It seems like there’s no stopping AI when it comes to generating content (and kicking off social media trends that go viral). But the latest AI trend is not about written content, it’s all to do with image creation. So what do marketers need to know?

AI-Generated Images Are Going Viral - What Should Marketers Know?

ai-generated-image-trend-what-should-marketers-know

[[p]]It seems like there&rsquo;s no stopping AI when it comes to generating content (and kicking off [[a href="https://digitalmarketinginstitute.com/blog/social-media-marketing-trends" target="_blank"]]social media trends[[/a]] that go viral).&nbsp;[[/p]]

[[p]]But the latest AI trend is not about written content! It&rsquo;s all to do with image creation &ndash; namely the [[a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5yg690e9eno" target="_blank"]]AI-generated action doll figures[[/a]] and the Studio Ghibli-inspired images that you can&rsquo;t have missed on social.&nbsp;[[/p]]

[[p]]But while there&#39;s enormous scope for marketers who want to create striking images for their promotional assets using [[a href="https://digitalmarketinginstitute.com/resources/toolkits/chatgpt-prompt-guide-for-your-digital-marketing-plan" target="_blank"]]prompts on an AI tool like ChatGPT[[/a]], are there downsides to these developments?[[/p]]

[[p]]In this blog, we&#39;ll explore the generative AI trends to create imagery and the impact they are having on the digital marketing landscape.[[/p]]

[[p]]Since the launch of ChatGPT, generative AI adoption amongst marketers has soared. Based on the success of its paid AI software, OpenAI is projected to hit around $12.7 billion in revenue this year, and surpass $29.4 billion in 2026, according to Bloomberg.[[/p]]

[[p]]The arrival of the GPT-4o model in March 2025 brought with it advanced generative image generative capabilities.[[/p]]

[[p]]This latest update allows users to create realistic images, diagrams, and logos from basic prompts, while handling up to 20 separate objects in a single image. Users have even been sharing their ChatGPT image prompts and swapping notes with others across social media.[[/p]]

[[p]]As a result, ChatGPT experienced a sharp surge in image-related usage, putting a huge strain on the platform. According to Similarweb, the platform reached a milestone of 150 million weekly users as people flocked to jump on the latest trends.[[/p]]

[[p]]Indeed, ChatGPT generated so many images that OpenAI&rsquo;s Sam Altman felt the need to step in and ask people to take it easy![[/p]]

Sam Altman's post on X regarding AI generated images

[[p]]Based in Japan, [[a href="https://ghiblicollection.com/pages/about-us" target="_blank"]]Studio Ghibli[[/a]] is one of the most respected animation studios in the world. Ghibli&rsquo;s unique visual style has been responsible for iconic Japanese animated films including [[em]]Kiki&rsquo;s Delivery Service[[/em]], [[em]]Ponyo[[/em]], and [[em]]My Neighbour Totoro[[/em]].[[/p]]

[[p]]While the original source of the trend is unknown, droves of images popped up across social media platforms with what became known as the &#39;Ghiblification&#39; treatment.[[/p]]

[[p]]The trend stretched far and wide. People used the trend to get creative with images based on everything from novelty profile pictures to amusing twists on pop culture references&mdash;like this &lsquo;Always Sunny In Philadelphia&rsquo; spoof from cryptocurrency expert, Kev.Eth.[[/p]]

[[p]]Acclaimed artist Karla Ortiz, who grew up watching Studio Ghibli films, is suing certain AI image generators for copyright infringement, stating that the likes of OpenAI have no regard for the talents or livelihoods of artists, and its use of the imagery is insulting and exploitative.[[/p]]

[[p]]Whatever Studio Ghibli&#39;s exact stance on copyright infringement, revered founder Hayao Miyazaki, who has been vocal about his resentment towards AI technology, has recently resurfaced in a video stating that trends like this are &ldquo;an insult to life itself.&rdquo;[[/p]]

[[p]]The AI action figure craze (think Barbie or GI Joe) is another virtual generative image trend that took over social media during April.[[/p]]

[[p]]Individuals, brands, and marketers took to ChatGPT to create packaged AI action figures of themselves using basic prompts. Most of these &lsquo;action figures&rsquo; or &lsquo;AI dolls&rsquo; include a doll-like version of the image&rsquo;s creator placed within a classic display box with a mix of relevant accessories that represent the person&rsquo;s interests or profession.[[/p]]

[[p]]Here&rsquo;s one created for the actress Brooke Shields that she shared on Instagram and got mentioned in the New York Times.&nbsp;[[/p]]

Brooke Shields AI generated action figure post on Instagram

[[p]]While many people jumped on the trend for the fun of it, some brands and businesses harnessed the technology a little more creatively, including this addition from recruitment firm&nbsp;[[a href="https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7316477997346091008/" target="_blank"]]TMW Tomorrow[[/a]],&nbsp;which it shared on LinkedIn.[[/p]]

Recruitment AI generated action figure post on LinkedIn

[[p]]Here, TMW Tomorrow created an action figure prompt that places potential candidates at the heart of the image &mdash; an initiative that earned healthy levels of engagement.[[/p]]

[[p]]Some creatives chose to satirize the AI doll trend with creative takes on the theme, like this brilliantly popular post from DMI contributor and author [[a href="https://my.digitalmarketinginstitute.com/blog/authors/kate-toon" target="_blank"]]Kate Toon[[/a]].&nbsp;[[/p]]

