Mumbai, February 6: A new creative trend is taking over social media as millions of users turn to ChatGPT to transform their selfies into stylized, exaggerated caricatures. Unlike previous AI filters that relied on third-party apps, this viral movement leverages the advanced image-processing capabilities of DALL-E 3 within OpenAI’s interface. The trend has gained traction for its ability to go beyond simple cartoonish filters, offering personalised art that highlights specific features and personality traits.

The "ChatGPT Caricature" trend follows a series of viral AI-driven prompts, such as the "Yearbook" and "Disney Pixar" challenges. However, this new iteration is being praised for its high degree of customisation. By providing the AI with a photo and a specific set of instructions, users are receiving digital portraits that mimic the hand-drawn style of traditional boardwalk artists but with a modern, high-definition finish. Anthropic Mocks ChatGPT Ads in Super Bowl Commercial, Rejects AI Advertising in Its Claude Model.

Viral AI Caricature Trend: How It Works

The process utilises ChatGPT's ability to "see" and "describe" an uploaded image before regenerating it through its image-generation engine. Users upload a clear portrait and prompt the AI to analyse their features, such as hair style, glasses, or expressions, and recreate them in a caricature format.

The most successful results come from prompts that specifically ask for "exaggerated features," "vibrant colors," and a "hand-drawn artistic style." The AI doesn't just apply a filter; it creates a brand-new image based on the visual data of the original photo. OpenAI Rolls Out Age Prediction System for ChatGPT To Enhance Teen Safety and Prepare for 2026 ‘Adult Mode’.

ChatGPT Caricature Trend: Step-by-Step Guide to Try It

If you have a ChatGPT Plus or Enterprise subscription, or access to the free tier's image tools, follow these steps to participate:

  • Upload Your Photo: Use the attachment icon to upload a high-quality, well-lit selfie.

  • Enter the Prompt: Use a variation of the following: "Analyse this photo and create a classic, humorous caricature of me. Exaggerate my key features like my smile and hair while keeping my likeness recognisable. Use a vibrant, hand-drawn art style."

  • Refine the Result: If the first version is too subtle or too extreme, you can chat with the AI to adjust it. For example, ask it to "make the chin more prominent" or "add a background related to my hobby of gardening."

Why It Is Going Viral

Industry analysts point to the "interactive" nature of the trend as the reason for its success. While older apps like Lensa or FaceApp offered static filters, ChatGPT allows for a conversation between the user and the artist (the AI). This allows individuals to lean into their insecurities or highlight their favorite features with a sense of humor.

Furthermore, the accessibility of the tool has played a major role. With ChatGPT integrated into many smartphones, the barrier to entry is lower than ever. Users are sharing their "before and after" comparisons on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, often tagging them with #AICaricature and #ChatGPTArt.

Privacy and Safety Considerations

As with any viral AI trend involving personal data, experts remind users to be cautious. While OpenAI’s policies generally prevent the generation of "unsafe" content and have guardrails around the likeness of public figures, users should be aware that uploaded photos are processed by the model.

Checking your privacy settings and being mindful of the data you share with large language models remains a best practice. Most users, however, find the trade-off worth the result: a unique, digital piece of art that would traditionally cost a significant amount at a theme park or fair.

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(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 06, 2026 08:20 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).