OpenAI’s ChatGPT has set a new record, gaining one million users within just an hour of launching its free Ghibli-style image generation feature. The announcement came from OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, who described the unprecedented surge in activity as one of the fastest adoption rates the platform has seen.

Powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4o model, the Ghibli-style image generator allows users to create stunning visuals inspired by Studio Ghibli’s signature animation style. Initially available only to paid subscribers, the feature was made accessible to free users on March 29. Since then, social media has been flooded with anime-inspired artworks as users eagerly transform their photos into whimsical, nostalgic creations.

Sharing the milestone on X (formerly Twitter), Altman remarked, “The ChatGPT launch 26 months ago was one of the craziest viral moments I’d ever seen, and we added one million users in five days. We added one million users in the last hour.” Due to overwhelming demand, OpenAI has introduced limitations for free users, allowing only three image generations per day, while paid subscribers enjoy more flexibility.

The success of the Ghibli-style image generator underscores the growing popularity of AI-driven creative tools. However, the influx of users has also put pressure on OpenAI’s servers, prompting Altman to urge users to “chill on generating images.” As AI-powered artistry continues to evolve, ChatGPT’s latest feature is proving to be a game-changer in digital creativity.