OpenAI Restricts ChatGPT Image Generation Amid GPU Stress from Viral Ghibli Artwork Trend

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman addressed the resource strain caused by the viral Ghibli-style image trend on Thursday. In a post on X, Altman noted that the company’s “GPUs are melting” and announced temporary speed limits for native image generation.

“It’s super fun seeing people love images in ChatGPT, but our GPUs are melting,” Altman wrote. “We’ll temporarily introduce rate limits while working on efficiency. Hopefully, it won’t be long! Free tier users will get 3 generations per day soon.”

He also acknowledged that some image generations were being incorrectly refused, promising rapid resolution.

The Ghibli Image Trend Explained

OpenAI recently launched its native image generation feature, enabling users to create and edit nuanced images using ChatGPT. Social media users quickly embraced the tool, particularly by transforming personal photos into Studio Ghibli-style anime portraits. The trend became so popular that Altman even updated his X profile picture to a Ghibli-inspired style.

About Studio Ghibli
Founded in 1985 by Miyazaki Hayao, Takahata Isao, and Suzuki Toshio, Studio Ghibli is renowned for its exceptional hand-drawn animation and storytelling. The studio has produced iconic films like Spirited Away, Howl’s Moving Castle, and Princess Mononoke, celebrated for their dreamlike landscapes and deeply human narratives.

Availability of Image Generation Tool
Altman confirmed that the new image generation feature is rolling out to Plus, Pro, Team, and Free users, though free user access has been temporarily delayed.

GPT-4o Update
The CEO also announced an update to GPT-4o, describing the new version as “particularly good at coding, instruction following, and freedom.”

The article highlights OpenAI’s response to the unexpected computational demands of a creative user trend, showcasing the company’s adaptability and commitment to user experience.

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