ChatGPT’s weekly active users are nearing one billion, driven by its updated image generation feature, particularly the creation of Ghibli-style images, according to OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.
Speaking at a TED event, Altman revealed that ChatGPT’s weekly active users have doubled in just a few weeks, attributing the rapid growth to the updated image generation feature. Curator Chris Anderson asked Altman about ChatGPT’s user numbers, to which Altman responded that the last reported figure was 500 million weekly actives and that it was growing very rapidly. Altman confirmed that user numbers had doubled in a short period, stating that it was okay to share this information publicly.
The significant growth in ChatGPT’s user base is a testament to the widespread adoption of the platform since its launch on November 30, 2022, as a free research preview based on the GPT-3.5 model. Around 10% of the world’s population, approximately 800 million people, use OpenAI’s systems, according to Altman. ChatGPT reached 100 million users in just two months, making it the fastest-growing computer application in history. For comparison, it took TikTok nine months and Instagram two and a half years to achieve the same user milestone.
By August 2024, ChatGPT’s weekly active user numbers had already reached 200 million. A significant factor in the recent surge in users was the March 25 update to ChatGPT’s image generator, which introduced improved image handling among other enhancements. This update led to a proliferation of images and videos created in various styles on social media, with the Studio Ghibli style being particularly popular. The trend became so widespread that it strained OpenAI’s GPU infrastructure, with Altman noting that the demand was “melting” their GPUs. The update attracted one million new ChatGPT users in a single hour, a testament to its appeal.
As reported by Appfigures, ChatGPT was the most downloaded app worldwide in March, excluding games, with 46 million new downloads, representing a 28% increase from February. The removal of some image generation safeguards, allowing for images of public figures and previously restricted elements, likely contributed to the surge in downloads. The increased capability to generate a wider range of images, including those depicting public figures, hateful symbols, and racial features, was seen as a factor in the increased downloads.
The growing use of generative AI has raised concerns about its impact on the job market and potential job displacement. Altman addressed these concerns by stating that while AI may change job roles, it will also increase capabilities and create new opportunities. He likened the advent of AI to previous technological revolutions, where new tools enabled people to achieve more. According to Altman, the expectation is that while certain job duties may be diminished or replaced, the overall capabilities of individuals will increase dramatically, allowing them to rise to new challenges.
