AI image generator Midjourney halts free trials

Midjourney's CEO, David Holz, announced the decision after "extraordinary demand and trial abuse" caused disruptions for paying users.

Holz later explained that the company was overwhelmed by the sheer number of people making throwaway accounts to access free images. The influx of new users may have been triggered by a viral how-to video in China that coincided with a temporary gpu shortage, according to Holz.

Earlier reports suggested that the halt was due to a spate of viral images created using Midjourney, including fake images of Donald Trump's arrest and the pope wearing a stylish jacket, which some people mistook for real photographs. However, Holz clarified that these images were created using the latest version of Midjourney, which was not included in the free trial.

Version 5 of Midjourney offers significant improvements in image quality, with more realistic depictions of people, lighting, and fabric. This has led to several Midjourney-generated images going viral in recent weeks.

Holz acknowledged that moderation is challenging but said that Midjourney is taking feedback from experts and the community to improve its systems.