ChatGPT's New Feature Drives 1M User Sign-Ups In 60 Minutes

On March 31, OpenAI's ChatGPT witnessed an extraordinary surge in user registrations, with one million new users joining the platform within a mere 60 minutes. This unprecedented growth was catalyzed by the introduction of a new image-generation feature that mimics the unique artistic style of the renowned Japanese animation studio, Studio Ghibli. The feature, which enables users to effortlessly generate Ghibli-style visuals, swiftly gained viral status, captivating users globally and inundating social media with images inspired by the studio's iconic hand-drawn aesthetic.

The sudden influx of users placed considerable strain on OpenAI's servers, temporarily restricting access to the feature. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman acknowledged the overwhelming demand, noting that the company's GPUs were "melting" under the pressure. This surge in user activity marked a significant achievement for ChatGPT, surpassing the platform's previous record of adding one million users in five days following its initial launch over two years ago.

The viral trend has also sparked discussions about potential copyright infringements, as the AI tool's ability to replicate Studio Ghibli's distinctive style has ignited debate within the legal community. Copyright law generally protects specific expressions rather than artistic styles themselves, leaving the legal landscape of AI-generated images in a state of uncertainty. OpenAI has yet to address the data used to train its AI models or the legality surrounding its latest feature.

The extensive use of the AI tool for creating Ghibli-style art has also drawn attention from Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki, who previously expressed his disapproval of AI-generated images. In 2016, Miyazaki stated that he was "utterly disgusted" by the technology and would never wish to incorporate it into his work. The resurfacing of his comments has added to the ongoing debate surrounding the ethical and legal implications of AI-generated art.

The launch of the image-generation feature has not only driven user sign-ups but also underscored the rising popularity of AI-driven tools in the creative industry. As more users flock to ChatGPT to explore its new capabilities, the platform continues to expand the horizons of what is achievable with AI technology. The rapid adoption of the image-generation feature serves as evidence of the potential of AI in transforming the way we create and consume art, while also raising crucial questions about the ethical and legal considerations that accompany it.