, meaning a hot desert wind. The founders intended to bring a “new wind” to Japanese animation. Before AI trends mimicked its aesthetic, Studio Ghibli became a cultural powerhouse with films like Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and Princess Mononoke. People worldwide celebrated the style and trend for their themes of nature, humanity, and fantastical worlds.