Sam Altman Says: ChatGPT Gained 1 Million Users in 60 Minutes After Launching its Image-Generation Feature

OpenAI has once again made headlines with the rapid growth of ChatGPT. CEO Sam Altman recently revealed that the AI chatbot gained 1 million new users in just 60 minutes after launching its latest image-generation feature. This milestone highlights the increasing demand for AI-powered creativity and the growing influence of artificial intelligence in digital content creation. ChatGPT’s Record-Breaking Growth Back in 2022, ChatGPT reached its first million users in five days, an achievement that seemed groundbreaking at the time. However, the new image-generation feature has shattered all previous records, attracting a massive wave of new users in just one hour. The sudden surge in demand was so intense that OpenAI’s servers struggled to keep up, prompting Altman to describe the situation as “biblical demand.” What’s New in ChatGPT’s Ghibli Image-Generation Feature? The biggest draw of the update is an advanced AI image-generation tool that can create stunning visuals based on user prompts. A key highlight is the ability to generate artwork in the style of renowned Japanese animator Hayao Miyazaki. This feature has excited many users, particularly fans of Studio Ghibli’s signature animation style seen in classics like My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away. However, the update has also sparked controversy. Miyazaki has long been a vocal critic of artificial intelligence, calling AI-generated art “an insult to life itself.” His stance, along with concerns from other artists, has reignited debates about the ethical implications of AI using artistic styles without direct consent. Overwhelming Demand Causes Temporary Rollback The initial rollout of the image-generation feature was intended for all users, regardless of subscription level. However, due to overwhelming traffic, OpenAI had to temporarily restrict access. Altman even took to social media, humorously asking users to “chill on generating images” so the team could manage the influx of requests. The AI Boom and Its Impact on the Industry The explosive growth of ChatGPT showcases the increasing demand for AI-driven creative tools. Businesses, content creators, and everyday users are leveraging AI to generate images, write content and automate tasks. However, as AI continues to evolve, companies like OpenAI face growing scrutiny over ethical concerns, copyright issues and the responsible use of AI technology. What’s Next for OpenAI? Given the success of this latest update, OpenAI is likely to refine and expand its image-generation capabilities. Future improvements may include: The rise of AI-driven creativity is reshaping industries, and OpenAI remains at the forefront of this transformation. As AI tools become more powerful and accessible, they will continue to spark both excitement and debate across the tech and creative communities. Our GPUs are melting: OpenAI’s Sam Altman after GPT-4o brings Ghibli-style creations to life OpenAI’s GPT-4o has taken the internet by storm, generating Studio Ghibli-style images, but this surge in demand has caused a strain on the company’s GPUs, with CEO Sam Altman humorously saying in X Post that they are “melting.” As a result, OpenAI has had to introduce rate limits on image generation to manage system performance.  While users are thrilled by the new feature, it has sparked debates on copyright, with Studio Ghibli expressing concerns, though legally, they face challenges in stopping OpenAI. Additionally, the high energy consumption of AI image generation raises sustainability issues. Final Thoughts ChatGPT’s ability to attract 1 million users in just one hour proves that AI adoption is accelerating at an unprecedented pace. While AI-generated content offers exciting possibilities, it also raises important ethical questions about intellectual property and artistic integrity. As OpenAI navigates these challenges, one thing is clear—AI is here to stay, and it’s changing the way we create and interact with digital content. FAQs 1. What is ChatGPT’s new image-generation feature? ChatGPT’s new image-generation feature allows users to create images from text prompts. One of the highlights is generating artwork in the style of Hayao Miyazaki’s animation, as seen in Studio Ghibli films. 2. Why did ChatGPT gain 1 million users in just 60 minutes? The rapid user growth was due to the excitement surrounding the new image-generation tool, allowing users to generate unique artwork in real-time, which created a lot of buzz. 3. What happened when the user demand exceeded expectations? Due to overwhelming demand, OpenAI temporarily restricted access to the feature. CEO Sam Altman even jokingly asked users to “chill” while the team handled the surge. 4. Is the image-generation feature available to all users? Initially, the feature was available to all users, but due to the high number of signups, OpenAI had to limit access temporarily until the demand could be managed.5. What are the ethical concerns around AI-generated art? AI-generated art has raised concerns, especially among artists like Hayao Miyazaki, who view it as a threat to artistic integrity, as it uses existing styles without permission or compensation.