OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has announced temporary restrictions on ChatGPT’s new image-generation feature due to an overwhelming surge in usage, which is straining the company’s servers.
Altman took to the social media platform X to share the update, saying, “It’s super fun seeing people love images in ChatGPT, but our GPUs are melting.”
To address the issue, OpenAI will implement rate limits while working on making the system more efficient.
“Hopefully won’t be long! ChatGPT free tier will get 3 generations per day soon,” Altman confirmed.
Massive adoption of ChatGPT’s image feature
OpenAI recently integrated image generation directly into ChatGPT using its GPT-4o model, eliminating the need for users to rely on DALL·E through separate platforms. The feature, launched on February 25, is available across Free, Plus, Pro, and Team subscription tiers.
In a press release, OpenAI described this as a significant advancement in AI-powered communication. The new image-generation capabilities allow users to create detailed visuals, including text-based graphics, diagrams, infographics, and customized digital art.
Altman, while acknowledging the feature’s creative potential, also noted on X that it could be used to produce content that some may find offensive.
Enhanced capabilities and viral adoption
GPT-4o’s image generation boasts advanced functionalities such as multi-turn generation, text rendering, and instruction-following for greater creative control. OpenAI highlighted its effectiveness in producing clear text in images, refining visuals through conversation, and generating context-aware illustrations.
Since its launch, the feature has gone viral, with users widely sharing AI-generated anime-style portraits and other creative works. Even Altman updated his X profile picture to an image created using the tool.
Temporary limits to ease server load
With the unexpected demand putting pressure on OpenAI’s computing infrastructure, the company has decided to limit free-tier users to three image generations per day. The restriction aims to balance accessibility while ensuring stable performance across all users.
This development builds on OpenAI’s history of pioneering AI-powered image generation, dating back to its DALL-E model in 2021 and its subsequent integration into ChatGPT in 2023.
