OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently proposed the idea of a revenue-sharing model for artists whose works are used to train AI models. This suggestion comes amid ongoing debates about the ethical implications and economic impact of AI-generated art, particularly following the viral Ghibli AI trend that recently took social media by storm.
In an interview at TED 2025 on April 11, Altman discussed the challenges surrounding AI-generated content and the need to establish new systems that benefit creators whose works are incorporated into AI training. He proposed a model in which artists could opt into agreements that would allow their work to be used by AI, with the understanding that they would share in the revenue generated from the AI’s creative outputs.
“I think it would be cool to figure out a new model where if you say ‘I want to do it in the name of this artist’ and they opt in, there’s a revenue model there,” Altman explained, emphasizing the importance of a system that would fairly compensate creators while fostering innovation in AI technologies.
The debate surrounding AI-generated art has become more contentious as the technology has advanced. Many creators express concerns that their intellectual property is being used to train AI without proper consent or compensation. The recent viral trend of AI recreating iconic Ghibli-style artwork sparked renewed discussions about the potential for exploitation and the need for clearer intellectual property frameworks.
Altman’s proposal signals OpenAI’s recognition of these concerns and its potential willingness to create structures that balance technological progress with fair compensation for human creators. While the specifics of such a revenue-sharing model remain to be seen, the idea reflects a growing effort to address the evolving intersection of art, technology, and commerce in the age of artificial intelligence.
As the AI landscape continues to evolve, discussions like Altman’s offer a glimpse into the future of AI and creative industries—one where creators may finally receive a stake in the digital world they help build.
