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ChatGPT brings DALL-E 3 image generation to free users

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OpenAI just unlocked its DALL-E 3 image generator for free ChatGPT accounts, giving non-paying users up to two creations per day. Previously restricted to $20-a-month Plus subscribers, the feature is rolling out now, letting casual users turn conversational ideas into visuals without paying a dime.

ChatGPT brings DALL-E 3 image generation to free users
Image: theverge.com

Free ChatGPT users can finally generate images with DALL-E 3, though you will have to make every prompt count.

Two shots a day

OpenAI announced that ChatGPT users on the free tier can now create up to two images per day powered by its DALL-E 3 model.

When DALL-E 3 launched last September, it was strictly locked behind the ChatGPT Plus paywall. Its biggest selling point over rival generators is how naturally it handles prompts: you can simply tell ChatGPT an idea, like a logo for a mountain ramen shop, and it will rewrite a detailed prompt and spit out options.

OpenAI says the feature is currently rolling out. Testers on the ChatGPT Mac app were already able to make their two daily images before hitting the hard limit.

Why it matters

Two images a day sounds stingy, but for someone who just needs a quick illustration or a one-off avatar, it is plenty to get the job done for free.

We think this is a classic freemium hook. By giving free users a tiny taste of DALL-E 3, OpenAI lets them experience how seamless it is when ChatGPT writes the image prompt for you. Once you need a third option, the Plus paywall is right there waiting.

With rivals giving away image generation for free, OpenAI had to sweeten the basic tier. Dropping top-shelf models to free accounts keeps regular users glued to ChatGPT instead of wandering off to standalone art generators.

Sources (1)

  1. [1]
    theverge.com(opens in a new tab)Originaltheverge.com

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