Why Everyone Wants AI-Generated Images?

Ever tried to generate an AI image with ChatGPT, only to be hit with a “rate limit” message?

Or worse, no response at all?

Then you should read this.

Lately, AI image generation has been all the rage. From creating stunning Ghibli-style images to solving picture-based problems, the demand for OpenAI’s new ChatGPT image tool has skyrocketed. But with great popularity comes great system overload.

Even OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, admitted, “Our GPUs are melting.”

So what’s going on? Why is ChatGPT limiting access to AI-generated images? And most importantly, how can you try them out?

What’s New with ChatGPT’s AI Image Generator?

If you’re wondering, “Is DALL-E on ChatGPT now?” the answer is yes, but it just got a major upgrade. OpenAI recently introduced GPT-4o, a more advanced model that generates and edits images directly in ChatGPT. It can handle text-to-image generation, modify existing images, and even work on details like background and text rendering.

So why is this update a big deal? Because it makes creating AI images easier, faster, and more realistic, which, of course, means everyone wants in.

Why is ChatGPT Limiting Image Generation?

Remember that time you tried to binge-watch Netflix during peak hours, and it kept buffering? That’s kind of what’s happening with ChatGPT’s AI image generator. The demand is way higher than expected. So high that OpenAI had to put a limit on how many images people could generate.

Even free-tier users, who were initially promised some image-generation features, are now facing delays. As Altman put it, “Rollout to our free tier is unfortunately going to be delayed for a while.”

So, if you’re thinking, is GPT-4o image generation free? The short answer is, not yet. Right now, only paid users (Plus and Pro subscribers) have access to ChatGPT’s upgraded image generator.

Can Free Users Still Generate AI Images in ChatGPT?

The answer is yes, but with limits. OpenAI plans to let free users generate up to three images per day shortly. Until then, you can either:

1. Wait it out; free access will return soon.

2. Use alternative AI image generators like Bing Image Creator, Leonardo AI, or Deep Dream.

3. Subscribe to ChatGPT Plus ($20/month) for full access.

If you’re specifically looking to create a Ghibli-style image in ChatGPT, you might need to wait or explore third-party AI art tools. But the good news? Once the feature is fully available, the results are expected to be even better than before.

What Makes GPT-4o Different?

This isn’t just a slightly better version of the old DALL-E. Here’s what sets GPT-4o apart:

• Better Text Rendering: It can now generate text in images that look like readable words (finally!).

• Improved Detail & Accuracy: Faces, landscapes, and complex elements are now more realistic.

• Image Editing & Inpainting: You can modify existing images or fill in missing details.

• More Efficient Processing: Despite the GPU overload, OpenAI is working on optimizing efficiency.

The Bigger Picture: Why Image Generation Is So Popular

AI-generated images aren’t just a fun experiment. They’re transforming creative industries, marketing, and even problem-solving with images (like using ChatGPT as a picture solver). The ability to generate visuals instantly means businesses can design faster, content creators can visualize ideas better, and AI-driven art can push creative boundaries.

However, OpenAI isn’t the only player in the game. Google recently launched its Gemini 2.0 Flash, which offers native image output (though with some controversy). And Microsoft continues to improve Bing’s AI image capabilities.

With the competition heating up, OpenAI is likely to scale up its AI image generator and ChatGPT picture answer features soon.

Should You Wait or Upgrade?

If you’re dying to try the ChatGPT image generator for free, patience is key. OpenAI is working on increasing capacity, so free users will get access. Just not right away.

But if you need AI image generation now (whether for fun, business, or content creation), upgrading to ChatGPT Plus might be worth it. With the demand this high, paid users will likely get priority access and fewer restrictions moving forward.

People Also Ask

Can ChatGPT generate images?
Yes! ChatGPT now has built-in AI image generation powered by GPT-4o, but access is currently limited to paid users.

Is GPT-4o image generation free?
Not yet. Free users will eventually get three images per day, but for now, image generation is exclusive to Plus and Pro subscribers.

Is DALL-E on ChatGPT?
Yes! But it has been replaced by the more advanced GPT-4o, which offers better details, text rendering, and editing options.

Can GPT-4 show images?
Yes! GPT-4o can now generate, modify, and edit images directly inside ChatGPT.