ChatGPT Outage Hits Million Users Amid Studio Ghibli Image Craze, OpenAI Responds
ChatGPT faced a global outage on Sunday as millions of users overwhelmed OpenAI’s platform with requests to create Studio Ghibli-style images, sparking a viral sensation on social media. The sudden surge in demand led to widespread errors, prompting CEO Sam Altman to urge users to ease up as the company’s servers struggled to cope.
The outage struck as users flocked to ChatGPT’s latest feature, powered by the GPT-4o model, which transforms images into the iconic hand-drawn animation style of Studio Ghibli. From celebrities to Indian politicians, people worldwide shared their dreamy, Ghibli-inspired avatars, driving hashtags like #Ghiblified and #GhibliArt to trend across X, Instagram, and TikTok.
Reports from DownDetector showed at least 294 complaints about service disruptions, with 53% linked directly to ChatGPT’s functionality.
OpenAI acknowledged the issue in a statement, saying, “We’re currently experiencing issues.” The company pinpointed the web platform as the affected component, with API services also impacted. Within 30 minutes, OpenAI restored full functionality, confirming that all services had recovered.
CEO Sam Altman took to X to address the chaos, writing, “Can yall please chill on generating images this is insane our team needs sleep.” He later described the demand as “biblical,” adding, “I have never seen anything like it.”
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The frenzy began with the release of ChatGPT’s advanced image generator, integrated into the GPT-4o update. This tool allows users to upload images and convert them into Studio Ghibli’s signature soft, dreamlike aesthetic, popularized by Oscar-winning films like Spirited Away. Access is simple—users click the three dots in ChatGPT’s prompt bar to open the Image and Canvas options.
The feature’s precision and photorealistic output have captivated users, turning everyday photos into animation-style masterpieces overnight.
Altman revealed that the massive influx of image requests had pushed OpenAI’s infrastructure to its limits, with GPUs “melting” under the load. “We just haven’t been able to catch up since launch,” he said, noting that teams were working tirelessly to maintain service.
To manage the strain, OpenAI announced temporary limits, capping free users at three image generations per day while promising to enhance system efficiency soon.
The Ghibli craze has transcended borders, with politicians, influencers, and brands joining regular users in showcasing their AI-generated art. Indian leaders have shared animated avatars, adding a local twist to the global phenomenon. The trend’s reach highlights ChatGPT’s growing influence in creative digital spaces.
On social media, the hashtag #GhibliArt has become a hub for stunning visuals, from reimagined selfies to iconic pop culture moments.
With services now restored, OpenAI is focused on optimizing its platform to handle such surges in the future. The company has not detailed when full access will resume for free users, but Altman’s updates suggest a swift resolution is in the works.
As the Studio Ghibli trend continues to dominate online conversations, attention remains on how OpenAI balances innovation with infrastructure demands in the evolving AI landscape.
