4 min read
A wave of AI-generated Studio Ghibli-style images has flooded social media, turning timelines into vibrant, hand-drawn dreamscapes reminiscent of Spirited Away and My Neighbor Totoro. This viral trend emerged following OpenAI’s recent update to its GPT-4o model, which introduced a powerful new image generation feature.
The Rise of AI Ghibli Art
With the release of GPT-4o’s native image generation tool, users have been experimenting with anime-inspired aesthetics, transforming everyday photos into whimsical, storybook-like illustrations. This feature, available to ChatGPT Plus, Team, and Pro users, allows for precise artistic rendering, making it easier than ever to create custom AI-generated artwork.
OpenAI explained the technology behind this update, stating, “GPT-4o image generation excels at accurately rendering text, precisely following prompts, and leveraging 4o’s inherent knowledge base and chat context—including transforming uploaded images or using them as visual inspiration.” This level of customization has propelled the trend, as users can tweak colors, lighting, and fine details with a simple text prompt.
How to Create Ghibli-Style AI Art in ChatGPT
For those eager to jump into the trend, creating a Ghibli-style image with GPT-4o is simple:
- Open the latest version of ChatGPT.
- Click on the three-dot icon in the prompt bar.
- Select the “Image” option.
- Describe your desired image using a detailed prompt (e.g., “A magical town at sunset with warm pastel colors and soft, watercolor brushstrokes in Ghibli style”).
- Download and share your artwork on social media.
Sam Altman Joins the Trend
Even OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, couldn’t resist participating in the viral phenomenon. He changed his X profile picture to a Ghibli-style version of himself and humorously commented:
“Be me. Grind for a decade trying to help make superintelligence to cure cancer or whatever… wake up one day to hundreds of messages: ‘look I made you into a twink Ghibli style haha.’”
>be me
>grind for a decade trying to help make superintelligence to cure cancer or whatever
>mostly no one cares for first 7.5 years, then for 2.5 years everyone hates you for everything
>wake up one day to hundreds of messages: “look i made you into a twink ghibli style haha”— Sam Altman (@sama) March 26, 2025
His tweet quickly gained traction, with users responding by generating even more AI-powered versions of celebrities and internet personalities.
Social Media Reactions and Viral Creations
Hashtags like #GhibliStyle and #AIGhibli have exploded on platforms like Instagram, X, and Reddit. Users have been sharing AI-crafted renditions of their pets, selfies, and even reimagined historical figures. Some notable posts include:
HeyBarsee posted“It’s been 24 hours since OpenAI unexpectedly shook the AI image world with 4o image generation. Here are the 14 most mind-blowing examples so far (100% AI-generated).”
It’s been 24 hours since OpenAI unexpectedly shook the AI image world with 4o image generation.
Here are the 14 most mindblowing examples so far (100% AI-generated):
1. Studio ghibli style memespic.twitter.com/E38mBnPnQh
— Barsee 🐶 (@heyBarsee) March 26, 2025
Xprunie shared: “Iconic tech pics – Studio Ghibli edition.”
iconic tech pics – studio ghibli edition 🧵 pic.twitter.com/P4p5bd4pxo
— arun (@xprunie) March 26, 2025
Minakshi Singh surprised fans with: “Nobody asked for Bollywood movie scenes in Ghibli style — but here they are.”
Nobody asked for Bollywood movie scenes in Ghibli style — but here they are…… pic.twitter.com/lq0VykHBbD
— Minakshi Singh (@Minakshisingh47) March 27, 2025
Alternatives to ChatGPT for Ghibli Art
While GPT-4o’s image generator is leading the trend, other AI tools also offer similar capabilities. Free platforms like Craiyon, Playground AI, and Deep AI provide users with Ghibli-style image creation, though with less precision than OpenAI’s latest model.
Additionally, Elon Musk’s Grok AI has entered the competition, offering users the ability to generate anime-style illustrations. Grok’s tool allows for near-accurate transformations of existing photos into Ghibli-inspired art, though user experiences vary in comparison to GPT-4o’s level of detail.
Unlike previous AI image tools like DALL-E, which relied on external sources, GPT-4o generates images using its internal knowledge and real-time text interpretation. OpenAI notes that while this approach results in richer and more customized outputs, it may take slightly longer to generate highly detailed images.
As AI art continues to evolve, the Ghibli-style trend marks a significant shift in how people interact with generative models—not just as tools, but as creative companions. Whether for fun, nostalgia, or artistic experimentation, GPT-4o’s AI-generated artwork has undoubtedly made an indelible mark on internet culture, one brushstroke at a time.
