Everyone can now use the ChatGPT 4o picture generator for free. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said on X on March 31 that the AI image generating tool had “now rolled out to all free users!”
Recently, the picture generator has generated a lot of excitement since users have been using it to create visuals that resemble Studio Ghibli animation. In a March 27 article, Altman claimed that ChatGPT’s servers “are melting” due to the haste with which users were using the picture generating tool.
Altman stated at the time that customers would only be able to create three photographs every day, but that image generation would be free. That cap won’t apply to users who pay $20 per month for a normal ChatGPT membership or $200 for a Pro subscription.
To make the lead image for this piece, I tested the tool. In less than five minutes, the ChatGPT software produced an image of a ChatGPT flying above New York after briefly struggling with a failed connection.
The weapons race in AI intensifies
OpenAI’s decision to use its image generator to expand ChatGPT’s user base is the most recent development in a fiercely competitive market for AI technology. Apple, Anthropic, Microsoft, and Google are among the many firms in the US, China, and other nations. A week ago, Google unveiled Gemini 2.5, its most recent AI model. An estimated 500 million people use ChatGPT every week, but other AI models are catching up.
AI models are increasingly being challenged to produce content, like images and videos, in addition to enhancing their task-handling and problem-solving capabilities. Additionally, ChatGPT has a function called Sora that allows users to produce films, but it is still limited to paying members.
Skeptics of AI turn into users
Serena Huang, an AI consultant and author of The Inclusion Equation with a doctorate in economics, said she has been considering the effects of the widespread use of image generators like OpenAI’s since she, too, was inundated with Ghibli images on social media recently.
“AI image generation is a powerful catalyst for enhanced productivity and innovation,” she stated to CNET. “It can expedite the process of creating content, allowing for the quick development of marketing collateral and possibly enabling more captivating communications.” All things considered, the enjoyable nature of AI aids in adoption and has the power to convert many AI doubters into users overnight.
However, Huang pointed out that people should be worried about the energy needed to carry out AI tasks, the copyright issues of AI-generated content, and the potential negative impact picture generation may have on the creative industries, including job losses.
Huang stated that she anticipates Microsoft Copilot and other businesses that provide basic picture production will probably step up their game. “I anticipate significant advancements as the competition for users intensifies,” she stated.