LONDON: OpenAI has begun rolling out its native image generation feature to free ChatGPT users, allowing them to create AI-generated images, including those in the Studio Ghibli style, which has gained significant popularity online.
While OpenAI has not officially announced the update, multiple free-tier ChatGPT users have reported being able to generate AI images without requiring a paid subscription.
This follows the company’s 26th March rollout of the feature for ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Team users.
Previously, image generation capabilities were restricted to paid users, forcing free users to explore alternative platforms such as xAI’s Grok or Google’s Gemini.
However, these alternatives often fell short in terms of detail and accuracy compared to OpenAI’s image generation model.
The new rollout now allows free-tier users to experiment with AI-generated artwork, including the Ghibli-style visuals inspired by Japan’s renowned animation studio.
Social media users had previously demonstrated a strong interest in transforming real-life photos into anime-style creations, a trend that became widespread after the initial launch of OpenAI’s image generation tools.
How to create Ghibli-style AI images
Users can access the feature by visiting ChatGPT’s website or app and following a simple process.
They can upload an image by selecting the ‘+’ icon at the bottom left corner, enter a prompt such as “Ghiblify this” or “Turn this image into Ghibli style”, and receive an AI-generated anime-style version of their image. A download option is available for saving the final creation.
Daily image generation limit
Despite the expansion of the feature, OpenAI has limited free users to three image generations per day due to high demand.
CEO Sam Altman confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that OpenAI’s servers were struggling with an overwhelming number of requests, leading to restrictions for both free and paid users.
While OpenAI has not disclosed the exact limits for its paid subscribers, they reportedly have access to a higher number of daily generations compared to free users.
Significance of native image generation
Although ChatGPT had previously supported AI-generated images, this new rollout introduces “native image generation”, a feature that allows the chatbot to create and refine images directly within its system, rather than relying on external models such as DALL-E.
Unlike earlier versions, native image generation enables real-time modifications through conversational inputs, allowing users to refine and adjust images interactively.
OpenAI has also enhanced the chatbot’s ability to process 10-20 different objects within an image, leading to more controlled and consistent outputs.
The feature also integrates ChatGPT’s text-based knowledge with its image capabilities, making AI-generated content more coherent and responsive.
While competitors such as Gemini had introduced native image generation earlier, OpenAI’s model has gained greater traction among users due to its higher image quality and enhanced interactivity.
