OpenAI Implements Temporary Restrictions on ChatGPT’s Image Generation Feature Due to High Demand
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently announced that the overwhelming popularity of ChatGPT’s newly launched image-generation feature is causing significant strain on the company’s servers. Altman took to social media platform X to share that the surge in demand has led to increased server loads. “It’s super fun seeing people love images in ChatGPT, but our GPUs are melting,” he remarked.
To address these challenges, Altman stated that OpenAI will be enacting temporary rate limits to manage usage effectively while working on optimizing the system. He further mentioned, “We are going to temporarily introduce some rate limits while we work on making it more efficient. Hopefully, it won’t be long! ChatGPT’s free tier will soon allow 3 generations per day.”
The background of this situation stems from OpenAI’s recent integration of image generation directly into ChatGPT using the new GPT-4o framework. This upgrade, implemented on February 25, removed the necessity for users to access DALL·E through separate services, making image creation more accessible across Plus, Pro, Team, and Free subscription tiers.
In a recent press release, OpenAI heralded this integration as a pivotal advancement in weaving image generation into AI-driven communications. Altman stressed its importance, describing it on X as “an incredible technology/product,” and noted that while users would undoubtedly create impressive visuals, some might produce content that could be controversial.
The GPT-4o update enhances image generation capabilities, including improved text rendering, multi-turn generation, and better instruction-following for enhanced precision and creative flexibility. OpenAI indicated that the model excels in generating clear text within images, refining visuals interactively, and crafting contextually relevant illustrations for both educational and professional purposes.
Since its introduction, the feature has gained traction rapidly, with users across X and other social media sharing AI-generated anime-style transformations of their images. Notably, Altman updated his profile picture on X with an image created using this new functionality.
This latest move follows OpenAI’s prior achievements with its DALL-E model, which was among the first AI-based image generators launched in 2021. With the integration of image generation within ChatGPT in 2023, OpenAI continues to broaden its horizons.
In light of the imposed limitations, Altman confirmed that free-tier users will soon be restricted to generating only three images per day. This strategy aims to balance user access while effectively managing the substantial demand on OpenAI’s computational resources.
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