Since the release of OpenAI’s GPT-4o update, social media platforms such as Meta’s Instagram and Elon Musk’s X have seen a surge in Ghibli-inspired images. The term ‘Ghibli’ originates from a Libyan Arabic word for a hot desert wind, and this trend has captivated users by transforming popular memes and photos into anime-style visuals.
Central to this phenomenon are images produced by ChatGPT’s advanced AI image generator, which emulates the distinctive art style of Studio Ghibli. This feature allows users to create artwork simply by entering text prompts, enabling them to upload photos and receive unique images in mere seconds.
Currently, access to this capability is limited to ChatGPT Plus, Pro, Team, and select subscription tiers, with OpenAI CEO Sam Altman noting that the rollout for free users has been postponed due to high demand. Since its introduction, users have been experimenting with AI-generated representations of family, friends, and even celebrities.
Unlike previous AI models that utilized tools like DALL-E, GPT-4o can produce highly detailed images with minimal input, allowing users to specify colors, aspect ratios, and even transparent backgrounds, although generating these high-quality images may take up to a minute. To create Ghibli-style images, users should open the latest version of ChatGPT, click on the three-dot icon on the prompt bar to access additional options, select the ‘Image’ option, and provide a descriptive text prompt.
After the AI generates the image, it can be downloaded and shared on social media. Studio Ghibli, renowned for classics such as ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ and ‘Princess Mononoke’, is celebrated for its unique artistic style characterized by soft pastel tones, intricate details, and emotionally resonant storytelling, which users are now recreating through AI.
