### ChatGPT's Ghibli Image Feature Sparks Unprecedented User Growth and Legal Concerns The recent rollout of ChatGPT's new image generation feature, which allows users to create artwork in the iconic style of Studio Ghibli, has led to a remarkable surge in app downloads and user engagement. In just one week, global downloads increased by **11%**, and weekly active users rose by **5%**, while in-app purchase revenue saw a **6%** uptick [https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-14561373/chatgpt-millions-download-ai-ghibli-style-art-feature.html]. This phenomenon, dubbed the "Ghibli effect," has not only captivated users worldwide but also raised significant legal questions regarding the implications of AI-generated images that closely mimic established artistic styles [https://indianexpress.com/article/technology/artificial-intelligence/ghibli-effect-chatgpt-usage-hits-record-after-rollout-of-viral-feature-9919402]. ### Breakdown of the Ghibli Effect and Its Implications 1. **User Engagement Surge**: - ChatGPT's daily active users reached **1.25 million**, a significant increase from **1.03 million** just weeks prior [https://www.bizzbuzz.news/technology/daily-chatgpt-users-rise-to-125-mn-on-popular-ghibli-style-ai-images-1357185]. - The app experienced a record of **one million new users** in a single hour following the feature's launch [https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/we-added-one-million-users-in-the-last-hour-sam-altman-reveals-as-ghibli-trend-breaks-the-internet-101743468612702.html]. 2. **Resource Strain on OpenAI**: - The overwhelming demand for Ghibli-style images has strained OpenAI's resources, prompting CEO Sam Altman to request a boost in GPU capacity to manage the increased traffic [https://www.indiatvnews.com/technology/news/chatgpt-s-ghibli-image-demand-strains-openai-s-resources-sam-altman-warns-of-delays-asks-for-gpu-boost-2025-04-02-983444]. - Users have reported slower processing speeds and temporary limitations on the feature due to server overload [https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/ghibli-effect-chatgpt-usage-hits-record-after-rollout-viral-feature-2025-04-01]. 3. **Legal and Ethical Considerations**: - The ability to generate images in the Ghibli style has sparked discussions about copyright and the ethical implications of AI mimicking established artistic styles [https://www.theverge.com/news/640359/chat-gpt-4o-image-generator-ghibli-free-users]. - Concerns have been raised by fans of Studio Ghibli regarding the potential dilution of the studio's unique artistic identity [https://www.theweek.com/tech/chatgpt-studio-ghibli-filter-controversy]. ### Supporting Data and Metrics - **User Growth Metrics**: - **Weekly Active Users**: Increased by **5%** from the previous week. - **Daily Active Users**: Reached **1.25 million** as of last Thursday, up from **1.03 million** on March 10 [https://www.bizzbuzz.news/technology/daily-chatgpt-users-rise-to-125-mn-on-popular-ghibli-style-ai-images-1357185]. - **New Users in One Hour**: **1 million** new users joined immediately after the feature became available to free accounts [https://www.hindustantimes.com/trending/we-added-one-million-users-in-the-last-hour-sam-altman-reveals-as-ghibli-trend-breaks-the-internet-101743468612702.html]. ### Conclusion: The Ghibli Effect and Its Future Implications The launch of ChatGPT's Ghibli-style image generation feature has led to **unprecedented user engagement**, with significant implications for both OpenAI and the broader artistic community. 1. **Record User Growth**: The app has seen a surge in daily active users, reaching **1.25 million**. 2. **Resource Challenges**: OpenAI is facing operational challenges due to the high demand for the new feature. 3. **Legal Concerns**: The trend raises important questions about copyright and the ethical use of AI in art. As the Ghibli effect continues to unfold, it will be crucial for OpenAI to navigate these challenges while fostering creativity and innovation in the AI space [https://www.hindustantimes.com/world-news/after-success-of-studio-ghibli-photos-sam-altman-teases-version-2-101743566845674.html].