OpenAI has introduced limitations on the number of requests users can make in its ChatGPT chatbot following a viral trend that transformed nearly everything into AI-generated art reminiscent of the famous Japanese animation studio, Studio Ghibli. This decision, announced by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, comes as the platform grapples with overwhelming demand and infrastructure strain.
On March 28, 2025, Altman shared on his X page that while he finds it delightful to witness the creativity of users engaging with ChatGPT, the surge in requests necessitated some restrictions. "It's very nice to see how people have come to love images in ChatGPT, but our graphics processors are melting. We are temporarily introducing some restrictions on the number of requests while we work on increasing efficiency," he stated.
Altman's announcement follows his own participation in the trend, having published a portrait generated by the model just days earlier on March 25. However, he quickly recognized the impact this had on the company's infrastructure. "In addition, we are disabling some requests for generation that should be allowed; we are fixing these problems as quickly as we can," he added, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by the company.
The viral trend began when OpenAI launched an updated image generation feature in ChatGPT-4, allowing users to create artwork in the beloved style of Studio Ghibli, known for classics like "Spirited Away" and "My Neighbor Totoro." This feature sparked a flurry of posts across social media platforms, as users shared their creations, many of which drew direct inspiration from iconic Ghibli scenes.
Notably, Altman is not alone in this trend. Prominent figures, including Elon Musk, CEO of X and Tesla, joined in by sharing their own AI-generated images. Musk’s contribution featured a scene reminiscent of Disney's "The Lion King" with him holding a Shiba Inu dog. David Sacks, a White House advisor on artificial intelligence and cryptocurrencies, also participated, applying the Studio Ghibli art style to his own image at a public event.
Despite the fun and engagement the trend has generated, OpenAI's decision to impose these limitations is rooted in technical necessity. According to the company, sudden spikes in API requests can overload servers, leading to performance issues. By implementing restrictions, OpenAI aims to maintain a stable and high-quality service for all users.
Bloomberg reported on March 26 that OpenAI anticipates tripling its revenue this year to $12.7 billion, a projection that underscores the company's rapid growth and the increasing demand for its services. Altman previously indicated on February 12 that OpenAI plans to release new versions of its AI models, GPT-4.5 and GPT-5, in the near future, which could further enhance user capabilities.
As a result of these changes, the free version of ChatGPT will soon allow users to generate three images per day, a move intended to balance user engagement with infrastructure capacity. Altman expressed hope that the limitations would not last long, stating, "I hope this lasts for a short time!"
In summary, OpenAI's introduction of request limitations in ChatGPT is a direct response to the overwhelming popularity of its new image generation feature, which has captivated users with its ability to create art in the style of Studio Ghibli. As the company works to enhance its infrastructure and efficiency, it remains committed to fostering creativity while ensuring a stable experience for all users.
