ChatGPT Sparks Viral Craze with the 'AI Action Figure' Trend

The image generation feature of ChatGPT has ushered in a trend of personalized digital artworks, prominently featuring LinkedIn users who are transforming themselves into action figure avatars.

The trend gained traction following a wave of Studio Ghibli-inspired portraits where individuals depicted themselves as figurines in boxes, complete with themed accessories and job-specific packaging.

This latest wave of AI-assisted self-portrayal comes in various forms. The most popular resembles traditional action figures or dolls, accessorized with items like coffee mugs, books, and laptops to highlight users' professional roles. These illustrations mimic toy store displays, featuring striking taglines and custom packaging.

The trend first caught the eye on LinkedIn, as professionals adopted this playful format to enhance their brand identity. The "AI Action Figure" theme particularly struck a chord with marketers and consultants eager to literally stand out. The phenom’s popularity has also spread to Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook, though it remains most vibrant on LinkedIn.

At the core of this trend is ChatGPT’s image tool, part of the GPT-4o suite. Users upload a high-quality, often full-body, photo with prompts guiding the final image's appearance. These prompts can specify details like names, accessories, clothing styles, and packaging design. Some embrace a "Barbiecore" aesthetic, while others prefer a more professional look that echoes their careers.

Many users refine their creations repeatedly, tweaking accessories and wording until the image reflects their chosen persona or job. The result is a polished, toy-like portrait that balances humor with personal branding.

While this toy-inspired trend hasn’t reached the viral heights of the Ghibli portrait saga, it has facilitated a steady stream of user-generated content across platforms. Hashtags like #AIBarbie and #BarbieBoxChallenge are trending, and brands such as Mac Cosmetics and NYX have joined in. The phenomenon has also attracted some noteworthy public figures, including US Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, who shared an action figure version featuring a Bible and gavel.

Despite the interest, engagement varies. Numerous posts get modest interaction, and many top influencers remain aloof. Still, it underscores ChatGPT's growing impact in the online cultural landscape, showcasing its power to channel creativity through straightforward tools.

This isn’t the first surge ChatGPT's image capabilities have sparked. The Ghibli-inspired trend spiked demand so sharply that OpenAI had to temporarily limit access for free accounts. OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman described this surge in users as "biblical demand," citing a substantial uptick in daily activity and infrastructure pressure.

The Barbie/action figure fad, though smaller, mimics this trend, leveraging ChatGPT's easy-to-use platform and increasing appeal as a creative tool. As with other viral AI visuals, it spurs discussion about identity, aesthetics, and self-expression online, though criticism hasn't been as prevalent here compared to the Ghibli portraits.

The allure of this format is its straightforwardness, allowing users to engage with AI-generated art sans technical know-how, fulfilling a desire for personal expression. It’s part professional headshot, part novelty item, and part visual jest—a versatile medium for social media.

While some might dismiss the toy model trend as a novelty, others see it as a glimpse into the potential of AI tools when placed in users’ hands.

For now, whether it's a miniature persona holding a coffee cup or a Barbie-style figurine ready for display, ChatGPT continues to redefine digital self-representation.