Kate Toon replicating AI generated action figure craze on Instagram

[[p]]And for good measure, here&rsquo;s one I made from using a stock image I downloaded online and using this simple prompt. It took less than a minute and ChatGPT even threw in a marketing tagline without being prompted for one. Here&rsquo;s the prompt I used:[[/p]]

[[p]][[em]]"Using this image, create a packaged action figure doll called the &#39;Happy Chappy&#39;, complete with smiley face cap, a leather satchel, and a &#39;how to be happy&#39; book as accessories."[[/em]][[/p]]

[[p]]While these trends are lighthearted on the surface and showcase the sophistication of ChatGPT&rsquo;s recent image creation updates, there are some concerns that shouldn&rsquo;t be ignored referring to general use of AI.[[/p]]

[[ul]]
	[[li]][[strong]]Copyright and infringement issues:[[/strong]]&nbsp;It&rsquo;s important to know who the images belong to before promoting them, as it could cause bad [[a href="https://my.digitalmarketinginstitute.com/blog/what-is-digital-pr" target="_blank"]]PR[[/a]] if you generate&nbsp;images that are subject to copyright or infringe&nbsp;on trademark rights or rights of publicity.&nbsp;&nbsp;[[/li]]
	[[li]][[strong]]Data privacy:[[/strong]]&nbsp;AI engines rely on user input to learn, share information, and perform tasks. So as adoption continues to rise, protecting consumer data and [[a href="https://digitalmarketinginstitute.com/blog/the-ethical-use-of-ai-in-digital-marketing" target="_blank"]]using AI ethically[[/a]] is crucially important.[[/li]]
	[[li]][[strong]]Environmental:&nbsp;[[/strong]]Generating an image using a powerful AI model takes as much energy as fully charging your smartphone, according to an [[a href="https://www.technologyreview.com/2023/12/01/1084189/making-an-image-with-generative-ai-uses-as-much-energy-as-charging-your-phone/" target="_blank"]]MIT Technology Review article[[/a]], leading to a rise in CO2 emissions, a potential strain on the electrical grid, and an increase in water consumption.[[/li]]
[[/ul]]

[[p]]Like any prevalent emerging technology, there are issues that must be addressed to ensure generative AI models remain ethical and sustainable in the long run. As AI engines learn from user input and data, marketers must use their moral compass when creating imagery or content when using tools like ChatGPT.[[/p]]

[[p]]Until more regulations are put in place, there are measures you can take to use AI engines in a measured and ethical way. These include the following:[[/p]]

[[ul]]
	[[li]]Stringent fact checking and ensuring that your content is compliant with copyright law is essential when using generative AI engines.[[/li]]
	[[li]]Use AI platforms to complement your marketing efforts rather than drive them will make your communications more authentic.&nbsp;[[/li]]
	[[li]]Being more sparing with your usage will also help to mitigate some of the environmental impacts created by the continual strain on ChatGPT and other engines.[[/li]]
[[/ul]]

[[p]]To use generative AI features ethically, authentically, and in a way that drives real results, you need to equip yourself&nbsp;with the right knowledge.[[/p]]

[[p]]Ambitious marketers need to know how to develop an [[a href="https://my.digitalmarketinginstitute.com/blog/how-to-create-an-ai-digital-marketing-strategy" target="_blank"]]AI-driven digital marketing strategy[[/a]] to achieve more with less time and effort.&nbsp;[[/p]]

[[p]]As these AI image trends show, it&rsquo;s possible to use the likes of ChatGPT to create a deep level of personalization when it comes to content and imagery. With the right injection of strategic thinking and human creativity, you can use AI platforms to enhance your marketing communications and cut through the noise.&nbsp;[[/p]]

[[p]]This head-turning example from designer [[a href="http://https//www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7320314657745920000/" target="_blank"]]Nikolaj Lykke Viborg[[/a]] demonstrates this exact point.&nbsp;[[/p]]

[[p]]Here, the designer used a master AI prompt to create a series of campaign assets for global wildlife organization, the WWF. These graphics are eye-catching and original, and they deliver hard-hitting messages designed to prompt action &mdash; the key ingredients of a results-worthy marketing asset.[[/p]]

[[p]]Finally, in addition to working in harmony with AI engines, you should [[a href="https://digitalmarketinginstitute.com/blog/tech-advances-the-importance-of-keeping-up-to-speed" target="_blank"]]keep your digital marketing knowledge relevant and up to date[[/a]] to succeed long-term. Knowledge is power, after all.[[/p]]

[[p]]Our [[a href="https://digitalmarketinginstitute.com/students/short-courses/advanced-ai-in-digital-marketing" target="_blank"]]Advanced AI for Digital Marketing certification[[/a]] will teach you how to use the technology to support and optimize digital marketing activities, use AI to research and generate content, and leverage specialized tools across channels such as SEO, social media and PPC. You will also know how to use AI to implement a digital strategy to enhance planning and boost efficiency at each stage of the customer journey. What are you waiting for? Get started today![[/p]]

[[p]]These inspired iconic movie scene images from Mufaddal Durbar also earned droves of engagement and showcase the mind-blowing capabilities of today&rsquo;s AI image generation platforms:[[/p]]

AI-Generated Images Are Going Viral - What Should Marketers Know?

Related Free Video Lessons

Dan Hughes