The internet has been engulfed in an AI-driven artistic wave, as OpenAI’s latest image generation tool, powered by GPT-4o, has sparked a massive Ghibli-inspired trend. So overwhelming has the response been that OpenAI CEO Sam Altman had to personally urge users to slow down, as the surge in demand caused a strain on the company's servers, leading to noticeable slowdowns in service.
The viral trend has seen social media flooded with dreamy, Studio Ghibli-style AI-generated images, with users reimagining everything from pop culture icons to their own portraits in the distinct, painterly aesthetic of the legendary Japanese animation studio. The sheer volume of image requests reached unprecedented levels, forcing OpenAI to impose temporary rate limits to prevent further overload.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Altman addressed the frenzy with a mix of humor and exasperation, writing, "Can y'all please chill on generating images? This is insane. Our team needs sleep." When a user suggested that he should fire his team for failing to handle the demand, Altman defended his colleagues, stating, "No thanks. In addition to building AGI (Artificial General Intelligence), this team is on a trajectory to build the biggest website in the world from a cold start 2.33 years ago. The best team in the world. It’s just hard."
Another user criticized OpenAI for potentially "nerfing" (weakening) the model, implying that limiting its capabilities would drive people away. Altman, however, reassured users, saying, "We are going to do the opposite of nerfing it, but still, please chill out a bit."
Earlier this week, Altman acknowledged the issue, explaining that the server load had become unsustainable. "It's super fun seeing people love images in ChatGPT. But our GPUs are melting. We are going to temporarily introduce some rate limits while we work on making it more efficient. Hopefully, it won't be long," he tweeted.
The ongoing craze highlights the enduring global fascination with Studio Ghibli’s signature style. The beloved Japanese animation studio, co-founded by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, has captivated audiences for decades with films like Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and Howl’s Moving Castle. Known for its meticulous hand-drawn animation, breathtaking landscapes, and whimsical storytelling, the studio has inspired generations of artists and animators.
Now, AI has made it possible for anyone to transform their favorite characters, celebrities, or even themselves into Ghibli-esque artwork with just a few clicks. The ease and accessibility of this technology have fueled its virality, with users eager to see themselves transported into Miyazaki’s dreamlike worlds.
While OpenAI works on stabilizing its servers and optimizing its image generation capabilities, the Ghibli trend shows no signs of slowing down. The fascination with AI-generated art continues to grow, raising new discussions about the future of creativity, artistic ownership, and the role of technology in shaping visual culture.
