OpenAI Expands Image Generator Access to All Free ChatGPT Users Amid High Demand and Funding Boost

OpenAI has made its advanced image-generation tool available to all ChatGPT users, including those on the free tier, expanding its reach beyond the previous paywall. CEO Sam Altman announced the rollout via a post on X (formerly Twitter), with hints at a daily cap of three images per free-tier user. This follows the tool’s initial popularity, especially among those creating images inspired by Studio Ghibli’s distinct art style. While the exact limits for free users remain unclear, the move is part of OpenAI’s broader strategy to make its technologies accessible to a wider audience.

The new image-generation tool has garnered massive demand since its release, prompting Altman to joke about the heavy load on the company’s GPUs. OpenAI has touted the tool’s capabilities, especially its precision in rendering text and following detailed prompts. The integration of GPT-4o allows the generator to create images based on uploaded files or visual inspiration, making it easier for users to generate images that align with their specific visions. This has positioned the tool as a powerful resource for users seeking to communicate visually with a high degree of accuracy.

However, the tool has raised concerns about potential misuse. Critics have questioned whether OpenAI’s training data includes copyrighted material, such as Studio Ghibli’s artwork, while others have reported the tool being used to fabricate fake documents like restaurant receipts. OpenAI has responded by ensuring that all AI-generated images contain metadata that links them to ChatGPT, and the company is actively working to enforce its usage policies to prevent abuses of the technology.

In addition to the image tool expansion, OpenAI has secured a massive $40 billion in funding, raising its valuation to $300 billion, positioning it alongside major tech companies like ByteDance and SpaceX. The investment round, led by Japan’s SoftBank and supported by firms like Microsoft, will help OpenAI advance its AI research and computing infrastructure. Notably, SoftBank’s investment is contingent on OpenAI restructuring into a for-profit entity, which would allow for unlimited profit distribution to investors, a move that has sparked debate regarding the company’s future structure.

Source: Reuters