OpenAI Expands AI Image Generation to Free Users, Including Ghibli-Style Creations
OpenAI has started rolling out its AI image generation feature to free ChatGPT users, enabling them to create stunning AI-generated visuals including the widely popular Studio Ghibli-style artwork.
Although OpenAI has yet to make an official announcement, multiple free-tier ChatGPT users have reported gaining access to this feature, which was previously available only to ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Team subscribers since its March 26 rollout.
Free Users Can Now Generate AI Art
Until now, image generation was restricted to paid users, forcing free-tier users to rely on alternatives such as xAI’s Grok or Google’s Gemini—which often lacked the detail and accuracy of OpenAI’s model.
With this new expansion, free users can now experiment with AI-generated artwork, including Ghibli-style visuals inspired by the renowned Japanese animation studio. The trend of transforming real-life photos into anime-style images had already gained traction on social media, and OpenAI’s feature now makes it more accessible.
How to Create Ghibli-Style AI Images
Users can generate Ghibli-style images by following these simple steps:
- Open ChatGPT’s website or app.
- Click the ‘+’ icon at the bottom left corner to upload an image.
- Enter a prompt like “Ghiblify this” or “Turn this image into Ghibli style” to transform the uploaded image.
- Download the final AI-generated version.
Daily Image Generation Limits
Despite the expansion, OpenAI has limited free users to just 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 hasn’t disclosed the exact daily limit for paid subscribers, reports suggest that Plus, Pro, and Team users have access to a higher number of daily generations than free-tier users.
The Significance of Native Image Generation
While ChatGPT previously supported AI-generated images, this latest rollout introduces native image generation—a feature that enables the chatbot to create and refine images directly within its system rather than relying on external models like DALL-E.
Unlike earlier versions, native image generation allows for real-time modifications through conversational inputs, letting users adjust and refine images interactively.
Additionally, OpenAI has enhanced the chatbot’s ability to process 10-20 different objects within an image, making outputs more controlled and consistent. The integration of ChatGPT’s text-based knowledge with its image capabilities further enhances the coherence and accuracy of AI-generated content.
While Google’s Gemini introduced native image generation earlier, OpenAI’s model has gained wider traction due to its higher image quality and improved interactivity.