The internet’s latest obsession looks like it came straight out of a Studio Ghibli film! From celebrities to politicians, everyone wants to see themselves transformed into a Ghibli-style anime character. The trend has taken over social media so quickly that even OpenAI CEO Sam Altman jokingly pleaded with users to slow down—his team, after all, needs sleep!
But where did this viral sensation start? Meet Slatton, the man whose simple AI-generated Ghibli-style photo turned into a global phenomenon.
How the AI Ghibli Trend Took Over the Internet
Last week, OpenAI launched new image-generation tools, giving users more creative freedom with AI-powered art. That’s when Slatton decided to experiment with the tool, sharing an AI-generated Studio Ghibli-style portrait of his family and dog at the beach on X (formerly Twitter).
His caption:
“Tremendous alpha right now in sending your wife photos of y’all converted to Studio Ghibli anime.”
Within hours, the post went viral—amassing 42,000 likes and nearly 27 million views. Soon, social media was flooded with Ghibli-inspired edits, as users rushed to try the AI tool for themselves.
While Slatton wasn’t the first to use AI-generated Ghibli art, his viral post gave the trend its biggest boost, making it a worldwide sensation.
What Exactly Is Studio Ghibli Style?
A Ghibli portrait captures the signature aesthetic of Japan’s beloved Studio Ghibli. Known for classics like Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, and Howl’s Moving Castle, the studio’s animation is instantly recognizable.
Ghibli’s art style is defined by:
- Soft, warm colors
- Dreamy, hand-painted landscapes
- Expressive, lifelike characters
- A nostalgic, storybook feel
Thanks to AI, users can now recreate this enchanting style with just a few clicks.
AI Image Generators: The Technology Behind the Trend
AI-powered image generation isn’t new—various companies have offered AI art tools for years. However, the Ghibli trend exploded thanks to OpenAI’s latest update, which allows users to easily convert photos into anime-style portraits.
Initially, ChatGPT’s AI image tool was only available to paid users, but its accessibility has expanded, fueling its massive popularity. Meanwhile, xAI’s Grok 3 has also entered the AI art scene, with users testing its ability to generate Ghibli-style edits.
With millions of people joining in, the trend has become impossible to ignore. From selfies and family portraits to historical paintings, everything is getting the Ghibli treatment—and the internet can’t get enough!
Also Read: 9 Best Ghibli-Style AI Image Generators to Create Stunning Anime Art for Free!
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