OpenAI has finally made its impressive ChatGPT image generator, famous for its uncanny Studio Ghibli-esque creations, available to all free users. Initially launched on March 25th and powered by the GPT-4o model, the rollout to free users was briefly delayed due to unexpectedly high demand—CEO Sam Altman even joked about their GPUs ‘melting’ under the strain! The wait is over, though, as the feature is now accessible to everyone.
However, there’s a catch: free users have ‘limited access.’ While the exact limits weren’t specified by ChatGPT itself, Altman previously indicated a limit of three image generations per day. This aligns with my own experience before being prompted to upgrade to a paid tier. This limitation is likely a measure to manage server load after the tool’s initial viral success, which included adding a million users in a single hour.
This news comes hot on the heels of OpenAI’s massive $40 billion funding round, the largest ever for a private tech company, valuing the company at a staggering $300 billion. This substantial investment undoubtedly supports OpenAI’s ongoing development and expansion, including the accessibility of its powerful AI tools to a broader audience.
The ability to easily generate images reminiscent of Studio Ghibli’s iconic style is a significant development. It highlights the rapid advancement and accessibility of AI image generation technology. Whether you’re a professional artist looking for inspiration or a casual user wanting to create some fun, this free tool opens up a world of creative possibilities. The daily usage limit might be a minor inconvenience, but the overall availability of such a powerful and visually stunning tool is a significant win for the creative community and AI enthusiasts alike.
