Surge in Ghibli image requests causes ChatGPT disruptions

The outage followed OpenAI’s GPT-4o update, which enabled users to create Studio Ghibli-style illustrations, sparking a viral trend as millions shared AI-generated avatars across social media platforms like X, Instagram, and TikTok

OpenAI’s ChatGPT experienced a temporary outage on Sunday, March 30, as a surge in demand for its latest AI-powered image generation feature overwhelmed the platform. Users worldwide reported issues accessing ChatGPT’s web app and API services, with many attempting to create Studio Ghibli-style animated avatars, a trend that has taken social media by storm.

According to DownDetector, a website that tracks service disruptions, nearly 300 users reported problems, with 53% of complaints specifically related to ChatGPT. OpenAI quickly acknowledged the issue, stating, “We’re currently experiencing issues.” Within 30 minutes, the company confirmed that services were fully restored, attributing the downtime to an overload on its web platform.

The outage came just days after OpenAI enhanced its image generation capabilities through the GPT-4o update, allowing users to transform photos into illustrations inspired by the signature hand-drawn animation style of Studio Ghibli, a legendary Japanese animation studio founded by Hayao Miyazaki. The feature’s rapid rise in popularity has led to a flood of AI-generated Ghibli-style avatars, shared widely on social media platforms like X, Instagram, and TikTok. Notably, celebrities, influencers, and even politicians have joined in, further fuelling the viral trend.

OpenAI limits image generation amid surge

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealed that the platform’s GPUs were struggling to keep up with the unprecedented demand. To maintain stability, OpenAI has temporarily introduced limits on image generation, restricting free-tier users to a maximum of three images. “Can y’all please chill on generating images? This is insane, our team needs sleep,” Altman posted on X, reflecting the intensity of the demand.

In response to users questioning OpenAI’s ability to handle high traffic, Altman admitted that he had never witnessed such overwhelming interest in a feature before. “We just haven’t been able to catch up since launch. It’s biblical demand—I have never seen anything like it,” he remarked.