How to create Ghibli images without paying for ChatGPT plus

The internet is buzzing with an exciting new trend and has made users go crazy online with AI-generated images in the iconic Studio Ghibli style. This trend went viral online when users began posting ‘ghiblified’ images of themselves and other iconic scenes from movies, memes, and posters of prominent personalities using ChatGPT's latest update. OpenAI’s image generator, which is a part of the ChatGPT-4.0 release, allows users to change ordinary photos into magical, hand-drawn images reminiscent of Hayao Miyazaki’s anime masterpieces, like Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle.

While many people are appreciating and following this new feature and having fun turning their photos into Japanese anime-style portraits, not everyone is a fan. Some argue that these AI-generated images are disrespectful to Miyazaki’s creative genius, calling them a poor imitation of his distinctive style. However, the trend continues to go viral, with more and more users joining in on the fun.

Currently, OpenAI’s Ghibli-style image generator is only available to ChatGPT Plus users, who pay a monthly subscription. But there’s good news for free users as there are other tools available online that can be used to create Ghibli images of oneself, without the need for a subscription. This new feature is giving people the chance to experience the magic of Studio Ghibli in a whole new way.

To start creating your Ghibli-style image, the first step is to pick the right tool. ChatGPT-4.0 has a fantastic new image-generating feature, but it’s available only to Plus users. If you’re a free user, don’t worry!

You can still ‘ghiblify’ your images with xAI’s Grok chatbot and other tools available online, which let you create the same without the subscription. These tools are a great choice for changing your ordinary photos into Ghibli-inspired ones. Once you’ve chosen the right tool, all you need is to upload a photo or describe what you want to create, and the AI does the rest.

Access Grok 3: First, make sure you have access to Grok 3 through a compatible platform. Grok 3 is available through xAI’s chatbot, which doesn’t require a paid subscription like ChatGPT Plus.

Use a detailed prompt: To get the best result, describe the image in detail. For example, one could say, "A Ghibli-style portrait of Sachin Tendulkar with Virat Kohli at Lords." make sure that the more specific your prompt is, the better the AI can interpret what you require.
Create ‘Ghiblified’ images of yourself: Some AI platforms, including Grok 3, allow users to upload their own photos for conversion into Ghibli-style art.

Generate the image: Once your prompt is set and you've uploaded any necessary images, submit the request and prompt it to ‘Ghiblify’ your images. Wait for Grok 3 to process the image and generate your Ghibli-inspired artwork.​

However, ChatGPT has yet not rolled out any official statement to access the to creating Ghibly images for free but some users have tried creating it for free and results were good without any glitches.
Open the latest version of ChatGPT: Ensure you’re using the most up-to-date version of ChatGPT, as the image generation feature is available in newer releases.


Tap the three-dot icon: On the prompt bar, click on the three-dot icon, which opens additional options.


Select the "image" option: After clicking the three dots, you will see the "Image" option, which is available next to "Canvas." Select this option to proceed with generating images
, you can also choose to upload your image using the upload media option.

​
Enter a text prompt: In the prompt box, describe the image you want the AI to create. For example, “A Ghibli-style portrait of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump shaking hands in front of the Taj Mahal.”For the ones who have uploaded their images can prompt it to ‘Ghiblify’ their images.

​
Generate the Image: After entering your prompt, click the generate button. Wait for the AI to process and create the Ghibli-style image based on your description

Log into ChatGPT Plus: Make sure you’re signed into your ChatGPT Plus account, which gives you access to advanced features, including image generation.


Open the latest version of ChatGPT: Check that you have the most up-to-date version, as image creation is part of the newer updates.


Tap the three-dot icon: On the prompt bar, click the three-dot icon to open extra options.


Select "Image" and enter a prompt: After tapping the three dots, select the "Image" option, then enter a detailed text description of what you want. For example, you can describe, “A Ghibli-style portrait of a cat wearing a scarf and sitting by a window with raindrops.” You can also upload your own images using the upload media option. And ask ChatGPT to ‘Ghiblify’ your photo.


Generate the image: After entering your prompt, click on the generate button to create the image. ChatGPT will use its AI capabilities to process your description and generate the artwork in the distinctive Ghibli style.


Refine and enhance : If you want to make some changes or enhance the photo, you can tweak the prompt or make additional requests for betterment, such as adjusting the lighting or background details.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also shared his Ghibli-inspired illustrations, which were posted on the government's MyGov website. "Main character? No. He's the whole storyline. Experience through New India in Studio Ghibli strokes," the post read.

While Ghibli AI trend has made users run into a frenzy online, where people are posting there valuable moments in ghibli format. But certainly, ther ehave been instances where OpenAI's ghibli studio is giving recklessly wrong responses by misinterpreting uploaded images and is giving a wrong and completely unexpected outcome.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman shared the news on X, acknowledging the immense popularity of the feature, “it's super fun seeing people love images in chatgpt. but our GPUs are melting.” Due to overwhelming demand, OpenAI plans to introduce temporary rate limits to manage the load and optimize performance. Altman assured users that the restrictions would not last long, stating, “hopefully won't be long! chatgpt free tier will get 3 generations per day soon.”

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently made a playful yet revealing request, asking users to ease up on generating Ghibli-style images with ChatGPT. In a lighthearted plea, he remarked, “Let my team sleep, please,” highlighting the overwhelming demand as users push the AI’s creative limits.

Credit: X

A Ghibli portrait encompasses the true essence of Studio Ghibli's iconic animation style. For those who do not know, Studio Ghibli is an esteemed Japanese animation studio known for movies like Spirited Away, My Neighbour Totoro, and Howl's Moving Castle. Their distinctive hand-drawn art is easily recognizable, characterized by soft, muted colors, playful characters, and scenes that look straight out of a story book!

AI-generated Ghibli-style edits, designed to turn ordinary photos into artistic masterpieces, have taken a spooky twist as users report mysterious figures appearing in their images—people who weren’t in the original photos. Social media is flooded with eerie examples, with some calling AI a “ghost detector.” A makeup artist and a travel vlogger were among those who spotted unexplained additions in their AI-generated images. While some believe it’s a glitch or an AI misfire, others are left wondering if there’s something more mysterious at play.

So, what makes the Ghibli style so captivating? And why is it popping up everywhere online? The answer lies with Hayao Miyazaki, the genius behind Studio Ghibli's stunning films. His unique animation style, which inspires these portraits, has had a huge impact on both traditional animation and today’s AI-driven digital art.

Image credit: X

The sudden explosion in demand for AI-generated Ghibli art left OpenAI's team working overtime to keep up. In a tweet that surprised many, Altman humorously but firmly asked the public to take a step back: “Can y'all please chill on generating images this is insane our team needs sleep.” While the request was lighthearted, it was also a rare acknowledgment of the human side of AI development. Behind every AI tool, there’s a team that’s putting in the hours to make it work– and they need time to rest.
The message also served as a reminder that, while AI technology is rapidly advancing, the people behind it are still human. Even the most cutting-edge tools need maintenance, care, and– sometimes– a little bit of time off.