
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has announced a major update for ChatGPT users, making the AI image generation tool "Ghibli" accessible to non-subscribers. Altman shared the news through a post on X (formerly Twitter), stating:
chatgpt image gen now rolled out to all free users!
— Sam Altman (@sama) April 1, 2025
"ChatGPT image generation is now available to free users."
Previously, this feature was exclusive to GPT-4o users, but OpenAI has now extended access to everyone, including those without a subscription. This decision comes in response to high demand across social media platforms, where users had been calling for broader access to AI-powered image generation.
ChatGPT’s Rapid Growth with "Ghibli Studio"
Reflecting on ChatGPT’s journey, Altman highlighted that when it was first launched 26 months ago, it went viral, attracting 1 million users within just five days. However, the newly introduced "Ghibli Studio" has taken that virality to new heights—helping ChatGPT gain 1 million users in just one hour. While OpenAI has not disclosed the current total number of ChatGPT users, the rapid adoption of this new feature suggests continued growth.
Seamless AI Image Generation with GPT-4o
The "Ghibli" image generation feature was introduced last week as part of GPT-4o. With this update, users can now upload text and photos directly within ChatGPT and generate AI-powered images without the need for any external tools.
This move is expected to further enhance ChatGPT’s accessibility and solidify OpenAI’s position as a leader in AI-driven creativity and innovation.