A new update to ChatGPT has taken the internet by storm, allowing users to turn their photos into stunning Studio Ghibli-style artwork. OpenAI’s latest image generation tool in the GPT-4o model enables subscribers to upload pictures and receive beautifully stylized animations with just a simple prompt.
Social media is buzzing with users sharing AI-generated Ghibli versions of their childhood photos, pets, and even famous pop culture moments. OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, joined the trend by updating his profile picture to a Ghibli-style AI image, further fueling the craze.
To create your own Ghibli artwork, the process is straightforward:
- Log into ChatGPT and select the GPT-4o model.
- Upload your image of choice.
- Enter a prompt like “Turn this into a Studio Ghibli-style animation.”
- Download and share your AI-generated masterpiece.
Studio Ghibli, founded by Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata in 1985, is known for its breathtaking animation and deep storytelling. Films like Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro have captured hearts worldwide with their enchanting visuals and emotional depth. This AI-powered feature blends nostalgia with cutting-edge technology, giving fans a chance to see themselves in the magical world of Ghibli.
The trend became a hot topic as soon as OpenAI opened the gates to GPT-4o, which allows users to upload their photos and turn them into Studio Ghibli animation style. Users across social media platforms are sharing their creations, and by the looks of it, people are obsessed with them. Not only normal users but even popular names like OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar, Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Airbus’s official X handle, the world’s richest man and business tycoon Elon Musk, and even the world’s most popular leader, PM of India Shri Narendra Modi, are joining the trend.
On March 26, 2025, Vivek Choudhary shared Bollywood movie scenes in Ghibli style on Twitter, generating excitement among users. "Nobody asked for Bollywood movie scenes in Ghibli style — but here they are," he tweeted, showcasing the versatility of this new feature. Other users chimed in with their own creations, expressing their delight at the results. One user commented, "I’m still blown away… it took my kids' book I did a few years ago and now I can make my main character in any position, wearing, doing, whatever I can imagine."
Free users of ChatGPT are now turning their photos into Ghibli-style masterpieces. Previously, this native image generation feature was reserved for ChatGPT Plus, Pro, and Team subscribers until March 2, 2025. However, the recent update has opened the floodgates, allowing everyone to partake in this artistic venture.
For those looking to create their own Ghibli masterpieces for free, the process is simple:
- Fire up ChatGPT: Open up the ChatGPT website or app.
- Upload your image: Tap the ‘+’ sign at the bottom left to upload your image.
- Tell ChatGPT what you want: Type in "Ghiblify this" or "turn this image into a Studio Ghibli theme".
- Download your art: Once ChatGPT works its wizardry, you’ll get your Ghibli-style image.
The Ghibli trend has penetrated all corners of social media, with fans now making portraits of celebrities and their families. For instance, a Ghibli studio-style image of actor Ranbir Kapoor with his daughter Raha has emerged on social media, capturing hearts. A fan account generated this adorable Ghibli-style photo of the actor and his daughter, which has gone viral since March 27, 2025.
Additionally, Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha have also hopped on the Ghibli trend. On March 29, 2025, the AAP leader shared a Ghibli photo from his wedding with the actress in September 2023, captioning the post, "We’ve been bitten by the Ghibli bug too! #GhibliStyle". The trend has led to an influx of Ghibli-style images flooding platforms like X and Instagram, showcasing the creativity of users.
However, the rapid growth of this trend has raised concerns regarding copyright violations. Hayao Miyazaki, a co-founder of Studio Ghibli, has been a vocal critic of AI-driven creativity. In 2016, he expressed his disgust at AI-generated animation, stating, "I am utterly disgusted. I would never wish to incorporate this technology into my work at all. I strongly feel that this is an insult to life itself." These sentiments echo the ongoing debate about the role of AI in the creative arts.
OpenAI has acknowledged the overwhelming response to the Ghibli art feature, with Altman noting, "It’s super fun seeing people love images in ChatGPT. But our GPUs are melting. We are going to temporarily introduce some rate limits while we work on making it more efficient. Hopefully it won’t be long! ChatGPT’s free tier will get three generations per day soon." This statement highlights the strain on OpenAI’s resources as users flock to create their own Ghibli images.
Despite the challenges and controversies, the Ghibli art trend continues to thrive, with users eagerly sharing their creations and engaging in this new form of artistic expression. The excitement surrounding this feature and its ability to blend nostalgia with modern technology has captivated audiences worldwide.
As this trend evolves, it remains to be seen how it will impact the animation industry and the livelihoods of artists. For now, the Ghibli art phenomenon is a testament to the intersection of technology and creativity, inviting everyone to partake in the magic of Studio Ghibli.
