OpenAI Expands Image Generation Tool to All Users

OpenAI has made its image generation tool, powered by its GPT-4o model, available to all users, CEO Sam Altman announced in a post on X. Previously, this feature was limited to paying ChatGPT subscribers.

chatgpt image gen now rolled out to all free users!

— Sam Altman (@sama) April 1, 2025

While the exact limit for free-tier users remains unclear, Altman previously mentioned a cap of three images per day.

High Demand and Controversies

The tool gained immense popularity upon launch, with Altman stating that the demand was so overwhelming that OpenAI’s GPUs were “melting.”

Read Also: OpenAI Delays Free Access to Image Features

However, the feature also attracted scrutiny for several reasons:

• Copyright Concerns: Users quickly started generating images in the style of Japanese animation firm Studio Ghibli, raising questions about copyright and the dataset used for training.
• Misuse for Fake Receipts: Some users exploited the tool to generate fake receipts, including restaurant bills. OpenAI reassured that all images contain metadata indicating their ChatGPT origin and that the company takes action against guideline violations.

Major Funding and Growing User Base

In a separate announcement, OpenAI revealed that it has secured $40 billion in funding, led by SoftBank, at a staggering $300 billion valuation.

Additionally, the company reported significant user growth, with:

• 500 million weekly active users
• 700 million monthly active users

These milestones highlight OpenAI’s continued expansion and dominance in the AI landscape.