Openai’s ChatGPT has been overwhelmed by the virus trends of studio Ghibli-style images generated by AI, and is forced to implement usage restrictions on the company and delay the deployment of image generation capabilities to freelance users.
The user-driven surge in demand that transform profile photos, pets and even politicians into Gibli-inspired artwork creates a burden on the server, leading to temporary outages, appealing to CEO Sam Altman to “relax” users’ image generation, giving the team time to recover.
“Can we make it cold to produce images that require sleep?” Altman posted to X.
Cool to generate images. This is insane Our team needs sleep
– Sam Altman (@sama) March 30, 2025
Openai has introduced new policies that curtail the trends, including limiting free users to three generations per day and limiting the creation of Ghibli-style portraits from real images to address copyright concerns and infrastructure tensions.
Despite the limitations, this trend continues to attract users, with Altman acknowledging the “Bible” demand and pledging to optimize tools to improve performance.
This epidemic sparked debate over the role of AI in the creative industry. Some users report inaccuracy in generated images, such as gender swaps and addition of facial features, and are asking for the end of the trend.
Meanwhile, Openai has faced criticism from artists and creators over possible copyright infringement. The company is working to improve its policies and manage the overwhelming popularity of its image generation capabilities.
Creating Ghibli-style AI art has become a popular trend thanks to advances in AI tools such as ChatGpt, Grok 3, and Google Gemini. Here is a brief guide to generating these fascinating images:
Using chatgpt (gpt-4o)
Access to the Tools: Open ChatGPT via the website or app and log in to your account. Make sure you have access to image generation features available to premium users.
Upload or Description: Describes the scene to upload or create an existing image. For example, “generate Ghibli-style images of a gentle countryside with cherry blossoms.”.
Improvements and Downloads: Adjust the prompts or use the editing function to check and refine the output. If you’re satisfied, please download the image.
Using GROK 3
Access Grok: Open Grok 3 via the X app or website and go to the Chatbot interface.
Input Prompt: Enter a detailed prompt, such as “Create a Ghibli-style image of a cozy village under the moonlight.”.
Generate and Save: Review the generated artwork and save it for personal use or sharing.
Use Google Gemini
Open Gemini: Access Gemini AI via Google’s chatbot interface or mobile app.
Prompt provided by: Enter a detailed description, such as “Drawing a Ghibli-inspired forest with floating lanterns and calm lakes.”.
Customize and download: Adjust color and details using additional AI purification and download the final image.
Free alternatives
For those without premium access, tools like Craiyon, Artbreeder, and Deep Dream Generator offer free options for creating Ghibli style art. Upload images, explain the scene and let AI generate artwork.
These tools allow users to replicate the iconic studio Ghibli aesthetic with minimal effort, making it accessible to both enthusiasts and creators.
