ChatGPT has witnessed an unprecedented surge in usage following with the launch of its new image-generation feature.
This feature has captivated millions of users, especially with its ability to create artistic images inspired by Studio Ghibli films.
Data reveals over 700 million images created by 130 million users within a single week, according to OpenAI executive Brad Lightcap, marking one of the platform’s most explosive growth phases to date.
The tool’s ability to mimic the visual style of classics like *Spirited Away* and *My Neighbor Totoro* drove weekly active users past 150 million for the first time this year.
CEO Sam Altman noted the platform gained one million new users in just one hour – a stark contrast to the five days needed to reach the same milestone during ChatGPT’s initial launch two years ago.
India emerged as the fastest-growing market, while premium app downloads rose 6% week-over-week per SensorTower.
However, the viral success strained server capacity, forcing OpenAI to temporarily delay planned updates and grapple with sporadic service disruptions.
On the legal front, the tool reignited debates about intellectual property rights. While copyright law typically protects specific artworks rather than artistic styles, experts like attorney Evan Brown highlight lingering uncertainties.
The trend also resurfaced 2016 remarks from Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki, who condemned AI-generated art as “utterly disgusting.”
OpenAI is now racing to bolster its infrastructure amid sustained demand. Observers predict ongoing ethical and legal debates about AI’s role in creative industries will intensify in coming months.
