OpenAI’s image-generation tool saw an unprecedented spike in user activity last week, setting new records for ChatGPT’s engagement. This surge is largely attributed to the viral trend of creating Ghibli-style AI art using ChatGPT’s GPT-4o model, which allows users to generate images that mimic the hand-drawn aesthetic of Studio Ghibli’s iconic animation style.
Studio Ghibli, founded by Hayao Miyazaki, is best known for films like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro. The trend quickly captured the imagination of fans and artists worldwide, leading to a massive uptick in ChatGPT’s usage.
Record-Breaking User Engagement
ChatGPT’s weekly active users reached 150 million in 2025, marking the first time since its launch in 2023. OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, reported an influx of one million new users within an hour, compared to the five-day spike in 2023. The AI tool’s image-generation capabilities increased demand, showcasing its impressive capabilities.
The impact on OpenAI was evident in more than just user numbers. SensorTower’s data showed significant increases in global app downloads, weekly active users, and in-app subscription revenue. Week-to-week growth in these categories surged by 11% for downloads, 5% for active users, and 6% for in-app purchases.
Technical Strain and Service Interruptions
However, this surge in popularity didn’t come without its challenges. OpenAI faced server strain, which led to temporary outages and performance issues. The chatbot experienced glitches, and access to the image-generation tool was intermittently limited.
In response, Altman assured users that OpenAI was addressing the issues but warned that delays in new releases, occasional slowdowns, and disruptions in service could continue while they dealt with capacity challenges.
Legal and Copyright Concerns in the AI Art Space
The widespread use of ChatGPT’s AI art tool to mimic the Studio Ghibli style has also raised legal questions. Copyright law typically protects specific creative works, not the broad artistic styles from which they are derived.
As more users generated Ghibli-esque art, questions emerged about whether this trend could potentially infringe on Studio Ghibli’s intellectual property rights.
Evan Brown, a partner at Neal & McDevitt, highlighted the unclear legal landscape surrounding AI-generated art, as copyright laws protect unique expressions rather than artistic styles. This uncertainty affects AI tools like ChatGPT, which can replicate distinctive visual styles.
As of now, OpenAI has not responded to requests for comment on the specifics of the training data used for its image-generation model or its legal stance on the matter.
The Future of AI Art: Balancing Innovation and Copyright
The Ghibli effect highlights the rapid growth of AI-generated art, impacting industries like entertainment and technology. ChatGPT’s viral success demonstrates its power, but also highlights legal uncertainties. As AI tools evolve, creators and users must consider copyright laws’ implications on AI-generated content.
In the coming months, it will be interesting to see how OpenAI addresses these challenges and whether the platform will introduce new measures to protect the intellectual property of artists while still offering users the ability to experiment with AI-generated artwork. As the popularity of AI art grows, so too will the need for clear legal frameworks to ensure fair use and respect for creative rights.
Conclusion
The Ghibli effect has proven that AI art is more than just a trend – it’s a global phenomenon that has captured the collective imagination of millions. As OpenAI’s ChatGPT continues to evolve and attract new users, it will likely face ongoing technical and legal challenges. Nevertheless, the future of AI-generated art looks incredibly promising, with even more opportunities for creativity and innovation on the horizon.
Follow TechMediaKraft for more such pieces of tech information.
