TECH – OpenAI’s latest image generation feature has rapidly become one of its most successful product launches, attracting significant user engagement and substantial funding. According to Brad Lightcap, OpenAI’s Chief Operating Officer, over 130 million users have produced more than 700 million images since the enhanced image generator was integrated into ChatGPT on March 25, 2025. Lightcap shared this information in a post on X, acknowledging users’ patience as the team works diligently to accommodate the surge in demand.
The image generator’s viral success is partly due to its ability to create realistic images in the style of Studio Ghibli, a feature that has captivated users worldwide. This surge in popularity has led to millions of new registrations for ChatGPT, placing considerable strain on OpenAI’s infrastructure. CEO Sam Altman noted that the overwhelming demand has caused temporary product delays and service degradation as the company strives to enhance its systems to meet user needs.
In addition to user growth, OpenAI has secured substantial funding, reportedly amounting to $40 billion, marking one of the largest investments in the company’s history. This financial boost is expected to support further development and scaling of OpenAI’s AI capabilities.
Read More: OpenAI Secures Historic $40 Billion Funding Round
However, the rapid adoption of the image generation feature has not been without controversy. Users have utilized the tool to create images mimicking the styles of renowned artists and studios, such as Studio Ghibli, raising concerns about copyright infringement and the ethical implications of AI-generated art. Critics argue that generating images in the distinctive styles of living artists without consent may violate intellectual property rights. In response, OpenAI has implemented restrictions on certain style requests and limited imitations of living artists to address these concerns.
Furthermore, the unprecedented demand has led to technical challenges, with OpenAI’s servers experiencing significant strain. The company is actively working to enhance its infrastructure to provide a seamless experience for users. Despite these hurdles, the success of the image generation feature underscores the growing interest in AI-driven creative tools and highlights OpenAI’s position at the forefront of this technological advancement.
