Introduction
The recent introduction of a Ghibli-style image generation feature in
ChatGPT has led to an unprecedented increase in user engagement, with weekly active users surpassing 150 million for the first time this year. This surge has also raised questions about potential copyright implications.
Viral Trend and User Engagement
Users worldwide have embraced the new feature, creating and sharing images inspired by the distinctive hand-drawn style of Studio Ghibli, renowned for films like "Spirited Away" and "My Neighbor Totoro." This trend has significantly boosted ChatGPT's popularity, with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman noting the addition of one million users in a single hour. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/ghibli-effect-chatgpt-usage-hits-record-after-rollout-viral-feature-2025-04-01/?utm_source=openai))
Impact on App Metrics
The rollout of advanced image generation capabilities in the GPT-4o model has led to:
- An 11% increase in global app downloads
- A 5% rise in weekly active users
- A 6% growth in in-app purchase revenue
These figures highlight the feature's substantial impact on user engagement and monetization. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/ghibli-effect-chatgpt-usage-hits-record-after-rollout-viral-feature-2025-04-01/?utm_source=openai))
Server Strain and Temporary Limitations
The overwhelming demand for Ghibli-style image generation has strained OpenAI's servers, leading to temporary usage limitations. Altman acknowledged the situation, commenting on the intense GPU usage resulting from the feature's popularity. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/ghibli-effect-chatgpt-usage-hits-record-after-rollout-viral-feature-2025-04-01/?utm_source=openai))
Legal Considerations
The widespread use of AI-generated images mimicking Studio Ghibli's style has sparked discussions about potential copyright violations. Current laws protect specific expressions rather than artistic styles, creating a complex legal landscape for AI-generated content. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/ghibli-effect-chatgpt-usage-hits-record-after-rollout-viral-feature-2025-04-01/?utm_source=openai))
Conclusion
The introduction of Ghibli-style image generation in ChatGPT has not only captivated users but also set new records for user engagement. However, it has also brought to light challenges related to server capacity and copyright considerations, underscoring the complexities of integrating advanced AI features into widely used platforms.
